Mysore Dasara

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Mysore palace illuminated.jpg
Dasara in Mysore.jpg
Mysore Palace Dussera (29633564994).jpg
(Top to bottom, L-R) Mysore Palace illuminated during the festival, procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari's idol, elephant procession on Vijayadashami
Type Cultural, Religious (Hindu)
SignificanceMarking the victory of good over evil
Celebrationslighting Mysuru Palace, Ramayana theatre, mela (fairs), processions and parades
BeginsSeptember/October per Hindu calendar
Ends10 days later
FrequencyAnnual
First time17–27 September 1610
Related to Chamundeshwari (goddess Shakti), Durga, Mahishasura, The Ramayana, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Kingdom of Mysore, the Wadiyar dynasty

Mysore Dasara is a state festival in the state of Karnataka in India. It is a 10-day festival, starting with nine nights called Navaratri and the last day being Vijayadashami. The festival is observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvina, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

The Hindu festival of Navaratri and its occasion of Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it commemorates the day the goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) slew the demon Mahishasura. [4] Mahishasura is also believed to be the demon whose slaying by the goddess gave the city the name Mysuru. The Mysuru tradition celebrates the warriors and the state fighting for the good during this festival, ritually worshipping and displaying the state sword, weapons, elephants, horses, along with the goddess in her warrior form (predominantly) as well as the avatar of Vishnu, Rama. The ceremonies and a major procession is traditionally presided by the king of Mysuru. [4]

The city of Mysuru has a long tradition of celebrating the Dasara festival with grandeur and pomp to mark the festival. The Dasara festival in Mysuru completed 409th anniversary in the year 2019, [5] while evidence suggests the festivities were observed in Karnataka state by the Vijayanagara Empire kings in the 15th century. [6]

History

The Dasara festivities were held in the Vijayanagar kings as early as the 14th-15th Century. [7] The exact origin of the festival and how long back it dates is unknown. The festival played a historical role in the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire, where it was called Mahanavami and the festivities are shown in the relief artwork of the outer wall of the Hazara Rama temple of Hampi. [8] [9]

The Italian traveller Niccolò de' Conti described the festival's intensity and importance as a grandeur religious and martial event with royal support. The event revered Durga as the warrior goddess (some texts refer to her as Chamundeshwari). The celebrations hosted athletic competitions, singing and dancing, fireworks, a pageantry military parade and charitable giving to the public. [10] [11]

After the fall of the Vijayanagar to Deccan Sultanates, these Hindu celebrations came to an end under Muslim rulers. The Wodeyars of Mysore formed a kingdom in Southern parts of the Vijayanagara Empire and continued the Mahanavami (Dasara) festival celebration, a tradition started initially by Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617 CE) in mid September 1610 at Srirangapatna. [12] [13]

Festivities

2019 Mysore Dasara

The festivities included a special durbar (royal assembly). It was during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the year 1805, when the king started the tradition of having a special durbar in the Mysore Palace during Dasara; which was attended by members of the royal family, special invitees, officials and the masses. After the death of Srikanta Wadiyar in December 2013, Dasara celebration in 2014 was celebrated by placing the "Pattada Katti" (royal sword) on the golden throne. [14] [15] [16] But since his accession to the throne in 2015, Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar have been holding the Dasara celebration and durbar. The ninth day of Dasara called as Mahanavami is also an auspicious day on which the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession involving elephants, camels and horses. [17]

A lit up Mysore Palace, the epicenter of all Dasara festivities held in Mysore Mysorepalace.jpg
A lit up Mysore Palace, the epicenter of all Dasara festivities held in Mysore

Lights in Mysore Palace

The main attraction of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the Mysore Palace which is lighted daily with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival. [18] Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of Karnataka are performed in front of the illuminated Palace. [19]

Procession

On Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as " jumboo Savari ") is held on the streets of Mysore city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden mantapa (which is around 750 kilograms of gold) on the top of a decorated elephant. This idol is worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees before it is taken around in the procession. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree ( Prosopis spicigera ) is worshipped. According to a legend of the Mahabharata, banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their weapons during their one-year period of Agnatavasa (living life incognito). Before undertaking any warfare, the kings traditionally worshipped this tree to help them emerge victorious in the war. [17] The Dasara festivities would culminate on the night of Vijayadashami with an event held in the grounds at Bannimantap called as Panjina Kavayatthu (torch-light parade).

