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The
Dussehra of Mysore
or Mysore Dassara as it is famously called is a 10-day long festival. On
the day of Dussehra, a procession of caparisoned elephants carrying the
idol of goddess Chamundi is taken through the city.
While most parts of India celebrate Dussehra in commemoration of Lord
Rama's victory over the demon-king Ravana, Karnataka celebrates it in
honour of Goddess Chamundeswari who killed the great demon, Mahishasura.
The festival is celebrated in a grand style with scores of cultural
performances in the great Durbar Hall of the Maharaja's Palace.
The Main Highlight
Caparisoned elephants marching together in a procession are a unique
feature of the Mysore Dassara. The festival is celebrated with a lot of
pomp and show.
On Vijaydashami, the 10th day of the festival, a colourful procession
featuring caparisoned elephants winding through the gaily-decorated
streets of the city, mark the occasion.
The procession of mounted guardsmen on horse back and decorated
elephants, one carrying the palace deity, Chamundeshwari, on a gold
'howdah' marches from the palace to the Banni Mantap.
There is also a floating festival in the temple tank at the foot of
Chamundi Hill and a procession of chariots around the temple at the top. A
torch light parade takes place in the evening followed by a massive
firework display and much jubilation on the streets.