Mysuru Dasara

1. To truly immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mysuru, it is essential to visit the city during the renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations. This annual festival, spanning 10 days, showcases the vibrant culture of the city and envelops it in a radiant aura of beauty. While Dasara is celebrated throughout India to mark the victory of good over evil, the Mysuru Dasara holds a unique charm. With roots tracing back centuries to the Vijayanagara empire, the grandeur of the celebrations was further elevated by the Wodeyar dynasty, which reigned over the Kingdom of Mysore for more than 5 centuries. What sets the Mysuru Dasara apart is its mythological connection to Mahishasura, the demon defeated by Goddess Durga. Legend has it that the city, originally ruled by the Buffalo-demon Mahishasura, was later named Mysuru in reference to this tale. The fierce battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, lasting 9 nights (Navratri) before his defeat on the 10th day (Vijayadashmi), is believed to have taken place on the Chamundi Hills of Mysuru. A temple dedicated to Chamundi Devi, where the Goddess is said to have resided after the battle, stands atop these hills. Notably, a statue of Mahishasura, wielding a sword and a snake, can be found nearby.