Mysore Dussehra 2025: Complete Guide to India’s Royal Festival

Introduction to Mysore Dussehra

Mysore Dussehra, also known as Mysuru Dasara, stands as one of India’s most magnificent royal festivals, celebrated with grandeur and tradition for over 400 years. The celebration of Dasara in Mysuru is now organised by the Karnataka State Government in conjunction with the royal family of Mysore. The festival is termed Nadahabba or State festival. This spectacular 10-day celebration transforms the entire city into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting millions of visitors from across the globe.

Mysore Dussehra 2025 Dates and Schedule

Mysore Dasara 2025 is set to be a spectacular celebration, blending centuries-old traditions with vibrant cultural festivities. The event will be held from September 22 to October 2, 2025, with the inauguration at Chamundi Hills and culminating in the grand Jamboo Savari elephant procession on Vijayadashami (October 2).

Key Festival Timeline:

Festival Duration: September 22 – October 2, 2025
Inauguration: Chamundi Hills
Grand Finale: Jamboo Savari on Vijayadashami (October 2, 2025)
Palace Illumination: Daily from 7 PM to 10 PM

Historical Significance and Legend

The Mahishasura Legend

Mysuru was earlier called as ‘Mahishur’ and which comes from a very interesting story. It is believed that Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hill, killed the demon Mahishasura, giving the city its name and establishing the spiritual foundation of the festival.

Royal Heritage

The Mysore Dussehra has been celebrated by the Wadiyar dynasty rulers of Mysore since the 15th century, making it one of India’s oldest and most continuous royal celebrations. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.

The Magnificent Mysore Palace

Palace Illumination Spectacle

The main attraction of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the Mysore Palace which is lighted daily with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival. This breathtaking illumination transforms the Indo-Saracenic architecture into a golden wonderland, creating one of the most photographed spectacles in India.

Palace Events and Programs

Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of Karnataka are organized within the palace premises, showcasing the rich heritage of South Indian performing arts.

The Grand Jamboo Savari Procession

The Elephant Procession

Mysore Dasara famous for its jamboo savari, mounted with ambari and torch light parade. Vijayadashami a day of victory of the king, depicting good over evil

Historical Context of Jamboo Savari

The original name to this procession is Jumbi Savari (“going to the Shami (Banni) tree”). Now Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken in procession on an Elephant. But the “Jumbo” name is still intact. This magnificent procession covers a 4-kilometer route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap Parade Grounds.

The Majestic Elephants

When they are under special care inside Mysore Palace in preparation for Jamboo Savari, the grand Dasara finale, they are served high-calorie and protein-rich food to ensure that they are able to walk a distance of 4 km from Mysore Palace to the Bannimantap Parade Grounds.

In 2024, Although 14 elephants were trained, only 11 participated. Rohith, Doddaharave Lakshmi and Varalakshmi remained on the Palace premises.

Elephant Diet and Care

In their respective camps, the elephants are served Ragi mudde, a mixture of ragi, horse gram, and fodder branches. The elephants have a diet regime consisting of three components. The first component is branch fodder, consisting of edible green leaves, banyan tree leaves, sugarcane, and grass. The second component is Kusure

Royal Family Celebrations

Private Dasara Rituals

The Mysore Royal family will celebrate the Royal Dasara inside the palace. The private Dasara celebrations will begin on the evening of October 3rd inside the palace. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who is also the Mysore-Kodagu MP will perform various rituals.

Cultural Programs and Events

Diverse Festival Activities

These events manage to captivate its visitors with its wide range and uniqueness. The activities vary from sporting events, cycling and heritage tours, wrestling, yoga, film festivals, pet shows treasure hunts to events celebrating the art and culture of Mysore.

Additional Palace Attractions

The Jagan Mohan Palace also hosts Dussehra celebrations. It houses the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, which is a must-see because it collects Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich paintings. Ancient musical instruments, ivory, sculpture and Tanjore and Mysore gold leaf paintings also form part of the cultural showcase.

Evening Celebrations

Torchlight Parade

After the Jamboo Savari, a torchlight parade takes place in the evening at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds. This spectacular event features military bands, cultural performances, and illuminated floats that create a mesmerizing nighttime celebration.

