Mysore Dasara Festival: India’s Most Royal Celebration! 

Mysore Dasara festival is a 10-day royal festival celebrated in Mysore, Karnataka, from September 22 to October 2, 2025. While many states in India celebrate Navratri, Mysore celebrates its state festival, known as “Nadahabba or Nada Habba”. Scroll down to know why is Mysore Dasara celebrated! 

What is the Mysore Dasara Festival? 

Mysore Dasara festival, also known as Nadahabba or Nada Habba (State festival) of Karnataka, is a 10-day royal celebration that starts on the Navratri and culminates on Vijayadashami.

The festival honours the Goddess Chamundeshwari (the protector of Mysuru city) and celebrates her victory over evil.

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Historical Significance of Mysore Dasara Celebration 

The Wodeyar Royal family continues to play a pivotal role in Mysore Dasara, preserving centuries-old traditions. Let us learn the Kerala State Festival’s historical significance: 

• Origin of Mysore Dasara Festival Celebrations 

This royal celebration was first initiated 400 years ago by Raja Wodeyar 1 of the Wodeyar dynasty in 1610 AD. However, some say that the Vijay Nagar Empire Kings first started this royal ritual in the 15th century. 

The common public celebrates this festival in Srirangapatna, the capital of Mysore. Not only this, but Jayaprakash Narayan (Indian politician and independence activist) declared ‘Mysore Dussehra the State Festival of Karnataka’.

• Why is Mysore Dasara Celebrated? 

The primary reason for the Mysore Dasara festival celebration is the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari (a fierce form of Durga) over the demon Mahishasura on Chamundi Hill. Therefore, this festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

• Mythology Behind Mysore City  

Several ancient texts, such as Devi Purana and Markandeya Purana, mention that the very name “Mysuru” is derived from Mahishasura. The word Mysore or “mysooru” is related to the word “Mahishur” or “Mahishasurana Ooru,” meaning the City of Mahishasura in Kannada. 

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Mysore Dasara 2025 Dates & Timings 

Below is the complete list of Mysore Dasra 2025 dates along with their timings and venues that you can refer to:

Daily Schedule of Mysore Dasara 2025 

This year, a unique astronomical event will occur where the Panchami tithi (fifth lunar day) falls on two consecutive days (September 26 and 27). This is why the Mysore Dasara Festival 2025 celebration extends to 11 days. So, let us look at the schedule of the Nada Habba festival in detail: 

• Day 1 (September 23): Inauguration & Khas Durbar

The festival begins with a puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills. Then, the current titular Maharaja performs the Khas Durbar within the Mysore Palace. 

• Day 2-8 (September 24-30) Cultural Performances

During this Karnataka state festival, performers showcase unique forms of singing, drama, dance, and puppet shows that represent the state’s culture and legacy. For instance, Pooja Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha, Beesu Kamsale, Kamsale Nritya, Somana Kunita (mask dance), and Somana Kunitha. 

• Day 9 (October 1): Mahanavmi & Ayodhya Puja

This is a highly significant day of the Mysore Dasara festival celebration. The royal family performs the Ayudha Puja, worshipping weapons, tools, and vehicles. 

• Day 10 (October 2) Vijadashami & Mysore Dasara Elephant Parade

The Elephant Procession is the main event of the 10-day Mysore Dussehra celebration. Beginning around 1:15 PM, this magnificent procession features decorated elephants, folk artists, cultural tableaux, and military bands. 

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Main Attraction of Mysore Dasara 2025 Celebration

Let’s look at the main attraction of the Mysore Dasara 2025 celebration from below: 

1. Mysore Palace Light Show

The Mysore Palace Light Show reflects the cultural history and the magnificent architecture of Mysore. During the nine days of Dussehra, it is decorated with 100,000 light bulbs and is open for visitors from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Jamboo Savari- Mysore Dasara Elephant Parade 

This procession takes place on the tenth day of Vijayadashami. The star attraction is the lead elephant, Abhimanyu (expected to carry for the 6th time in 2025), bearing the 750 kg Golden Howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. This famous elephant procession starts from Mysore Palace and ends at the Bannimantap Grounds.

3. Torch Light Parade 

The Torchlight Parade, also known as “Panjina Kavayatthu,” takes place on the evening of Vijayadashami. The parade starts with the chief guest lighting a torch, followed by the beautifully decorated tableaux. In addition, there are elephants, horses, camels, cultural actors, and the performances of various military bands.

4. Dasara Exhibition  

Dasara exhibition held at the Doddakare Maidan showcases the traditional dance performances, music concerts, art and craft stalls and food festivals. Interestingly, unlike other Mysore Dasara festival events, this event starts at Dussehra but continues till November or December.

5. Dasara Kushti

Also known as the ‘Mysore Dasara Wrestling’, it is one of the crowd-pulling events during the 10-day celebration. Wrestlers from all over the country join in to win the titles and fight in different wrestling styles such as Nada Kusti and Vajramushti Kalaga. 

6. Royal Durbar 

Lastly, one of the unique facts about Mysore Dasara festival is that for the first time, the Durbar (Royal Assembly Hall) inside the Mysore Palace will be open to the common people. Thus, the public can visit the palace’s royal durbar during Mysore Dussehra (September 22 to October 2, 2025). 

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What’s New and Unique This Mysore Dasara 2025?

Generally, it is the Jamboo Savari where the elephants of Mysore Dasara pull the crowd and grab the highlights. However, in 2025, the celebration is expected to include some additions. Let us look at the new additions in the magnificent Mysore Dasara 2025 celebration: 

• Cauvery Aarti: The state government plans to add a new event to the list of Mysore Dasara 2025: Cauvery Aarti. So, as per the reports, the event will be performed at the KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara). 
• Musical Laser: Along with the Cauvery Aarti, a 3D musical laser show featuring 1500 drones is expected to be held during Mysore Dasara 2025. Moreover, it will be performed at the Brindavan Gardens, KRS. 

Summary 

Mysore Dasara is Karnataka’s grand 10-day royal festival, “Nadahabba,” celebrated from September 22 to October 2, 2025. It honours Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolising good over evil.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

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