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Immerse yourself in the enchanting glory of Mysore Dasara taking place on October 3. Celebrated with much grandeur and pomp in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, this ten-day event has been a traditional celebration dating back to the 15th century when it was first initiated by the Vijayanagar Kings. It marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festivities culminate in a captivating procession on the last day, featuring magnificently decorated elephants, energetic music, and traditional dance performances. Let's dive into the terrific excitement of Mysore Dasara, an unforgettable festival soaked in rich heritage and royal splendor!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>15th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dasara Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Vijayanagar Kings initiated the Mysore Dasara festival during the 15th century as a celebration of goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1799</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Wodeyar Restoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Wodeyar King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III regained control over Mysore and continued to celebrate Dasara on a grand scale after the British defeated Tipu Sultan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1805</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Elephant Procession Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first “Jumbo Savari”, an impressive elephant procession, took place during Dasara, setting a festive tradition that continues today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Illumination of Mysore Palace</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mysore Palace was illuminated with thousands of light bulbs for the first time during Dasara, transforming the night into a mesmerizing spectacle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dasara Exhibition Development</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) was formed, leading to the establishment of the Dasara Exhibition, an event showcasing local crafts and gastronomy.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the Mysore Palace</h3><p class='facts-text'>An integral part of Mysore Dasara, the Mysore Palace is lit up with nearly 100,000 light bulbs, giving it a magical appearance. The night tour of the palace during Dasara is a not-to-be-missed experience.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Explore elaborate processions</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the highlights of Mysore Dasara includes grand processions featuring decorated elephants, horses, and folk artists. Engage in the event's lively atmosphere by photographing these amazing spectacles or by dancing along with the locals to the energetic beats.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend cultural performances</h3><p class='facts-text'>The festival hosts a variety of cultural performances such as classical music concerts, dance shows, and drama - showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. Make sure to attend a few of these to immerse yourself into the local traditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Indulge in regional delicacies</h3><p class='facts-text'>Treat your taste buds to the region's cuisine. Try some Mysore Pak and Rava Idli, and wash it down with special Mysore Coffee. Food stalls at the festival offer a variety of snacks and sweets traditional to Mysore.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in the Dasara Exhibition</h3><p class='facts-text'>Open each year for nearly three months during the festival, this exhibition is a great place to shop local handicrafts, traditional garments, jewelry, and more. Families will also enjoy the funfair featuring rides and food stalls.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Rich Cultural Experience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mysore Dasara is one such festival that holds a rich tapestry of culture and grandeur. It's not just about the elephant processions or the opulent displays; it's the whole vibe that transports you to a different era. With music in the air and dance at every corner, you're bound to be captivated by the enchanting beauty of this royal celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fusion of Tradition and Excitement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mysore Dasara brilliantly combines tradition with excitement. Alongside the traditional rituals, there are many events held that keep up the energy of the festival - from the grand procession that exhibits India's rich heritage, to the various cultural performances that showcase local talent.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a Culinary Delight</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mysore Dasara isn't just a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. The festival invites everyone to indulge in a variety of regional delicacies that are sure to leave you wanting more. Whether it's the sweet Mysore Pak or the savory Rava Idli paired with a Mysore special coffee, the food during this festival is not to be missed.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mysore Dasara is a UNESCO-Recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage</h3><p class='facts-content'>The festival has been inscribed as a 'Cultural Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO, signifying its global cultural importance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>King's Sword Display is An Important Ritual</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, the king's sword is taken out in a procession with much fanfare, signifying the power of the monarchy. This tradition has its roots in the belief that the king is a representation of Arjuna from the Mahabharata epic.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Spectacular Flame Shooting, or ‘Banni Utsav’</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Mahanavami, the day before Dasara, people celebrate “Banni Utsav” on top of the Chamundi Hills, where they worship and shoot the flaming arrows to symbolize Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kusti Spardhe, A Traditional Wrestling Tournament</h3><p class='facts-content'>The festival also hosts a traditional wrestling tournament called “Kusti Spardhe” at the Devaraj Urs multipurpose stadium, attracting wrestlers from across the country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ayudha Puja, Tools are Worshipped</h3><p class='facts-content'>During one of the days in the festival, a day known as Ayudha Puja, all tools, vehicles, and machinery are cleaned and worshipped, symbolizing respect for the resources that contribute to one’s livelihood.</p></div></div>
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