Introduction: Why is Mysore Dussehra Known as the “Royal Festival”?
Certainly, Mysore Dussehra (also known as Nadahabba, meaning “The State-Festival”) is a cultural event of an unparalleled scale, outlook, and regal provenance among the many cultural exuberances from India. A festival that has been celebrated for over 400 years, it turns the heritage city of Mysuru, Karnataka, into a brilliant hub of lights, music, dance, and devotion.
Unlike in many other Dussehra celebrations across India, in Mysore, Dussehra continues to be celebrated as in the days of the Wadiyars, albeit with numerous ceremonies and parades that blend the old traditions with modern ones.
Every year, millions of people, devotees and tourists alike from all over India and internationally, come to see this royal extravaganza where spirituality and artistic exuberance come together most divinely. With the illuminated Mysore Palace, the grandeur of Jumbo Savari procession, and exuberant cultural performances, the festival is the most pompous Dussehra festival in India.
The Taste of Culture and Tradition in Mysore Dussehra
Mysore Dussehra isn’t only a festival; it’s an experience of history, of devotion, of community spirit. Here’s why its traditions are so special:
Royal Patronage and Legacy
Dussehra was instituted by the Wadiyar king, Raja Wadiyar I (1578-1617 CE) in 1610. To mark the occasion, Raja Wadiyar-I invited Nayakas of all Shanka Skanda and Milan, killed Tippu Sultan in 1799 at the Battle of Srirangapatna. The festival has persisted, with the present royal family presiding over many rituals inside the Mysore Palace. Having the royal durbar (public audience) during Dussehra is one of those unique things that links the contemporary time with the royal past.
Worship of Chamundeshwari
The festival is centred around the deity Chamundeshwari, who killed the demon Mahishasura. The goddess is worshiped at the temple located in the Chamundi Hills, making Mysuru a Shakthi Peetha in the region. Special pujas to signify the victory of good over evil are performed on all nine days of Navaratri.
Authentic Rituals and Daily Festivities
Mysore Dussehra differs from other modern-day Dussehras, where the festival is restricted to only a few days of customs and food. The days start with Yagnas (rituals) and Homas (fire offerings), while the evenings are for cultural performances, musical concerts, and exhibitions. This balance between devotion and art continues to anchor the festival to its roots.
Unity in Diversity Through Art
The Dussehra in Mysore is an amalgamation of the best of trends—dancers from all over India present classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Odissi. The streets are throbbing with activity as men parade through with Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, and Veeragase. These acts are the vibrations of the united diversity of India.
Preparations for the Grand Festival
Preparations for Mysore Dussehra 2025 start months ahead and include government officials, artisans, academies, and local communities. Here’s a primer on how Mysuru gets into the festive spirit:
Illuminations: Covered in nearly 100,000 bulbs, the Mysore Palace emerges as one of the most snapped monuments in India. The palace is illuminated every evening during Dussehra, and especially on the last day, when lakhs of people come to see the palace lighting.
Deracination Exhibition: This exhibition, held at the Doddakere Maidan, showcases a variety of items on display, including attractions, edibles, a cloth mart, and a fun fair with games from the past. It’s a two-month run of shopping and entertainment for all.
Cultural Programmes: Music concerts – Carnatic and Hindustani – drama and folk dances are organised at various venues. Famous singers perform here, making it a significant attraction for cultural tourism.
Security & Arrangements With 3–4 million visitors every year, Mysore Dussehra requires meticulous planning and implementation of numerous infrastructural projects. Security, crowd, transport, and hospitality are all managed by the government for the tourists.
Procession Planning: The Jumbo Savari takes months of practice to choreograph. Decorated elephants, tableaux, and military formations are part of the rehearsals aimed at achieving the required perfection by the time Vijayadashami day dawns.
The Grandiosity of Jumbo Savari- The Royal Procession
Jumbo Savari and Dussehra: The Jumbo Savari is the grand finale and the most critical aspect of the entire Mysore Dussehra festival, and is held on the Vijayadashami day. It is one of India’s most celebrated royal processions.
Highlights of Jumbo Savari:
Golden Howdah: A 750 kg (1653 lb.) golden howdah on top of an ornamented elephant carries the image of Goddess Chamundeshwari, symbolizing victory and power.
Parade of Elephants & Horses: Colourfully decorated elephants, horses, and camels are accompanied by folk artists in a procession from the City Palace down Tripolia Street, across the Manak Chowk, and up the road to the main bazaar.
Folk Dancers & Tableaux: Artists from all over Karnataka perform regional traditional dances, and floats from throughout the state depict the uniqueness of different districts.
