Mysore Dasara is a grand and famous religious and cultural festival celebrated in Mysore, Karnataka. The festival is connected with Sharad Navratri and Vijayadashami. It is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari and is seen as a symbol of the victory of good over evil.
If you want to know when Mysore Dasara 2026 will be celebrated, the date of Mysore Dasara, when the Jambu Savari will take place, why Mysore Dasara is celebrated, its history, and the religious events held during the festival, this article provides complete information about Mysore Dasara.
When is Mysore Dasara 2026?
The main Mysore Dasara festival will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. On the same day, the famous Jambu Savari will take place. During this grand procession, an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a golden howdah on a decorated elephant.
In 2026, the Mysore Dasara festival will be held from October 11 to October 21, 2026. The festival will end with Jambu Savari and other celebrations on Vijayadashami.
Mysore Dasara 2026 Date and Major Events
Mysore Dasara 2026: October 11 to October 21, 2026
Mysore Dasara Vijayadashami: October 21, 2026, Wednesday
Jambu Savari: October 21, 2026, Wednesday
Torchlight Parade: October 21, 2026, Wednesday
The main attraction of Mysore Dasara is the Jambu Savari held on Vijayadashami. On this day, a grand procession travels from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap.
In 2026, the Dashami Tithi will begin at around 12:50 PM on October 20, 2026, and end at around 2:11 PM on October 21, 2026. According to the local Mysore Dasara tradition, the main Vijayadashami celebrations will take place on October 21.
To know the date of Mysore Dasara 2026, Vijay Muhurat, and other auspicious timings according to your city: -Check our detailed Panchang.
What is Mysore Dasara?
Dasara is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm. However, Dasara in Mysore, Karnataka, is especially famous for its royal traditions, grand celebrations, and cultural programs.
Mysore Dasara is also known as Mysuru Dasara and Nadahabba, the state festival of Karnataka. The festival includes the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the illumination of Mysore Palace, cultural programs, grand processions, and the famous Jambu Savari.
According to religious belief, Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura and ended his tyranny. Goddess Chamundeshwari is worshipped in Mysore as a form of Goddess Durga. The Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill is an important religious center during the festival.
Why is Mysore Dasara Celebrated?
Dasara is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm. However, the Vijayadashami celebration in Mysore, Karnataka, has its own unique charm.
This festival is known as Mysore Dasara. It is celebrated every year as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. According to religious belief, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura, and the festival celebrates this victory.
Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped during the festival. According to religious tradition, Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated Mahishasura, who had the head of a buffalo. This victory is believed to be the reason behind the celebration.
The festival continues for nine days. Goddess Durga is worshipped with devotion throughout these days, followed by grand celebrations on the tenth day. Large ceremonies, religious tableaux, and cultural performances are also organized.
After the worship, Goddess Chamundeshwari is traditionally taken through the city in a grand procession. Devotees pray to the Goddess for happiness, prosperity, good health, and well-being.
Dasara Procession
The festival begins with Navratri. After nine days of worshipping different forms of Goddess Durga, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, devotees take part in grand processions through the streets of Mysore.
Decorated elephants and camels are included in the procession. The beautifully decorated animals attract large crowds, and devotees welcome the procession with flowers. People also participate in dance, music, and colorful cultural tableaux.
A major attraction is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on a decorated elephant. The golden howdah used for the Goddess is said to weigh around 750 kg and is considered an excellent example of the craftsmanship of Mysore artisans.
The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in the golden howdah and carried on the royal elephant through the city. This grand procession is known as Jambu Savari. Other decorated elephants also take part in the procession, which attracts a large crowd.
History of Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara is famous around the world for its grand preparations and royal celebrations. The festival continues for about ten days, and Mysore is beautifully decorated with colorful lights during this period.
The history of Mysore Dasara is closely connected with the history of Mysore. Its roots go back to the medieval period and the famous Vijayanagara Empire of South India.
This festival is believed to be around 600 years old. It became an important royal celebration under the Wadiyar dynasty, including the reign of the popular ruler Krishnaraja Wadiyar.