In Mysore, India, the Vijayadashami Elephant procession during Mysore Dasara is called Jumbo Savari (from the British during their control of Mysore State). The original name to this procession is Jumbi Savari ("going to the Shami (Banni) tree"). Now Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken in procession on an Elephant. But the "Jumbo" name is still intact.

After the Jamboo Savari, a torchlight parade takes place in the evening at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds.

Exhibition

Another major attraction during Dasara is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace. The exhibition was started by the Maharaja of Mysore Chamaraja Wodeyar X in 1880 with the sole aim of introducing timely developments to the people of Mysore. The task of holding the exhibition is now entrusted with the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA). [20] This exhibition starts during Dasara and goes on till December. Various stalls which sell items like clothes, plastic items, kitchenware, cosmetics and eatables are set up and they attract a significant number of people. A play area containing attractions like a Ferris wheel is also present to provide entertainment to the people. Various Governmental agencies setup stalls to signify the achievements and projects that they have undertaken.

Other programmes

On all the 10 days of Dasara, various music and dance concerts are held in auditoriums around Mysore city. Musicians and dance groups from all over India are invited to perform on this occasion. Another attraction during Dasara is the Kusti Spardhe (wrestling-bout) which attracts wrestlers from all around India. [21] There are other events at bannimantap where various groups do bike parades etc.

Controversy

The Dasara procession has faced increasing pressure from activists and campaigners to end its controversial use of elephants. [22] [23] Procession elephants, as well as their handlers known as 'mahouts', have died from several shocking incidents over the years. [24] [25] [26] [27]

In 2018, leaked footage from the elephants' training ground showed an elephant swaying in distress. International press labelled the video "heartbreaking", and reported on how the elephants must undergo two months of "rigorous training" in order to perform in the procession. [28]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mysore</span> City in Karnataka, India

Mysore, officially Mysuru, is the second-most populous city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarters of Mysore district and Mysore division. As the traditional seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, the city functioned as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore for almost six centuries. Known for its heritage structures, palaces, and its culture, Mysore has been called the "City of Palaces", the "Heritage City", and the "Cultural Capital of Karnataka". It is one of the cleanest cities in India according to the Swachh Survekshan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vijayadashami</span> Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil

Vijayadashami, more commonly known as Dussehra, and also known as Dasara or Dashain, is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Durga Puja and Navaratri. It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wadiyar dynasty</span> Former dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399–1950.

The Wadiyar dynasty, also referred to as the Wadiyars of Mysore, is a late-medieval/early-modern South Indian Hindu royal family of former kings of Mysore from the Urs clan originally based in Mysore city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahishasura</span> Bovine asura slain by the goddess Durga

Mahishasura is a bovine asura in Hinduism. He is depicted in Hindu literature as a deceitful demon who pursued his evil ways by shape-shifting. Mahishasura was the son of the asura Rambha and a she-buffalo named Mahisi. He was ultimately killed by the goddess Durga with her trishula (trident) after which she gained the epithet Mahishasuramardini. Mahishasura had a son named Gajasura.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chamundi Hills</span> Hill east of Mysore in Karnataka, India

The Chamundi Hills are located 13 km east of Mysore, Karnataka, India. The name comes from the Chamundeshwari Temple at the peak. The average elevation is 1,060 metres (3,480 ft).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mysore Palace</span> Historical palace in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historical palace and a royal residence (house). It is located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It used to be the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. The palace is in the centre of Mysore, and faces the Chamundi Hills eastward. Mysore is commonly described as the 'City of the Palaces', and there are seven palaces including this one. However, the Mysore Palace refers specifically to the one within the new fort.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chamundeshwari Temple</span> Temple in the state of Karnataka in India

The Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysuru in the state of Karnataka in India. The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by the Maharaja of Mysuru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golu (festival)</span> Festive display of dolls in India

Golu is the festive display of dolls and figurines in South India during the autumn festive season, particularly around the multiday Navaratri festival of Hinduism. These displays are typically thematic, narrating a legend from a Hindu text to court life, weddings, everyday scenes, and miniature kitchen utensils. They are also known as Golu, Gombe Habba, Bommai golu, or Bommala Koluvu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dasara elephants</span> In the Mysore Dasara Festival

Elephants are an integral part of the Mysore Dasara Festival. The elephants form the core of the Mysore Dasara procession on the Vijayadashami day. The lead elephant carries the Golden Howdah with the Goddess Chamundeshwari in it. The Golden Howdah weighs 750 kilograms and is made of gold.

