Navratri is being celebrated across India with people thronging temples and observing fasts. States across the country celebrate this auspicious period in a unique way. Down south, Mysore celebrates ‘Mysore Dasara’ for 10 days. This year, the celebration began from October 15. The great grandeur culminates with mega celebrations on Vijayadashami. This year, it will be celebrated on October 24, 2023.
The festival is celebrated in the remembrance of Goddess Chamundeshwari. All this began back in 1610, when Raja Wadiya began the ten-day feast. Events like cultural and entertainment events were initiated, and many new traditions were added. There is a legend connected to this festival that says the Chamundi Hill’s Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon king Mahishasura and restored good over evil.
On the last day of Mysore Dasara, people hold a grand parade and worship the royal sword and this procession is carried out with horses, camels, elephants, dancers and others. Mysore Dasara involves three grand processions for people to enjoy with full heart.
The other two processions take place on Dasara Day; the first is a customary procession called Jumboo Savari. This big procession is witnessed by a vast crowd, and the military participates. The festival’s centerpiece is an elephant with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari perched on its back.
The final parade is called Torchlight Parade that takes place in the evening of Vijyadashami. It is also referred as Panjina Kavavitha in many places as it marks the ending of the festival.
How to visit Mysore Dasara celebrations?
Anyone can visit there to witness this amazing festival absolutely free of cost. There is an event during the festival named “The Torchlight Parade” for which visitors have to take a VIP Gold Card. This is to be noted that it costs around INR 4000/person.
