If you’re a aficionado of rich history, temple tours, celebrations and glorious Indian culture, then Mysore is the place to be during the month of October for the joyous Dasara celebration.
The elephants welcomes guests at the main Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore (Photo: Karnataka Photo News)
Dasara is observed as ”Nadahabba” or the state festival of Karnataka and is celebrated with much pomp and joy throughout the state, especially Mysore, over 10 days and the last day being “Vijayadashami”, the most auspicious day of the festival. According to the legends, on the day of Vijayadashami, the Hindu Goddess, Chamundeshwari slaughtered the evil Mahishasura, a demon from whom Mysore derives its name, indicating the victory of good over evil. Vijayadashami is also a day of victory of the King and his subjects, be it in a battle or day-to-day governance. The sixth day is in honour of Goddess Saraswathi, eighth day is dedicated to Goddess Durga and ninth day for Laxmi, Goddess of wealth. The dasara processions and celebrations are an elaborate affair and attract a large audience including many foreign tourists.
Dasara Exhibition at Doddakere Maidan (Photo: Hayath)
The usually calm and peaceful city erupts to life and is gaily decorated by day and brightly illuminated during the nights during the Dassara revels. A must visit is the two month long Dasara exhibition held at Doddakere Maidan, where several business ventures and industrialists set up stalls to promote their merchandise and industrial and corporate business. Not limiting to just business, the exhibition has numerous food stalls offering mouth-watering delicacies. There is more to Mysore cuisine than the famous idli and Mysore dosa. The variety of dosas ranging from ‘set dosa’ to ‘rava dosa’ served with chutney made from tender coconuts and hot spicy sambhar is not only delicious and filling, but is also nutritious and healthy. The rice-based dishes such as ‘chitranna’ (rice with lemon juice and chilli, garnished with fried groundnuts and coriander leaves)’ pulliyoigrae’(tamarind rice garnished with groundnuts), are another delight. The dish that tops the list is the famed “Mysore bisibelebath”, a scrumptious dish of rice and steamed vegetables cooked with tamarind paste and spices, and for the hardcore non-vegetarians, the tangy mutton curries, crispy crabs and “Mysore chilli chicken” are pure paradise.
Chamundeshwari Temple at the top of the hill. (Photo: Graham Palmer)
Chamundi Hill Enterance
To linger in the religious flow, visit the Chamundeshwari temple, situated on the top of Chamundi Hill which is about 3,489 ft. above sea level and located at a distance of 13 km from Mysore. The temple has a beautiful and captivating idol Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple offers peace and serenity and you can almost feel the positive energy radiating through you. The Chamundi temple has always been held in high esteem by the rulers of Mysore. Situated near the temple is the colossal “Nandi” (bull) statue, one of the largest in India, almost 16ft. tall. The pendent bells around its neck are exquisite and splendid. Other tourist attractions include the Mysore Zoo, the Jaganmohana Palace, St. Philomena’s Church and Brindavan Gardens.
Amba Vilas Palace (Photo: Manohar Prasad)
Amba Vilas Palace (Photo: Manohar Prasad)
The pride of Mysore- The Royal Palace also known as Amba Vilas Palace, illuminated at night with more than 96,000 lights is a grand view. During the 10 days, an array of talented artistes put up impressive performances. The show stealer is the band performance in the Palace courtyard. As a grand finale, on the tenth day of the celebrations, a parade with 12 caparisoned elephants and other floats originate from the Palace grounds and march all the way to Bannimantap with folk artistes, drummers and performers capturing the attention of the eager crowd on the streets. An architecture that blends Hindu, Muslim and Rajput styles, the interiors of the Palace are available for viewing, in the morning, for the tourists including the huge courtyards and other specific royal rooms.
Accommodation during the festive hustle-bustle will not be a problem if booked in advance. The Other Home, collaborated with local home stays, offers reasonable lodging such as 2BHK service rental apartments- “Holiday Home” and bed and breakfasts- “Chamundi View Homestay” equipped with modern amenities ensuring a comfortable stay for the tourists.
So plan a perfect vacation to seep in our rich history and culture, to be at the heart of the renowned celebrations and have a holiday to be remembered for a life time. Visit Mysore- The city of Victory.
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(Author: Kundu Raghuveera)
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