About This Festival
Mysuru Dasara is one of the most famous festivals of Karnataka and one of India's great royal and cultural celebrations. It is centred on Mysuru and traditionally takes place during the 10 days of Navratri, culminating in Vijayadashmi (Dasara), usually falling in September or October according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The religious story behind the festival is the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari — a form of Durga — over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity of Mysuru, and her temple stands on Chamundi Hill overlooking the city. But Mysuru Dasara is also famous because it developed as a royal celebration under the Wadiyar rulers of Mysuru, whose dynasty played a major role in the history and culture of the region. The magnificent Mysuru Palace becomes the centre of the festivities and is brilliantly illuminated with thousands of lights. The great finale is the Jumbo Savari — a spectacular procession of decorated elephants, musicians, dancers and cultural tableaux. The central elephant traditionally carries the Golden Hawdah containing the image of Goddess Chamundeshwari. There are also music and dance performances, exhibitions and Ayudha Puja, when people traditionally honour the tools and instruments through which they work. Mysuru Dasara brings together mythology, royal history, architecture, elephants, music and Karnataka's living cultural traditions.
Where to Celebrate
Plan Your Visit
Mysuru Dasara — ten days of royal pageantry culminating in the Jumbo Savari — is one of India's greatest royal festivals.
View JourneyMysuru on this journey becomes extraordinary during Dasara — the palace blazes with light and decorated elephants fill the streets.
View JourneyExtend your Karnataka journey to Mysuru and experience the grandeur of Dasara — one of South India's most spectacular events.
View JourneyTime your Mysuru stop on this journey during Dasara for the Jumbo Savari procession of decorated elephants.
View Journey
October – March
Mumbai · Chennai · Kanchipuram · Mahabalipuram · Pondicherry · Tanjore · Trichy · Madurai · Periyar · Kumarakom · Kochi · Ooty · Mysore · Bangalore
October – March
Bangalore · Hassan · Mysore · Ooty · Kochi · Munnar · Periyar · Kumarakom · Thottapalli · Kovalam · Trivandrum
Upcoming dates to be confirmed. Enquire with Om for the latest information.
Om will design your itinerary to arrive at the perfect moment.