The Mysore Dasara tradition is closely associated with the Chamundeshwari Temple. During the festival, the Chamundi Hills and the temple are decorated with thousands of lights. On Vijayadashami night, the city appears bright and beautifully illuminated.
The golden howdah in which Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed is said to weigh around 750 kilograms. In 2026, the Jambu Savari will also be held on Wednesday, October 21.
According to the schedule for 2026, Goddess Chamundeshwari will be placed in the golden howdah before the grand Jambu Savari procession begins.
Worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari During Mysore Dasara
The worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari has special importance during Mysore Dasara. Goddess Chamundeshwari is considered a form of Goddess Durga.
According to religious belief, the Goddess defeated Mahishasura and established the victory of dharma. Therefore, during Dasara, devotees visit and worship Goddess Chamundeshwari and seek her blessings for victory, happiness, peace, and prosperity.
The Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill holds special religious importance during the festival.
Other Events During Mysore Dasara
Along with religious ceremonies, Mysore Dasara includes many cultural and public events. These may include music and dance performances, cultural shows, exhibitions, sports competitions, flower shows, and other programs.
On the final day of Dasara, after the Jambu Savari, the famous Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayithu) is also held at Bannimantap. In 2026, this event is scheduled for October 21.
When is Jambu Savari in Mysore Dasara 2026?
The Jambu Savari of Mysore Dasara 2026 will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. It will be held on Vijayadashami and will travel from Mysore Palace towards Bannimantap.
Special timings have also been set for some of the major religious events connected with Jambu Savari in 2026. According to the available information, Nandi Dhwaja Puja is scheduled from 1:36 PM to 1:56 PM, while the Pushpanjali for Goddess Chamundeshwari is scheduled from 4:10 PM to 4:35 PM.
The exact public timing and route of the Jambu Savari procession may be decided according to the final program and arrangements made by the local administration.
Message of Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara gives the message that no matter how powerful evil may be, truth and dharma ultimately win. The religious story of Goddess Chamundeshwari defeating Mahishasura represents the victory of strength, courage, and righteousness.
The festival also keeps alive Mysore's royal traditions, art, culture, and historical heritage along with its religious faith.
The main attraction of Mysore Dasara 2026 will be the Jambu Savari on October 21. The grand procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari, decorated elephants, cultural tableaux, and other events will fill Mysore with the festive spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mysore Dasara 2026
1. When is Mysore Dasara 2026?
The main Vijayadashami celebration of Mysore Dasara 2026 will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
2. When will the Jambu Savari take place in Mysore Dasara 2026?
The Jambu Savari will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
3. Why is Mysore Dasara celebrated?
Mysore Dasara is celebrated to remember the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over Mahishasura and the victory of good over evil.
4. What is the main attraction of Mysore Dasara?
The main attraction of Mysore Dasara is the grand Jambu Savari, which features the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
5. Where does the Jambu Savari begin?
The Jambu Savari begins at Mysore Palace and proceeds towards Bannimantap.
6. Which Goddess is worshipped during Mysore Dasara?
Mysore Dasara mainly features the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Goddess Durga.
7. How many days is Mysore Dasara celebrated?
In 2026, the Mysore Dasara festival will be held from October 11 to October 21.
8. What is the religious significance of Mysore Dasara?
The festival represents the victory of dharma, strength, and good over evil.
9. Why are elephants included in Mysore Dasara?
Decorated elephants are an important part of the royal tradition of Mysore and the Jambu Savari. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is also placed in a golden howdah on a decorated elephant during the grand procession.
10. When will Mysore Dasara 2026 end?
Mysore Dasara 2026 will end on October 21, 2026, with Vijayadashami, the Jambu Savari, and the closing celebrations.
Mysore Dasara is not only a religious festival but also a grand celebration of Mysore's centuries-old royal traditions, religious faith, and rich cultural heritage. The worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari and the Jambu Savari make this festival one of India's most distinctive Dasara celebrations.
