The annual transformation of Mysuru into a hub of Dasara festival in the State is complete with tourists making a beeline to the city since the last few days.The highways leading to Mysuru are choked with traffic while the vehicles move at a snail’s pace in the heart of the tourism zone thanks to the illumination of streets, at night.A blend of religion, tradition and heritage, Dasara in Mysuru has evolved over the last 415 years ever since it was first celebrated as a public festival under Raja Wadiyar in 1610 CE. While Navaratri is celebrated in Mysuru region to mark the triumph of goddess Chamundeshwari over demon Mahishasura, the genesis of the famed Vijayadashmi procession is traced to the practices observed by the rulers of the Vijayanagara empire.It was inherited by the Wadiyars who perpetuated the tradition and in the present times, the Jamboo Savari is the mainstay of the festival, and is slated to be held on October 2 this year.The procession of the caparisoned elephants carrying the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, has become synonymous with Mysuru Dasara and Navaratri across Karnataka. So much so that the imageries of howdah-carrying elephants, has become the defining symbol of Dasara in the popular imagination of the public.With the festival entering the final phase, the response to the programmes held so far was overwhelming. Nearly two decades ago, Dasara in Mysuru used to be confined to the cultural programmes in front of the illuminated palace. The celebrations were cancelled due to sever drought in 2003 and the Jamboo Savari was symbolic that year and was confined to the palace premises.But since 2004, Dasara in Mysuru has expanded with the incorporation of new events showcasing the cultural diversity of the State.As a result, cultural programmes are held at multiple venues throughout the day during the festival period while other venues are hosting a slew of events to attract tourists and locals alike. Aahara Mela is one such event and is popular as it gives an opportunity to taste the culinary delights from across the State.Yuva Dasara is another programme which was introduced in 2004 and given its popularity among the youth, it has remained permanent fixture during the festival ever since.Dasara sports and flower show at Kuppanna Park have a long history but flower shows are now extended to Lingambudhi Lake and Kukkarahalli Lake as well. Heritage walk, heritage cycling and heritage tonga rides were also introduced in the early 2000’s and remain a popular event for those keen to explore the monuments and heritage buildings dotting the city skyline.Adding to the festival zing and creating hype is the city illumination taken by the Chamundeshari Electricity Supply Corporation. Major roads in Mysuru and historic circles like K.R. Circle, Chamaraja Circle, Jayachamaraja Circle, Ayurvedic College Circle, Highway Circle, Millennium Circle, etc., have been illuminated with bright and sparkling lights and draws the people out from the confines of their homes.As a result, the celebrations extend beyond the palace to bring the city alive in different hues. The Chamundeshwari temple at Chamundi Hills is also decked up and illuminated during the festival period, and the tourists and devouts alike make a beeline for the darshan of the goddess in whose honour the festival is celebrated.Dasara, complete with palace illumination, cultural programmes, city lighting, flower show, procession, has in recent years become the fulcrum to promote tourism which is also one of the main economic drivers of Mysuru.Published - September 28, 2025 07:29 pm IST