Balarama was the lead elephant of the Mysore Dasara procession and carried the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari on the fabled Golden Howdah thirteen times between 1999 and 2011. Balarama was a bull born about 1958 and was accompanied in the procession by other Dasara Elephants. Of the many elephants participating, Balarama was one of the star attractions when he carried on his back the sacred idol of goddess Chamundeshwari in the 750 kilograms (1,650 lb) golden howdah on the auspicious 10th day of Dasara celebrations.

Drona was one of the lead Dasara Elephants of the Jamboo Savari of Mysore Dasara. He carried the Golden Howdah for a record 18 years consecutive years between 1981 and 1997, before being electrocuted while grazing in 1998. Of all the carrier elephants since the 20th-century, he is considered the best "because he possessed an excellent ability to learn and correct himself".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden Howdah</span> Carrier on the leading elephant in the Mysore Dasara

The Golden Howdah,'ಚಿನ್ನದ ಅಂಬಾರಿ'(elephant seat or Chinnada Ambari in Kannada) is a howdah, the carrier mounted on the leading elephant during the Jamboo Savari of the famous Mysore Dasara. It is the cynosure of all eyes during the famous Dasara festivities. Since 2012, it has been carried by Arjuna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden Throne (Mysore)</span>

The Golden Throne or Chinnada Simhasana or Ratna Simhasana in Kannada, was the royal throne of the rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore. It is one of the main attraction of Mysore Palace. It is kept for public viewing only during Dasara festival and on the rest of the days, it is disassembled and kept in safe lockers of the palace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culture of Mysore</span> Cultural capital of Karnataka

Mysore is a city in the state of Karnataka, India. It is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar kings who ruled over the Mysore Kingdom for many centuries. Wodeyars were great patrons of art and music and have contributed significantly to make Mysore a cultural centre. Mysore is well known for its palaces, museums and art galleries and the festivities that take place here during the period of Dasara attract a worldwide audience. Mysore has also lent its name to popular dishes like Mysore Masala Dosa and Mysore Pak. Mysore is also the origin of the popular silk sari known as Mysore silk sari and has also given rise to a popular form of painting known as Mysore painting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayudha Puja</span> Hindu observance

Ayudha Puja is a Hindu observance that falls on the ninth day of the bright half of the moon's cycle of 15 days in the month of September/October, popularly a part of the Navaratri festival. While the Navaratri festival is observed all over the country, the festivity that is widely marked as Ayudha Puja possesses slight variations of veneration and practices across India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Navaratri</span> Hindu festival observed in the honour of the goddess Durga

Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra, and again in the month of Ashvin (September–October). It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere. Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navaratri. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri. There are 2 Gupta Navaratris or “Secret Navaratris” as well, one starting on the Shukla paksha Pratipada of the Magha Month and another starting in the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Jyestha Month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Mysore Dasara</span>

The Mysore Dasara 2013 is the 403rd edition of the annual royal festive gala event, a show of pomp and tradition that is held in the Mysore city in Karnataka, India for 10 days. The festival is called the Navaratri (meaning nine nights or Dussehra or Vijayadashami which conforms to the bright half of the month of Ashvin, from pratipadathithi to navamithithi in the Hindu calendar corresponding to 5 to 13 October during 2013. The festival is also called Nada Habba in Kannada language. The first day of the nine-day festivity started on 5 October with the traditional and religious special puja performed to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Chamundi Temple on top of the Chamundi Hill, which forms the backdrop to the city; the temple was beautifully decorated with flowers and tourist from Gujarat, Rajasthan and other states enthralled the audience with their bhajan singing. On this occasion, floral tribute wa offered to the goddess by Jnanpith Award winner Chandrashekhara Kambara and festivities will continue for ten days. The ninth day of the festival is a special event called the Mahanavami when the royal sword is worshipped and taken in a procession of elephants, camels and horses. The festival concludes on 14 October on the dashami day with the grand finale of Jambusavari with the idol of Chamundeshawri set in a golden howdah mounted on a richly caparisoned elephant. The procession is taken through the streets of the city and ends in the Banni Mantap where, in the evening, a torch light parade is held. Symbolically, the festival represents the victory of good over evil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arjuna (elephant)</span> Asian elephant, participant in the Mysore Dysara

