Mysore Dasara – Heritage, History and Glory-Importance of Dussehra.

 Indian festivals, with their mythological and historical background, are important mediums for conveying human values ​​and cultural heritage to the next generation. Introducing this to today’s younger generation is of utmost importance and a golden opportunity for Indians to feel proud of the cultural richness of our country.

“Dussehra” is one of the most important traditional festivals of India. This ten-day festival, which includes Navratri and Vijayadashami, has mythological, historical, cultural and religious significance. Moreover, noting the uniqueness of the “Mysore Dussehra” celebration at the international level, in 2008 UNESCO recognized the art forms of Dussehra celebration as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. Celebrated in the grandeur of the ancient Dussehra, Navratri is dedicated to the worship of various forms of the Goddess, and Vijayadashami is celebrated as a symbol of victory. Its main message is the victory of good deeds and religion over evil.

Although Dasara is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country, Mysore Dasara is world famous for its unique heritage, royal splendor and cultural rituals. Navratri and Goddess Worship In the Puranas, the stories of the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over demonic powers like Mahishasura are associated with the celebration of Navratri. The victory of religion and truth is celebrated through the destruction of demons. The worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari has a special place in Mysore Dasara. In the Indian tradition, which sees nature as a mother, Shakti is worshipped in nine forms: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Ghatasthapane, Devi Puja, Saraswati Puja, Durgashtami, Ayudha Puja and other religious rituals are performed during this period. The tenth day, Vijayadashami, is the day when Goddess Vijayalakshmi or Aparajita is worshipped.

The nine days of Navratri symbolize the nine different colors of the Goddess. Day-1 is orange, day-2 is white, day-3 is red, day-4 is dark blue, day-5 is yellow, day-6 is green, day-7 is grey, day-8 is purple, day-9 is peacock green. Also, girls also celebrate by wearing clothes of the same color every day of Navratri. Vijayadashami also has a background in the Ramayana. There is a tradition of celebrating it as the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana. Thus, Dussehra is an important festival that represents both the victory of the Goddess and the victory of Lord Rama. Historical Background The history of Mysore Dussehra is very ancient. Since sculptures of the worship of Durga and Mahishamardini are found during the times of various dynasties of India, it is considered that the celebration of Dussehra has been going on since ancient times.

After the fall of Srirangapatna, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who made Mysore the capital, revived the Dasara festival in Mysore in 1799. During the Vijayanagara Empire, the Dasara festival was celebrated with great pomp. Today’s Mysore Dasara is a continuation of this tradition of Vijayanagara. The glory of Dasara during the time of the Mysore Wodeyars Mysore King Sri Raja Wodeyar started the ten-day Dasara festival in Srirangapatna in 1610 CE. Later, during the rule of the Mysore Wodeyars, the Dasara festival grew into an important symbol of royal glory. In 1648, the poet Govindavaidya recorded the details of the Dasara celebrations during the time of the warrior Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar in his work ‘Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijaya’.

At that time, goddess worship, weapon worship, royal court, wrestling, dance, music and various cultural programs were an important part of Dussehra. During the time of the Mysore rulers, Dussehra was an important festival of the royal family. During Navratri, the kings used to worship the clan deity and other deities and worship the royal elephants and horses. The royal court, weapon worship and Vijayadashami processions were important programs. On Mahanavami, the royal weapons, including the royal sword, are specially worshipped. In the past, the royal court, wrestling, music, dance, fireworks and various political and cultural performances were part of Dussehra. Although many of them have been transformed with the changing times, the original heritage of Dussehra continues to this day.

