With diverses religion and way of celebrating festivals in our country, Dusshera festival get celebrated in different style across various states. One of the popular is Dasara celebration in Mysuru. Celebrated on 10th day of Ashwin month (as per Hindu calendar), the festival brings extravagant through the entire city. With key highlight as illuminated and decorated Mysore Palace, other things are dance, music, processions and famous cuisine.
Vijayadashmi has historical significance inherited in its name. The day of victory when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon king Mahishasura following a fierce battle. People show their art performance in different forms of dance, folk dance and traditional art performances. The erstwhile royal family continues the traditions from the past and start the festivities with a pooja to the presiding deity Goddess Chamundeshwari at the Chamundi Hills. The temple located on a hillock is an important location in Mysore especially during these days but do mind the crowds here.
Traditionally an elephant is adorned with crown and other decorative things and made it ready to carry idol of Goddess Durga which weighs approx. 750 kg. A grand procession takes place wherein the elephant carries the deity to the banni tree as people dance their way to the destination. The music troups, bands armed forces walk in parallel to show their zeal & celebrate the occasion. The entire stretch of city gets illuminated with beautiful lights and people get soaked in the grandeur.
Apart from the procession and performances, there are other activities during the 10 days of Navratri like cycling, heritage tours, film festivals and pet shows. Taste the delicacies on several food stalls. Another famous activity is flower & doll show with a series of musical concerts.