Arjuna was an Asian elephant who, from 2012 to 2019, was the lead elephant and the carrier of the Golden Howdah at the Mysore Dasara. He was named after Arjuna, the third of the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. Arjuna was part of a Karnataka Forest Department to tackle wild elephants across western Ghats of Karnataka and also operated in many states for capturing wild elephants. Arjuna died in combat on 4 December 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bannimantap Parade Grounds</span> Parade ground

Bannimantap is an historical place in the Indian city of Mysore, Karnataka, India. where the world famous Mysore Dasara Jumbo Savari parade marks the end and after which cultural programmes are host every year on Vijayadashami in the presence of the Governor of Karnataka, Chief Minister of Karnataka and other Council of Ministers of the Govt. of Karnataka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hanumanthanagar, Mysuru</span> Place in Karnataka, India

Hanumanthanagar is a locality in Bannimantap, a suburb of Mysore coming on the Northern side of the city. It is part of Mysore district in Karnataka state of India. Hanumanth Nagar is famous for the Jumbo Savari with the golden Howdah, a part of Mysore Dasara, which marks an end of the procession in Bannimantap via Highway Circle of Hanumanth Nagar.

References

  1. ↑ Encyclopedia Britannica 2015.
  2. ↑ James G. Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 212–213, 468–469.
  3. ↑ Encyclopedia Britannica Dussehra 2015.
  4. 1 2 Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 114–126. ISBN   0-691-12048-X.
  5. ↑ "400th Mysore Dasara begins today". The Times of India . 7 October 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2011.
  6. ↑ Dasara of Mysore Archived 16 June 2018 at the Wayback Machine , All India Radio, Government of India
  7. ↑ "WebHost4Life - Web Hosting, Unix Hosting, E-Mail, Web Design". ourkarnataka.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  8. ↑ John M. Fritz; George Michell; John Gollings (2003). Hampi. India Book House. pp. 46–47, 87–90. ISBN   9788175083363.
  9. ↑ P. J. Marshall (2005). The Eighteenth Century in Indian History: Evolution Or Revolution?. Oxford University Press. pp. 285 note 3. ISBN   978-0-19-567814-7.
  10. ↑ Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 117–119. ISBN   978-0-69112-04-85.
  11. ↑ S Sivapriyananda (1995). Mysore Royal Dasara. Abhinav Publications. pp. 73–75.
  12. ↑ Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 114–115. ISBN   0-691-12048-X.
  13. ↑ P. J. Marshall (2005). The Eighteenth Century in Indian History: Evolution Or Revolution?. Oxford University Press. pp. 268–270. ISBN   978-0-19-567814-7.
  14. ↑ R. Krishna Kumar (26 September 2014). "Emotional start to private Dasara". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  15. ↑ "With no scion, the sword 'rules' at the Mysore Palace". Deccan Chronicle. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  16. ↑ "Royal Sword takes king's place at Khas Durbar". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  17. 1 2 Detailed account of the Mysore Dasara festival is provided by "Mysore Dasara - A Living Tradition". Prabuddha Bharata . Shri Sanjeev Nayyar. Archived from the original on 7 March 2007. Retrieved 4 April 2007.
  18. ↑ "Mysore Dasara, Nadahabba, Mysore Royal Festival, Karnataka State Festival". mysoredasara.org. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  19. ↑ "Mysore Dasara". inMysore.com. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  20. ↑ "All roads lead to the expo". 22 November 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  21. ↑ "Mysore Dasara - Wrestlers from around India participate in this tournament, which attracts a sizable audience". inmysore.com.
  22. ↑ "PETA for ban on elephants during Dasara - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  23. ↑ "Using elephants for Dasara procession is illegal, says PeTA - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  24. ↑ "Untimely death of Mahout Shankara: Elephant Gajendra not to participate in this year's Dasara". Star of Mysore. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  25. ↑ "'Rowdy' Ranga: Elephant who roamed Karnataka forests dies in tragic mishap". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  26. ↑ "Two mahouts killed due to elephant's liquor aversion in Karnataka?". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  27. ↑ "Here is all you need to know about the Dasara elephants". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  28. ↑ "Elephant Swaying in Distress Shows Exploitation Must End". PETA India. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2019.

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