Mysore Dasara is a magnificent 10-day royal festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. This Nada Habba is uniquely celebrated by Mysore's Royal Family, making it special among Indian Navratri celebrations .
The Mysore Dasara celebration begins with six days of preparation, followed by honoring Goddess Saraswathi (6th day), Durga (8th day), and Lakshmi (9th day). The grand finale features the famous Jamboo Savari Mysore procession from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap.
During Events and Festival Trips to Mysore, visitors witness the spectacular palace illumination using over 25,000 bulbs, costing nearly ₹1 crore annually. The festival includes cultural programs, sports events, food festivals, and the popular Dasara Exhibitions.
Twelve specially trained elephants participate in daily processions, making Mysore Dasara one of India's most enchanting experiences that attracts visitors worldwide.
- Mysore Dasara Dates: September 22-23 to October 2, 2025
- Festival Type: Nada Habba (State Festival of Karnataka)
- Main Event: Jamboo Savari Procession(October 2, 2025) at 10:00 AM
- Mysore Dasara Tickets
- Jamboo Savari Event: Starts from ₹3,500
- Dasara Gold Card (10-Day Package): ₹6,500
- Venue: Mysore Palace, Mysore, Karnataka
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Mysore Dasara 2025 Highlights
- Festival Opening - Mysore Dasara festival starts with special prayers at Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill on 22nd September 2025 before 9:00 AM.
- Main Event - Jamboo Savari Mysore Dasara Procession on 2nd October 2025 featuring a golden howdah carrying Goddess Chamundeshwari's idol (750+ kg) on a trained elephant.
- Grand Parade - Decorated elephants, horses, camels, dancers, artists, and music bands march together showcasing local culture and traditions.
- Palace Illumination - Spectacular light show with 97,000+ bulbs daily from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Dasara Exhibition - Shopping, rides, games, and food stalls.
- Yuva Dasara concerts by popular young performers.
This Nada Habba, or Mysore Dasara festival is not just any celebration, it's Karnataka's biggest cultural event that brings together royal traditions, spiritual significance, and modern entertainment all in one place!
Mysore Dasara started way back in 1610 when King Raja Wadiyar I decided to celebrate this special 10-day festival.
The Wadiyar royal family has been organizing this festival for over 400 years! Each generation of kings added new traditions, bringing in different types of art performances, cultural shows, entertainment programs, and royal ceremonies.
The Religious Story:
Dasara festival in Mysore is based on an ancient story about Goddess Chamundeshwari, who lived on Chamundi Hill, one of the best places to visit near Bangalore. According to the legend, she fought and defeated a powerful demon named Mahishasura, who had the head of a buffalo. This victory represents good winning over evil.
The first 9 days are called "Navratri". These honor the 9 different forms of Goddess Shakti (the divine feminine power). The 10th day is called "Vijayadashmi". This celebrates the final victory of the goddess over the demon.
What started as a simple royal celebration has now become one of India's grandest festivals, mixing ancient traditions with modern entertainment, all while keeping the original spirit of celebrating good over evil.
This is why Mysore Dasara is also called the "Royal Festival". Because, it has been continuously celebrated by the same royal family for centuries!
The Grand Mysore Dasara Processions
Mysore Dasara 2025 features three spectacular processions that make this festival unforgettable.
First Procession - Mahanavami (9th Day)
On the ninth day, a special parade honors the royal sword. This traditional ceremony includes camels, horses, elephants, dancers, and people wearing beautiful royal costumes. The Royal Family leads and participates in this procession.
Second Procession - Jamboo Savari Mysore Dasara (10th Day Morning)
The famous Jamboo Savari is the main highlight! This grand parade starts from the beautifully lit Mysore Palace and goes to Bannimantap Grounds. Goddess Chamundeshwari's idol, beautifully placed on a golden seat and carried by a majestic elephant.
The grand procession also features large music bands, colorful dance groups, decorated floats that tell mythological stories, participation from armed forces, and the Royal Family themselves joining the parade.
This spectacular procession concludes at the sacred Bannimantap Grounds, home to the historic Banni Tree where the legendary Pandavas once hid their weapons, making it a perfect blend of religious devotion, royal tradition, and cultural celebration.
Third Procession - Torchlight Parade (10th Day Evening)
Called "Panjina Kavayitha," this magical evening parade with torches provides a perfect grand finale to the entire Dasara celebration.
How To Reach Mysore For Dasara?
Here’s how to reach Mysore using different transportation modes:
- By Air: Mysuru Airport is just 10 km away from the festival venue, making it very convenient for travelers flying in.
- By Train: Mysuru Railway Station is only 1 km away. Practically, walking distance from the main celebration area.
- By Bus: KSRTC Bus Station is 5 km from the festival location, with good connectivity to major cities across Karnataka and neighboring states.
Is Dasara Festival In Mysore Worth Visiting?
Mysore Dasara stands as one of India's most magnificent cultural celebrations, seamlessly blending centuries-old royal traditions with modern entertainment.
This spectacular Nada Habba offers visitors an unparalleled experience of Karnataka's rich heritage through the grand Jamboo Savari procession, mesmerizing palace illuminations, vibrant cultural performances, and the famous Dasara exhibition.
From the sacred rituals at Chamundeshwari Temple to the torchlight parade finale, every moment of this 10-day festival creates lasting memories.
Whether you're drawn by the spiritual significance, royal grandeur, or cultural diversity, Mysore Dasara promises an extraordinary journey into India's living heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