During the reign of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the celebration of Dussehra acquired special splendor. On Mahanavami, various weapons of the dynasty, including swords and kadhas, were worshipped. On Vijayadashami, the kings would participate in the procession in royal attire holding swords. At that time, kings did not travel in golden ambari like today. The Maharajas would sit in a silver chariot pulled by elephants and march in the procession. Then there was a tradition of viewing the horse-drawn army and worshipping Bannimar. The specialty of Chamundi Hill Chamundi Hill is an important center of the religious background of Mysore Dussehra. During Navratri, special decorations and pujas are performed for Goddess Chamundeshwari every day. There is a tradition of decorating the Goddess in various forms of power. During the ten days of Navratri, the various decorations of the Goddess attract devotees.

On Vijayadashami, the goddess is worshipped in the form of Aparajita. Another special ritual of Navratri is Kumari Puja. The tradition of worshipping girls aged 2-10 as various forms of the goddess is also seen in some places. The main attraction of the palace – The jeweled gold throne Another major attraction in the Mysore palace is the jeweled gold throne. This is a jeweled gold throne and has its own history. It is available for public viewing only during Dussehra, and this gold throne is installed in a private darbar hall at an auspicious time before Dussehra. It can be viewed for about 30 to 40 days. This gold throne has many features. This gold throne has a silver step and there are mirror beauties on both sides, and it is designed to stand in a welcoming posture for the Maharaja.

The top of this golden throne has a golden canopy and a peacock bird is attached to it. It is decorated with pearls all around. On the back of the throne, there are idols of Lakshmi, Chamundeshwari and Saraswati, and at the bottom, on the day of Vijayadashami, the royal family performs a homa havan and attaches a lion to the throne. “Singannacharya, a master of goldsmithing, decorated this throne with gold ornaments, precious stones and silver statues. Over time, it has been given a magnificent appearance with gold sheets, Navaratnas and artistic decorations.

Electric lighting As part of the Nadahabba Dasara Mahotsava, the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) will decorate the roads of Mysore city with various and attractive electric lights. This illumination, which will adorn the entire Mysore city, will include about 118 major roundabouts and junctions of the city. Along with this, more than 75 artworks depicting the culture and achievements of Karnataka will be displayed through LED lights. This wonderful festival of lights will continue for a total of 21 days for the viewing of tourists coming from India and abroad.

Palace Dasara and Nadahabba Dasara After 1969, the rule of the Mysore royal family came to an end, which led to a significant change in the celebration of Dasara. Currently, Dasara is celebrated in two main forms in Mysore. On the one hand, religious and traditional celebrations are held within the palace, continuing the royal tradition. Private darbars, Saraswati Puja, Ayudha Puja, Vijayadashami, Shami Puja and other traditional rituals are part of it. On the other hand, the Karnataka government organizes ‘Nadahabba Dasara’ for the public. Jambu Savari, cultural programs and various public events are its main attractions. Thus, today’s Mysore Dasara has been formed as a combination of royal heritage and a modern public festival.

Chamundeshwari Festival and Jambu Savari The relationship between Mysore Dasara and elephants is very old. This tradition, which began with the royal processions of the time of the lords, continues in the form of the Jambu Savari held today under the leadership of the government. Before the start of the Jambu Savari, the Nandi flag is first worshipped at the Balarama Dwar of the palace on the auspicious Kumbh Lagna. Floral tributes are offered to the mother Chamundeshwari Devi idol, who is seated in a golden ambari. After that, the respect of 24 Kushal Topus is offered. From there, the exciting Vijayadashami procession starts in the palace premises. The Jambu Savari takes place from the palace premises to the Banni Mantap. The majestic presence of the King of Gaja, carrying the enthroned Goddess Chamundeshwari in a golden chariot and marching in a procession with 14 decorated chariots, accompanied by a sea of ​​people, is unmatched.

Nowhere else in India does such a large number of elephants participate during Dasara. The police band plays the drums along with the elephant carrying the Ambari. Besides, the Kamsale dance, dance performances by the art troupes, and still lifes depicting the culture of different districts of the state attract everyone’s attention. Thousands of people gather to watch it.

