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Mysore Dasara
Photograph by H. Satish, A.R.P.S, M.F.I.A.P.
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Srikanthadatta Wodeyar performing Ayudha Pooja |
Dasara, known in North India as Dussehra, is celebrated across the country. But for sheer spectacle and spirit, the Dasara celebrations in Mysore may be hard to match. On a size and scale that can only be termed dazzling, they are a unique reflection of legend, history, tradition and royal pomp and splendour.
The story behind the festival is the story of the triumph of good over evil. In the Mysore context, it is the story of Mysore: the victory of the Goddess Chamundeswari over the evil demon Mahishasura.
The ten-day festival (also known as Navarathri or Nine Nights), held in September-October every year, incorporates religious ceremonies like the Ayudha Pooja and a range of cultural events. The entire city takes part in the celebrations: the palace is specially illuminated; concerts, dance recitals, theatre performances, exhibitions, craft fairs, film shows and vajramushti (traditional wrestling matches) are organised; schools are closed and Mysore fills with visitors.
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| Dasara procession |
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The Dasara celebrations begin with a pooja—performed in the presence of the Maharaja and Maharani—to the Goddess Chamundeswari at Chamundi Hill. The festival reaches its conclusion with a grand procession, known as Jamboo Savari, on Vijayadasami Day. Caparisoned elephants and horses, colourful floats and folk dancers escort a statue of Chamundeswari, in a golden howdah atop an elephant, around the city. Cultural performances from different states, gymnastic and equestrian events and fireworks signal the end of the festival.
Mythologically, Dasara can be traced back to the Mahabharatha and the Devi Purana. Historically, it dates back to the Vijayanagara emperors (14th to 16th century), who celebrated Dasara in great style…as recorded in the narratives of chroniclers like Domingo Paes and Robert Sewell. The Wodeyars revived the tradition in 1610 and it has continued, almost uninterrupted, till present day.
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