A Guide to the Mysore Dasara 2025 Festivities: A Grand Celebration of Culture and Tradition

Mysore Dasara is not just a festival; it is a grand celebration of culture, heritage, and history, attracting visitors from all over the world. In 2025, the festivities will commence on September 22 and conclude on October 2, culminating in the spectacular Vijayadashami celebrations. With its roots deeply embedded in the myth of Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, Mysore's Dasara Festival epitomises the triumph of good over evil and serves as a vibrant reminder of the rich traditions of Karnataka.

Historical Significance

The origins of this festival date back to the early 17th century during the reign of Raja Wodeyar I, who established the Navaratri celebrations in Mysore after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire. The festival began as a royal celebration, showcasing the power and devotion of the Mysore kings to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Over the centuries, the Dasara celebrations evolved into a grand cultural event for the entire region, blending Hindu rituals, folk traditions, royal customs, and public festivities. The Wodeyar dynasty played a key role in preserving and promoting these celebrations, including the royal durbar, processions, and public exhibitions.

According to legend, the festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga (Chamundeshwari) over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the universal battle against evil. Today, Mysore Dasara is celebrated with immense fervour, reflecting both historical significance and contemporary vibrancy.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Mysore Dasara spans 11 exhilarating days in 2025, beginning on September 22 and concluding on October 2 with the grand Vijayadashami procession. This extended duration is due to a rare astrological event—double occurrence of Panchami Tithi—making it the first 11-day Dasara in over 400 years.

Each day is filled with rituals, performances, and exhibitions that engage both locals and tourists. The festival is officially launched as the Nada Habba (State Festival) with an inaugural puja at Chamundi Hill.

Key Ritual Highlights:

• Goddess Chamundeshwari Pujas: Daily prayers and special rituals are offered to the presiding deity of Mysore at the Chamundeshwari Temple, located on Chamundi Hill.
  

• Royal Durbar (Private): The Wodeyar family continues the tradition of holding a private durbar inside the Mysore Palace during Dasara.
  

• Aayudha Puja & Gaja Puja: On Maha Navami (October 1), weapons, elephants, and royal possessions are worshipped as part of traditional rituals.
  

• Torchlight Parade Rehearsal: Held at Bannimantapa Grounds the evening before Vijayadashami.
  

• Vijayadashami Ceremonies (October 2): Marked by the Nandi Dhwaja Puja, Kushala Toopu cannon firing, and Jamboo Savari.
  

Cultural Events

Mysore Dasara is renowned for its cultural richness, offering a vibrant array of performances and activities that celebrate Karnataka’s diverse traditions.

• Traditional Dance and Music: Daily cultural programs feature Indian classical arts like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic and Hindustani music, as well as regional folk dances and theatre.
  

• Dasara Exhibition: A major attraction held at Doddakere Maidan, featuring handicrafts, industrial stalls, games, and food courts, running well beyond the festival duration.
  

• Art and Handicraft Fairs: Local artisans and national craftspeople showcase and sell traditional works, promoting India’s cultural diversity.
  

• Flower Show: Held at Kuppanna Park, this event displays exotic and native floral arrangements.
  

• Food Festival: A special 14-day food mela at Maharaja’s College Grounds offers culinary treats from across Karnataka and India.
  

• Cauvery Aarti: A devotional river ritual organized at KRS Dam and Srirangapatna during the festival.
  

• Wrestling Competitions: Traditional kushti matches are a longstanding part of the celebration.
  

The Grand Procession: Jamboo Savari

One of the most anticipated highlights of Mysore Dasara is the Jamboo Savari, a grand and majestic procession that takes place on Vijayadashami, October 2, 2025.

Key Features:

• Decorated Elephant & Golden Howdah: The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a 750-kg golden howdah and carried atop a decorated elephant (usually "Abhimanyu"), symbolising royal reverence and divine power.
  

• Procession Route: Begins from Mysore Palace and proceeds through key city streets to Bannimantapa Grounds, covering approximately 5 kilometers.
  

• Cultural Display: Includes music bands, dancers, tableaux from different districts of Karnataka, mounted guards, and folk artists, all showcasing the cultural mosaic of the state.
  

• Royal Presence: The titular Maharaja of Mysore, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, typically participates in the ceremonies in royal attire, adding regal charm to the event.
  

• Torchlight Parade: Held in the evening at Bannimantapa, this military-style parade features marching bands, cavalry, stunts, fireworks, and ceremonial displays.
  

Vital Facts About Mysore Dasara

• Visitor Numbers: Mysore Dasara draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. While exact attendance varies, the festival is considered one of the most-visited state festivals in India.
  

• Historic Legacy: The festival has been celebrated for over 400 years, with records dating back to the early 1600s under the Wodeyars.
  

• State Recognition: Declared the Nada Habba (State Festival) of Karnataka, supported by the government, royal family, and local communities.
  

• Unique 2025 Edition: For the first time in centuries, the festival will span 11 days due to a rare lunar alignment.
  

Must-See Attractions During Mysore Dasara

During Dasara, the entire city of Mysore transforms into a vibrant cultural hub. 

• Mysore Palace: Adorned with over 100,000 lights and open for extended hours, the palace becomes the glowing heart of the festival. A must-visit during evening illuminations.
  

• Chamundi Hills: Home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, this is the spiritual epicenter of the festival and the site of the inaugural puja.
  

• Brindavan Gardens: Located about 12 km from Mysore near KRS Dam, these beautiful gardens offer a peaceful retreat and feature a musical fountain show.
  

• Bannimantapa Grounds: Final destination of the Jamboo Savari and venue for the Torchlight Parade.
  

• Karanji Lake & Zoological Gardens: For those seeking nature and wildlife, these offer refreshing daytime excursions during the festivities.
  

• St. Philomena’s Cathedral: A striking example of neo-Gothic architecture, this cathedral offers a serene counterpoint to the vibrant Dasara celebrations.
  

Mysore Dasara 2025: How to Get There

Getting to Mysore for the Dasara festival is easy, thanks to its excellent connectivity by road, rail, and air.

• By Air:
  

• Nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru). From there, Mysore is about a 3-hour drive.
  

• Mysore Airport also operates limited domestic flights (check for availability closer to travel dates).
  

• By Train:
  

• Mysore is well-connected by rail to Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
  

• Shatabdi Express and Chamundi Express are popular choices from Bengaluru, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours.
  

• From Chennai, expect travel time of 7 to 8 hours, with direct and connecting trains available.
  

• By Road:
  

• Excellent highway connectivity from Bengaluru (NH 275) makes for a smooth drive (~145 km).
  

• KSRTC operates special buses during Dasara; private buses and cabs are also widely available.
  

• Local Transport:
  

• Autos, taxis, and buses are available across the city.
  

• Expect traffic restrictions, especially on Vijayadashami and around the Palace — plan travel and sightseeing accordingly.

Mysore Dasara 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with grandeur, tradition, and spiritual energy. With its rich historical roots, colorful cultural programs, and the breathtaking Jamboo Savari, it stands as a magnificent symbol of Karnataka’s living heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a spiritual seeker, this festival offers a rare window into India's royal legacy and deep-rooted traditions.

From the dazzling Mysore Palace lights to the soul-stirring rituals at Chamundi Hill, every moment of the eleven-day celebration is a journey through the heart of Karnataka’s culture. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle—Mysore Dasara 2025 is truly where the past meets the present in royal splendour.