Martial Art demonstrations: Traditional Kusti (wrestling), sword fights, and martial art demonstrations such as Kalaripayattu bring vigor into the procession.
Banni Worship: The second ritual is Shami Pooja (worship of the Banni tree), a practice followed in the Mahabharata period when the Pandavas would hide their weapons in forests before entering the kingdom of Virat to complete their one year of exile in the forest.
The whole city lines up along the route, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for spectators to witness Jumbo Savari.
The Significance of Mysore Dussehra
The festival of Mysore Dussehra is not just about pomp and show. The value of this proposal is multifaceted.
Religious Significance: For it is the ultimate reality that good always wins over evil. The triumph of Chamundeshwari over Mahishasura is a metaphor for divine power.
Tourism & Economy: The economy of Karnataka is strengthened with the help of the festival, providing a boost to local artisans, hoteliers, craftsmen, and small businesses. Mysore’s global tourism is at its peak during this period.
Heritage Conservation: Mysore Dussehra helps in conserving folklore such as Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, the Naada Habba culture, as well as the ritualistic worship performed in the temples.
Community Bonding: More than just rituals, it brings everyone together. Citizens, tourists, and pilgrims mingled during the celebration.
Specialty of Mysuru During Dussehra
Indeed, paying a visit to Mysuru during Dussehra is like entering a different world. Some highlights include:
Well-Lit Streets & Palaces: Mysore Palace and important buildings shine under the festive light. Every street is hung with traditional colourful arches and lanterns.
Food & Flavours: Mouth-watering festive thalis featuring Mysore Pak, Bisi Bele Bath, Chiroti, special sweets and savouries turn the festival into a foodie’s haven.
Gombe Habba (Doll Festival): Doll arrangements are displayed in homes and temples around Mysore, featuring life-like figurines that resemble real people and fairies. Storytelling is depicted where possible.
Wrestling Matches (Kusti): You can watch traditional wrestling matches at local akharas, giving you a glimpse into Karnataka’s sports culture.
Regal experiences: Luxury tourists can also consider riding the Golden Chariot train and staying in heritage hotels for a royal experience of Dussehra.
Tourist Influx: Magic in front of Millions
Mysore or Dussehra is a worldwide phenomenon. About 3 to 3.5 million people come down to Mysuru from different states and countries as well.
Local visitors: Indians from different parts of their own country come for pilgrimage, family, and cultural visits to Mysuru.
Foreign Ferangis: It is a bucket-list festival for foreign tourists, photographers, historians, and bloggers.
Economic Impact: The enormous volume of tourists is great for local vendors, artisans, and hospitality.
During Dussehra, Mysore becomes the most connected city in India with an increased number of services.
Conclusion: A Festival that Portrays the Cultural Soul of Karnataka
The celebration of Mysore Dussehra is not just an event; it is an eternal manifestation of Karnataka’s civilization and heritage. Right from the majestic Jumbo Savari to the luminous Mysore Palace, rituals and performances, the ambiance sparkles with centuries-old glory.
No wonder that Mysore Dussehra is honored as the “Grandest Dussehra Festival in India”, attracting millions of visitors day in and day out.
👉 Want to experience Dussehra in 2025? Head to Mysuru. For here tradition doesn’t just exist — it reigns in regal splendor.
FAQs on Mysore Dussehra
Q1. Why is Mysore Dussehra famous?
Mysore Dussehra is known for its royal celebration, held in honor of the goddess Chamundeshwari at the Chamundi temple in the city of Mysore. It is popular for the festivities that take place during the period and also for the Chamundi temple of the city that is one among the 18 Shaktipeethas, and being believed by the Hindus as the personification of Goddess Parvati, who is also called as Durga or Chamundeshwari that is celebrated with lots of pomp and show and hue and cry, with millions of Indian flocking the cities to take part in the celebrations.
Q2. How many people come to Mysore Dussehra every year?
Three to four million people visit Mysore during Dussehra from all over the country and the world.
Q3. What is the importance of Jumbo Savari?
The Jumbo Savari is the procession that marks the grand finale of the festivities when the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the Wodeyar royal family, is taken out in a Golden howdah on the back of a decorated elephant.
Q4. When is Mysore Dussehra 2025?
Mysore Dussehra 2025 dates are September 22, 2025, to October 2, 2025, with Vijayadashami on October 2, 2025.
Q5. What is so special about Mysore during Dussehra?
The Mysore Palace is illuminated, and there are cultural performances, wrestling, and doll displays during Dussehra Exhibition and the inauguration of Dussehra; this city is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India.