1. Yuva Sambhrama, Yuva Dasara:

To attract young people to Dasara, Yuva Sambhrama and Yuva Dasara cultural programs are organized. The Yuva Sambhrama ceremony is held at the open-air theater in the University of Mysore. In this, local artists are given priority. Performances by various types of dance artists, including folk dances, attract attention. School and college students from various districts conduct these cultural programs. Cinema stars and famous singers also gather at Yuva Dasara. The ceremony is held at Maharaja Maidan. People gather in large numbers at Yuva Dasara to see their favorite actors and actresses and singers.

2. Blanket:
For the first time, ‘Kambala’, a symbol of the agricultural culture and folklore of the coastal region, is being organized during Mysore Dasara. Official preparations have been made to organize it on October 18 and 19 at Satagalli, Mysore. Kambala is a competition in which well-grown cows are driven on a field of well-drained soil. This sport is intertwined with the folklore of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The sport with a cultural background is being organized during Dasara.

3. Fairs:
Agricultural and food fairs are held during Dussehra. Local and specialty dishes from various parts of the state are available at the stalls. This fair is a delight for food lovers. Competitions are also organized here. Eating and cooking competitions are held. There are also special prizes for the winners. The agricultural fair will be helpful for farmers. There will be an opportunity to display and sell various varieties of crops and fruits. Consultation sessions are also organized for farmers to get agricultural advice.

4. Fruit Flower, Exhibition:
Flower and flower exhibitions are the main attractions during Dussehra. Various patterns are created and displayed from different types of flowers. Attractive flower patterns attract people. For many, it becomes a selfie spot. Important schemes and achievements of the governments are conveyed through exhibitions. There are models that create awareness about the history and tourist destinations of the country.

5. Doll show:
The Mysore Dasara Doll Show, locally known as ‘Doll Festival’ or ‘Doll House’, is a centuries-old tradition in which beautifully and systematically arranged dolls and idols are displayed in homes and public places during the Navratri festival. The show often depicts mythological epics like the Ramayana, scenes from the Dasara procession (Jambu Savari), the Navadurga and Ashtalakshmi, as well as contemporary or socio-cultural themes.

6. Children’s Dussehra:
A special attraction in Dasara is the Children’s Dasara. Various cultural programs are specially organized for children in the Children’s Dasara. The Children’s Dasara is inaugurated by children who have shown special achievements. Mysore Dasara is not just a religious festival. It is a festival that brings together the cultural heritage, art, music, dance, folk traditions and historical memories of Karnataka.

7. Concerts:
Mysore is the home of famous scholars, writers, and poets. Mysore has made its own contribution to the fields of music and literature. Therefore, poetry recitals, seminars, and concerts are organized during Dasara. Literature lovers are attracted through Dasara and the youth poetry recital. A book fair is also held for book lovers. Musical programs are held at the palace for music lovers. Famous scholars and artists conduct musical programs. Film festivals and drama performances are also held for art lovers.

8. Lantern Parade:
The most attractive and exciting final event on Vijayadashami is the Panjina Kavayat, which is held at the Bannimantap Maidan in Mysore in the evening after the Jambu Savari procession. It attracts attention with a parade of police forces, stunts and a colorful parade of flashing torches. There are exciting cavalry stunts, thrilling motorcycle stunts (daredevil stunts), police band music and a mass parade with torches. At night, the colorful and beautiful fireworks display in the sky and the laser / drone show also attract attention. This is the program that gives the final touch to Dasara.

This tradition, which has been going on since the time of the kings, marks the end of the Dussehra festival. While the traditional celebrations inside the palace commemorate the history of the Mysore lords, the public Dussehra programs connect that heritage with the common people.

Conclusion

Mysore Dasara is a unique confluence of centuries of history, religious beliefs, royal heritage, art, culture and public participation. From the legacy of Vijayanagara to the royal splendor of the Mysore Lords and from there to the present-day form of the Nadhabba, Dasara has grown through many stages. Come, let’s all participate in this year’s Nadhabba Dasara and witness the diverse celebrations!