Stories
Mysuru Dasara 2026: Karnataka Celebrates 400-Year-Old Royal Festival
- •Mysuru Dasara is celebrated as Karnataka’s state festival, known as Nada Habba, blending devotion, royal heritage, and cultural traditions over 11 days.
- •The celebrations began on October 11, 2026, with prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hills and will conclude with the grand Jamboo Savari procession on October 21.
- •Rooted in a legacy of over 400 years, the tradition was started in Mysuru by Raja Wadiyar I in 1610, evolving from a royal event into a major public festival.
- •The highlight of the festival is the Vijayadashami procession featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari carried in a golden howdah on a decorated elephant.
- •The grand finale includes the traditional torchlight parade, known as Panjina Kavayathu, held at Bannimantap to mark the end of the celebrations.
Key Questions Answered
Mysuru Dasara has a legacy of over 400 years, rooted in Hindu tradition commemorating Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over Mahishasura. The modern Mysuru tradition was established in 1610 by Raja Wadiyar I, who continued customs associated with the Vijayanagara Empire. Over the centuries, it evolved from a royal celebration into Karnataka's grand state festival, or Nada Habba.
The 11-day celebrations of Mysuru Dasara 2026 began on October 11 with prayers at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills. The festival will culminate on Vijayadashami with the grand Jumboo Savari procession and torchlight parade on October 21, 2026.
Key highlights include the opening rituals at Chamundi Hills, the traditional Durbar at the royal palace, and a flower show at Kuppanna Park. Visitors can also enjoy a local food fair at Maharaja's College Ground, palace illuminations, and the grand Jumboo Savari procession where the deity's idol is carried in a golden howdah.
