Mysore Dussehra

Know why is the day of Mahanavmi particularly significant among all the days of Durga Puja in West Bengal?

The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout the country, but the Vijayadashami festival, observed on the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashwin in Mysore, located near Bengaluru in Karnataka, has a unique grandeur. This celebration is famously known as Mysore Dussehra. Every year, Mysore Dussehra is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil because, on this day, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. In celebration of the destruction of this terrifying demon, this festival is observed as a grand event. During this festival, the Chamundeshwari form of Goddess Durga is worshipped.

According to religious belief, it is said that Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) killed the demon Mahishasura, who had the head of a buffalo. Since then, this festival has been celebrated. The festivities last for nine days, with devotees worshipping Goddess Durga with complete devotion. On the tenth day, a grand puja is performed in honor of Goddess Chamundeshwari. On this day, large ceremonies, processions of the goddess, and dramatic reenactments of her exploits are held. After performing the puja, the immersion of Goddess Durga (Chamundeshwari) takes place. Goddess Durga is believed to be pleased by the devotion of her worshippers and blesses them with all happiness and royal honor. Poverty is not the only cause of sorrow; good health, wealth, sons, and all kinds of pleasures are bestowed by the blessings of the Goddess.

Dussehra Procession:

The festivities begin from the first day of Navaratri. After worshipping the various forms of Goddess Durga for nine days, the Dussehra festival is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur on the tenth day. On the occasion of Vijayadashami, devotees in Mysore take out a grand procession on the streets. The procession includes beautifully decorated elephants and camels, which are so attractive and magnificent that people shower them with flowers. Devotees participate in the procession with dance, music, and various tableaux.

On this day, all eyes are fixed on the sight of Goddess Chamundeshwari seated atop the grand elephant. The throne for the goddess is placed in a special howdah, made of 750 kg of gold, an incredible example of the craftsmanship of Mysore artisans. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on the throne and taken around the city on the back of the grand elephant. This procession is known as the "Jambu Savari." Other elephants, also adorned beautifully, accompany the lead elephant. The procession attracts a huge crowd, and a sense of joy and celebration fills everyone’s hearts.

History of Mysore Dussehra?

Mysore Dussehra is famous worldwide for its splendid preparations and the grand way in which it is celebrated. The festivities last for about ten days. During this festival, Mysore is adorned with colorful lights. The history of Mysore Dussehra is linked to the history of the city itself, which dates back to the medieval Vijayanagar Empire in South India. This 600-year-old festival was named "Dussehra" by the popular ruler of the Wadiyar dynasty, Krishnaraj Wadiyar.

Mysore Dussehra originated from the Chamundeshwari Devi Temple in Mysore. On this day, the hills of Chamundeshwari Devi are decorated with approximately 100,000-150,000 bulbs, while the temple itself is adorned with 80,000-90,000 bulbs. The night of Vijayadashami appears dazzling and beautiful, illuminated with radiant lights.

Writer: - Kuldeep Singh