Mysuru Dasara 2025: The city of Mysuru transforms into a visual treat every year when the festival of Dasara arrives. Every year, around this time Mysuru turns into a hub of cultural events, usually a mix of modern and ancient, and draws massive crowds from people across the country. From drone shows to elephant processions, there’s a lot to watch, appreciate, and indulge in during this auspicious time, when the city emanates a distinct festive vibe.
The ten-day celebrations this year began on September 22, coinciding with Navratri celebrations in North India, and has been a huge crowd puller. On September 28, during the trial demonstration, the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) set a Guinness World Record during the drone show organised during festivities in Torchlight Parade ground at Bannimantap. As people watched the spectacular image of the national animal tiger, created using 2983 drones, with rapt attention, a new Guinness World Record was created. Last year, 1500 drones were used to create various formations, and this year CESC intensified the experience with close to 3000 drones, paving way for a new record. The main show is scheduled for October 1-2.
The beautiful formations of solar system, world map, army, peacock, national animal tiger, dolphin, eagle, Kalinga narthana of Lord Krishna, Ambari elephant, Karnataka map, Goddess Chamundeshwari also lit up the night sky of Mysuru and was much appreciated by people.
Here’s what enthralls viewers during Dasara festivities in Mysuru:
Torchlight parade
Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap Grounds is the highlight of the Mysore Dasara festival’s grand finale. From synchronized performances by police using torch flames, elaborate acrobatics, stunts on bikes, to breathtaking drone show, the spectacular event attract massive crowds every year.
Dasara in Mysuru was first celebrated under Raja Wadiyar in 1610 CE, according to the Hindu. The celebrations in Mysuru region marks the victory of goddess Chamundeshwari over demon Mahishasura. The celebrations bring together religion, tradition, and heritage.
Jamboo Savari
Another attraction of the Mysuru Dussehra celebration is its grand procession carried out on streets of the city called Jumboo Savari where Goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol, placed on a golden mandapa on the top of a decorated elephant.
Maa Chamundeshwari is worshipped before the procession is taken out accompanied with colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels. Starting from Mysore Palace, the idol’s destination is Bannimantap.
Bamboo biryani
Another crowd puller is the special bamboo biryani served during the celebrations. Bamboo biryani prepared by tribals from Hunsur costs Rs 200-300 per plate due to its unique preparation. Marinated meat or vegetables and rice are layered inside a hollowed-out, fresh green bamboo tube, and it’s sealed with leaves, before being left for cooking over an open fire or in a steamer.
During the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival, Mysore Palace is illuminated with 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival.
Various music and dance concerts are held across Mysore city during the ten-day Dasara celebrations. From wrestling bouts to bike parades, a lot happens in Mysuru around this time that captivates tourists.