Vijaya Dashami 2016: Here’s why you must visit Mysore during Dussehra

The day that marks the end of the nine-day festival Navratri symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami marks the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana and the defeat of Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga.

Mysore Dasara is hugely famous because of its unique celebrations and events. The Dasara tradition of Mysore is 406 years old and year on year, the people of the city celebrate the festival in the same traditional way amid much pomp and gaiety.

The fest culminates with a victory procession of caparisoned elephants, camels, horses and tableaux from the royal palace to the Bannimantapa grounds in the city for a torch-light parade.

Besides the royal palace, heritage buildings, temples and parks are also illuminated for the mega event.

Karnataka’s tourism department makes special arrangements during this period in order to facilitate tourists from across the country.

It is a must watch event not only because of its grandeur and royalty but also to appreciate the efforts of the people of Mysore for preserving tradition in its purest form.

This year, noted Kannada writer Chennaveera Kanavi had inaugurated the 406th edition of the state festival by offering prayers at Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari temple atop the hill on the city`s outskirts in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries.

Mysuru royal dynasty`s adopted scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodiyar held a private durbar (court) in the Amba Vilas Palace in the state`s cultural capital, about 150 km from Bengaluru.

Though the grand festival is held for 10 days every year, it was spread over 11 days this time due to an extra day in the Hindu (lunar) calendar owing to planetary movements.

Yaduveer held a khasagi (private) durbar daily for nine days in line with the Yadu dynasty`s 600-year-old tradition, worshipped the armoury and other objects (ayudha puja) in the royal palace on October 10. He shall witness the victory parade today.