Dasara Exhibition

Historical Exhibition

Another major attraction during Dasara is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace. The exhibition was started by the Maharaja of Mysore Chamarajendra Wadiyar X in 1880 with the sole aim of introducing timely developments to the people of Mysore.

This exhibition has evolved into a massive trade fair featuring:

Traditional handicrafts and textiles
Modern industrial products
Food courts with regional specialties
Entertainment rides and games
Cultural performances

Festival Atmosphere and City Decorations

City-Wide Celebrations

The entire city is decked up and gaily decorated throughout the 10-day long festivities. Streets are adorned with colorful lights, traditional decorations, and cultural displays that transform Mysore into a festive wonderland.

Travel Information for Visitors

Distance from Major Cities

From Bangalore: 145 kilometres or 3 hours by road
From Chennai: 480 kilometers (8 hours)
From Mumbai: 850 kilometers (14 hours)

Best Time to Visit

Best Time To Visit: On the first weekend, and Vijayadashmi. The opening weekend offers the full ceremonial grandeur, while Vijayadashami provides the climactic Jamboo Savari procession.

Accommodation and Planning

Booking Recommendations

Given the festival’s popularity, accommodation should be booked well in advance. Options range from heritage hotels and palace conversions to budget guesthouses and luxury resorts.

Photography Guidelines

The palace illumination and Jamboo Savari procession offer exceptional photography opportunities. Professional photographers should check for special permits and restrictions.

Cultural Significance

Spiritual Importance

The festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine feminine power over evil forces. The celebrations blend Hindu religious traditions with royal ceremonial practices.

Educational Value

The festival serves as a living museum of South Indian culture, showcasing:

Classical dance forms (Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak)
Carnatic music traditions
Traditional crafts and textiles
Regional cuisine and culinary arts
Historical architecture and royal customs

Modern Adaptations

Technology Integration

Modern Dussehra celebrations incorporate:

LED lighting systems for palace illumination
Live streaming of major events
Digital ticketing systems
Mobile applications for event schedules
Social media integration for real-time updates

Sustainability Initiatives

Recent years have seen increased focus on:

Eco-friendly decorations
Waste management programs
Animal welfare for elephants
Traffic management systems
Crowd control measures

Economic Impact

Tourism Revenue

Mysore Dussehra generates significant economic activity through:

Hotel and accommodation bookings
Local transportation services
Handicraft and souvenir sales
Food and beverage industry
Cultural performance bookings

Employment Generation

The festival creates temporary employment opportunities for:

Event management professionals
Security personnel
Cultural performers
Vendors and artisans
Transportation services

Safety and Guidelines

Crowd Management

With millions of visitors, safety measures include:

Designated viewing areas for processions
Emergency medical services
Traffic diversions and parking arrangements
Security checkpoints at major venues
Lost and found services

Health Precautions

Visitors should consider:

Staying hydrated during outdoor events
Wearing comfortable footwear for walking
Following local health guidelines
Carrying necessary medications
Respecting cultural dress codes

Photography and Videography

Best Spots for Photography

Palace Illumination: Front lawns of Mysore Palace
Jamboo Savari: Along the procession route
Chamundi Hills: Sunrise and sunset shots
Cultural Programs: Palace courtyards and auditoriums

Equipment Recommendations

DSLR cameras with telephoto lenses for procession shots
Tripods for low-light palace photography
Extra batteries and memory cards
Protective covers for equipment

Conclusion

Mysore Dussehra 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration combining centuries of royal tradition with modern cultural expressions. From the magnificent palace illuminations to the grand Jamboo Savari elephant procession, this festival offers visitors an authentic glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage.

The festival’s unique blend of spiritual significance, royal grandeur, and cultural diversity makes it one of India’s most significant celebrations. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, photography, or simply experiencing the magic of Indian festivals, Mysore Dussehra provides an unparalleled experience that leaves lasting memories.

Plan your visit well in advance, prepare for crowds and excitement, and get ready to witness one of India’s most spectacular royal celebrations that continues to preserve and showcase the magnificent traditions of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

Experience the royal grandeur of Mysore Dussehra 2025 – where centuries of tradition meet modern celebration in India’s most magnificent festival.