Dasara Festival in Karnataka | BangaloreOrbit.com

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Dasara Festival

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Dussehra -Karnataka

About:

In many parts of India Dasara is known as Navratri. In Karnataka Dasara is celebrated in the month of October with great festivity. People from all over the state take part in this amazing festival. Mysore is the city of silk and sandalwood and till date it remains the center for traditions, culture and art. The city is often referred to as the `City Royale` and Dasara is considered to be a Royal festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. In Karnataka Dasara is celebrated as Nadahabba. The celebration has its roots in the royal family of Mysore. They perform a special puja during this festival.

Location info:

Main Celebrations: Mysore, Karnataka, India.

District: Karnataka,India

Best time to visit: Month of October

Climate/Weather:

Temperature: 20°C to 30°C. Rainfall: Occasional light showers can be expected.

History:

The tradition of celebrating Dasara in Mysore dates back over 400 years, initiated by the Wodeyar royal family. The festival was first celebrated in the 15th century during the reign of Raja Wodeyar I, and it continues to be an extravagant event, showcasing the culture, history, and heritage of Karnataka.

Importance:

Entire Karnataka celebrates Dasara every year. The custom of worshipping dolls - Gombe Tottilu - is actually a symbolic representation of a darbar or a court. Not long back women made a huge fuss over the Gombe decoration and planned months ahead. For many women it was an opportunity to showcase their talent. Singing, dancing and merry making along with showing off their skills at preparing the Gombe Bagina was all very important.Woman is a synonym with womb and earth. The harvest season begins at this time and the earth is invoked to start afresh the new harvest season and to reactivate the vigour and fertility of the soil by performing religious rituals which is believed to invoke the cosmic forces. Hence the importance of Devi worship for women.

Method of Celebration:

Royal Style:
In Mysore, the Dasara celebration is a grand royal affair that lasts for ten days, with the last day being Vijayadashami. The festival begins with special prayers at the Chamundi Temple and is marked by various cultural and religious events throughout the city.

Celebrating Chamundeshwari:
The festival begins with a ceremonial worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari at the Chamundi Temple on Chamundi Hill. The royal family participates in this puja, which holds significant religious importance.

Worship:
Since Dasera is a festival of triumph, on this day special rituals have been recommended for nobles and kings. This is a festival signifying victory and valour. Before Arjun went into hiding (adnyatvas), he placed all his weapons in the hollow of the Shami tree. But on this day when the Kourav army was herding away King Virat's cattle, Arjun pulled out his weapons from the Shami tree and confronted the army and defeated them. It is believed that Lord Ramachandra too slayed Ravana and emerged victorious on this day.

Culture of Festivities:

The culture surrounding the Dasara Festival is deeply rooted in India's rich traditions, beliefs, and regional diversity. The celebrations reflect the country’s spiritual, artistic, and communal values, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of cultural practices, rituals, and social togetherness.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (12 km from the city center); nearest international airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (170 km).

Road Transport:Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles can be used to reach Mysore from Bangalore, Mangalore, and other nearby cities.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Luxury: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Fortune JP Palace. Mid-Range: The Quorum, Hotel Roopa. Budget: Treebo Trend MSR International, Hotel MB International. Lodges/Guesthouses: Many budget lodges and guesthouses are available near the bus station and railway station.