Mysore Dasara: A 400 year old annual extravaganza
Mysore Dasara is different from any other religious spectacle you’ve ever witnessed. This ten day fest culminating on Vijayadashmi is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Chamundeshwari with utter grandeur to mark the day Mysore got its name. Legend has it that Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga slew the demon king Mahishasura on Vijayadashami day (Dasara). The occasion consolidates the whole city together — every beating heart in the city participates in the fervour of the mega celebration, which attracts people from all over the world.
The Mysore Palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 light bulbs at once which combine with the vibrant back-drop of classical masterpieces converting the masterpiece into a beacon of harmony. Cultural performances held in the great Durbar Hall of Maharaja’s Palace, depict the rich heritage and tradition of the state.
On the day of Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as Jumboo Savari) is held on the streets of Mysore. The main attraction of the procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari — placed on a golden mantapa on the top of a beautifully decorated elephant. The idol is first worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees and then taken around in the procession which culminates at a place called Bannimantap where the ‘banni tree’ is worshipped.
The final day of this commemoration witnesses a sea of people making their way towards the palace gate. Religiosity among the masses outside the palace and along the procession route penetrates through cordons and any boundaries trying to helplessly contain them; and splatters over every inch in sight. It is because of this undying spirit and dedication of devotees that the festival still continues to not just survive but prevail — and how! The Jumboo Savari (pictured above) witnesses some of the most enchanting musical performances thoroughly enjoyed by these massive crowds that never seem to stop singing praises of the deity. An extravaganza of such a sky-high magnitude is just mesmerising to witness.
Kudos to all the faithful who tread miles — come rain or shine; to sing their prayers to the divine traversing the whole city. As the sun nears the horizon, the idol of the Goddess stands tall showering her blessings on everyone in attendance. People bid her farewell with loud worshipping cries — the young run after her, the elderly silently bow to her as the 400 year old mega festival comes to an end — only to return the following year in all it’s splendour and magnificence.
#DrivezyTip
Mysore is within touching distance from Namma Bengaluru and makes for a great weekend getaway — add to it the Dasara season and you have another strong reason to make it work
Cue in some great music and the 150-odd km drive doesn’t even seem that long — because it really isn’t that long!
Make sure you start early in the morning to beat the Bangalore city traffic towards Mysuru Road
The Bengaluru-Mysore drive is simply beautiful with a lot of really amazing food-stops along the way that offer some of the best South Indian breakfasts on the road. Just top it all up with a cup of steaming hot filter kaapi and your taste buds will be singing all the way.
About the author: Having survived engineering Karan is now a Business Development guy at Drivezy — a self drive car and bike rental company. He is a passionate writer & poet by day & an avid reader by night. Karan loves swimming yet manages to never lose weight and is proud of it.
