Mysuru Dasara

ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ

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Religious & SpiritualMysuru
Dates23 September–2 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration10 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageThe festival's defining feature is its
LanguageHindi, English, and local languagesCurrency: INR
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Mysuru Dasara in Mysuru

Mysuru Dasara traces to 1610, when Raja Wadiyar I, founder of the Wadiyar dynasty, established the festival to honor the goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Now run by the Karnataka government as Naada Habba, it features nightly illumination of Mysore Palace with roughly one hundred thousand bulbs and closes with the Jumboo Savari, a royal elephant procession carrying the goddess's idol on a golden howdah to Bannimantap.

Raja Wadiyar I, founder of the Wadiyar dynasty, first staged Dasara in Mysuru in 1610 to mark the goddess Chamundeshwari's mythological victory over the demon Mahishasura, and the ruling family's royal court has patronized the festival in some form ever since, even after Karnataka's 1956 reorganization ended the kingdom's political authority.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's defining feature is its unbroken link to a former royal court: the Wadiyar family still holds a private durbar and palace rituals even though the Jumboo Savari procession and public program are now organized by the Karnataka state government

02

The mystery stays covered

The idol of Chamundeshwari travels on a golden mantapa reported to weigh around 750 kilograms atop a specially trained elephant, a detail unique to Mysuru among India's Dasara and Navratri celebrations

03

The city starts moving

The nightly palace illumination, using close to one hundred thousand bulbs, and the torchlight Panjina Kavayatthu parade that closes the festival at Bannimantap are further distinguishing set pieces

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Ayudha Puja

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the ritual worship of weapons

The sacred route

Living ritual

tools and vehicles

The local code

Living ritual

is observed on the ninth day inside the palace and across Karnataka more broadly

Tradition 5

Living ritual

The Wadiyar family holds a private durbar in the Durbar Hall during the festival

Tradition 6

Living ritual

a continuation of the royal court sessions once held when the family ruled as monarchs

Tradition 7

Living ritual

The Jumboo Savari procession includes tableaux

Tradition 8

Living ritual

folk dance troupes

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

23 September–2 October 2026

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

There is no required dress for spectators, though many visitors wear traditional Karnataka attire, including the silk saree or panche and shirt, for the more ceremonial days. Comfortable...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

INR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map12.30 N, 76.64 EOpen in Google Maps

Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Nearest airportCNN — Kannur
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mysuru via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mysuru, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearThere is no required dress for spectators, though many visitors wear traditional Karnataka attire, including the silk saree or panche and shirt, for the more ceremonial days. Comfortable footwear is worth prioritizing given the standing and walking involved in following the procession route or waiting for palace illumination.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for India and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mysuru Dasara?

Mysuru Dasara is listed for 23 September–2 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mysuru Dasara take place?

The festival is listed in Mysuru, India. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

10 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Dates confirmed in curated data. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed dates23 September–2 October 2026
Source statusDates confirmed in curated data
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