10-day Mysuru Dussehra festival begins amidst celebrations

The popular 10-day Dussehra (Dasara) festival began on Wednesday with much funfair in Mysuru, Karnataka’s cultural capital, located at a distance of 150 KM from Bengaluru. A district official, referring to this development, said the festival began on a grand note with a prayer at the Chamundeshwari Temple, which was then followed by its inauguration at the royal Amba Vilas Palace.
The festival marks the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. This occasion also signifies the victory of good over evil. During this 10-day long celebration, Mysuru city comes alive with dance, majestic processions, music, torchlight parade, and a variety of cultural activities.

Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murthy inaugurated the festival by worshipping the Goddess amid the chant of Vedic hymns and other devotional songs. This year the festival steps into its 408th year, which indicate that this fest boasts a long history of more than 400 years.
Further, as the historical significance of this festival dates back to 16th century, i.e., when the Wodeyar kings used to celebrate it, Sudha Murthy opined that the state government should think of including this fest in the school curriculum, which would work as an inspiration for younger generations.
As the city has a long tradition of celebrating Dasara festivities in a grand manner, the roots of this tradition can be traced back to the 16th century Mysuru King Raja Wodeyar I. This year, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, who is the latest member from the royal family, started the festivities by ascending the golden throne at the durbar hall in a traditional manner.