Mumbai: ‘Naada Habba’ refers to the ‘State Festival’ or ‘Festival of the Land,’ and Mysuru Dasara is one of Karnataka’s grandest celebrations, held annually in the city of Mysuru. The festival is steeped in cultural and religious significance, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, particularly honouring Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is said to have slain the demon Mahishasura on Vijayadashami. The celebration, marked by royal processions, cultural events, and vibrant traditions, attracts visitors from all over the world.
Dasara is a 10-day festival that culminates on Vijayadashami, which will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The festivities kick off on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with a puja dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hill.
As a state festival celebrated by the Karnataka government, Dasara showcases the region’s rich heritage. Numerous Navaratri events are organised at the Mysuru Ambavilasa Palace, where special pujas are conducted.
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar of the Mysuru royal family will preside over a durbar, featuring a specially arranged throne assembly. The palace will also host Saraswati Puja, Ayudha Puja, and rituals honouring the Banni tree.
The festival includes the majestic Gajapade procession, dazzling lights, and vibrant cultural programs that are a feast for the senses. The Mysuru Dasara Gajapade 2024 promises to be a magnificent event, continuing the time-honoured traditions of the Mysore Dasara festival.
The Gajapade, or elephant procession, is a highlight of the celebration. Majestic elephants, adorned in vibrant colours and golden howdahs, will parade through the streets of Mysuru, led by the esteemed howdah elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. This grand procession symbolises the triumph of good over evil and draws thousands of visitors from across India and beyond.
Throughout the nine days, special rituals are performed at Chamundi Hill, culminating on Vijayadashami with the Vajramushti Kalaga and Nandi Dhwaja Puja at the palace grounds. Following the offering of flowers to the goddess in the howdah, the Jamboo Savari begins, attracting lakhs of spectators eager to witness this grand spectacle.
Jamboo Savari, the final day’s grand procession, features beautifully adorned elephants, folk performances, and royal customs. The procession starts from the Mysore Palace and concludes at Bannimantap. Another highlight of the festival is the Torchlight Parade, which marks the end of the celebrations with a breathtaking display.
Cultural significance of Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru Dasara is not just a festival but a celebration of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Special pujas are held on the sixth, eighth, and ninth days, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Durga, and Lakshmi, respectively. The royal family of Mysuru plays an essential role in the festivities, performing traditional rituals and poojas at the palace. The city itself is transformed during the festival, with major landmarks like the Mysore Palace illuminated, and cultural performances held at various venues throughout the city.
Celebrations across the Mysuru city
During Dasara, Mysore turns into a hub of vibrant activities. A Food Festival, Sports and Yoga events, and cultural programs draw in large crowds. The Dasara Exhibition, held at Doddakere Maidana, showcases government and private sector initiatives, promoting business and industrial development.
Mysore Palace, decked with over 25,000 lights, becomes the focal point of attraction, with lakhs of tourists flocking to witness the grandeur. The Gajapade, or the procession of elephants, adds to the splendour of the festivities, highlighting the royal traditions that have been maintained for centuries.
Mysuru Dasara: Day-wise event’s schedule
Here are the major events during the 11-day festivities from October 3 to 13.
Day 01: Thursday, 3rd October 2024
The celebration of Sharana Navaratri commences with Shaila Vratha. The Sri Chamundeshwari Pooja will take place at Chamundi Hill from 10:15 am to 10:36 am (Shubha Vrishchka Lagna – Jayalakshmi Vratha), followed by an evening puja at the palace from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm (Shubha Mesha Lagna).
The inauguration of the evening cultural program will be held at Mysore Palace, with Dr Hampa Nagarajaiah serving as the chief guest for the 2024 Mysuru Dasara festival.
Dr Nagarajaiah is a distinguished scholar and author recognised for his significant contributions to Kannada literature, culture, and history, as well as his dedication to preserving and promoting Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill, Dr Hampa Nagarajaiah will officially kick off the Dasara festivities by performing puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Day 06: Tuesday, 8th October 2024
Saraswati Pooja is performed in honour of the goddess of knowledge and learning on Shashti.
Day 09: Friday, 11th October 2024
Mahanavami: On this day, various rituals are performed, including the worship of weapons (Aayudha Pooja), elephants (Gajashwadhi Pooja), Lord Hayagreeva, family deities (Amalu Devata Pooja) and Goddess Mahagauri.
The inaugural procession takes place on Maha Navami Day, featuring the veneration of the royal sword. This captivating event includes joyful participation from dancers, horses, elephants, camels, and many others.
Day 10: Saturday, 12th October 2024
Vijayadashami: Between 1:46 pm and 2:08 pm, the Vijaya Dashami celebrations will include the Nandi Dhwaja Pooja conducted by the Honorable Chief Minister. The Dashami rituals are scheduled from 4:30 pm to 5 pm in the auspicious Meena Lagna, followed by the Pushpaarchane ceremony with the Chief Minister and esteemed guests. This will be succeeded by the Jamboo Savari.
In the evening, the Torch Light Parade called ‘Panjina Kavayatthu,’ will begin at 6 pm, marking the conclusion of the festival with an impressive finale to wrap up the festivities.
Sunday, 13th October 2024
The day will feature the Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Rathothsava.
Mysuru Dasara ticket bookings
Tickets for the Dasara 2024 Torch Light Parade, priced at Rs 1,000, and the Mysore Dasara Gold Card, costing Rs 6,500, have already sold out. The Gold Card includes access to Jamboo Savari viewing, Torch Light Parade viewing, entry to Chamundi Hill, Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, and Mysore Palace. However, tickets for the Dasara 2024 Jamboo Savari, priced at Rs 3,500, are still available.
The 5-kilometer-long procession starts from the Mysore Palace and ends at Bannimantap, where the banni tree is worshipped. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is honoured by the royal couple and invited guests at the palace before being placed on a golden mantapa atop a beautifully adorned elephant for the procession.
This centuries-old tradition revives the Royal City’s connection to its historical roots. The procession features elegantly dressed elephants, folk art performances, colorful tableaux, lively music bands, and majestic horses and camels, captivating the crowds. Recently, paragliders have been included to add excitement to the festivities.
The illuminated procession from the palace to Bannimantap showcases the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on a splendid golden pedestal carried by an elephant. It includes dance troupes, large musical bands, and armed forces. The golden mantapa that holds the deity is estimated to weigh over 750 kg.
To book tickets, visit the official Mysore government website at Mysuru Dasara and go to buy tickets for the Dasara 2024 Jamboo Savari.
Mysuru Dasara is a festival for all, drawing crowds from across the world. From the royal family’s involvement to public celebrations, Mysuru Dasara captures the essence of Karnataka’s heritage, making it an unmissable spectacle for anyone wanting to witness the best of Indian traditions.
Explore the vibrant festivities of Naada Habba Mysuru Dasara 2024! Get the complete events schedule, ticket booking details, and insights into the grand celebrations, including the majestic Gajapade procession, Jamboo Savari and the spectacular Torchlight Parade. Experience Karnataka’s rich heritage and culture during this iconic festival! Travel Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
