Mysore Dussehra is one of the biggest and prominent festivals of Karnataka. The festival is celebrated for a period of ten days during Dussera as ‘Nadahabba’, the Karnataka State Festival.
The festival can be traced back to Vijayanagara Empire, and it signifies the victory of good over evil. It is also considered the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon king Mahishasura after a fierce battle. The Vijayanagar rulers used the occasion to showcase their might, valour and military power. It gained more popularity during Krishnadevaraya reign and attained a cult status.
This year the Mysore Dussehra festival completes 407 years. It is celebrated in a very splendid manner with plenty of performances depicting the rich culture and tradition of the state organized in the great Durbar Hall of the Maharaja’s Palace.
Legend of Mysore Dussehra
According to the legend the city of Mysore was ruled by the Mahishasura, a buffalo-headed demon king. In his kingdom, he punished the people who worshipped the Gods. The Gods then sought the help of the Goddess Parvati, who incarnated in earth as Chamundeshwari Devi. She fought a very brutal battle with the demon and in the end, slew him on top of the Chamundi Hill situated near the city. After killing Mahishasura, the Goddess decided to stay on the hill. Therefore, the hill and city are known as Chamundi Hill and Mysore respectively. The ten day long festival is held in the honor of the Goddess Chamundeshwari.
History of Mysore Dussehra
According to the travelers and earlier recordings, the first celebrations were started by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 15th century. Wadiyars of Mysore, who were the feudatories of the Vijayanagar Empire, started the tradition. Under the Wadiyars, Navaratri came to be reconciled with many rituals, giving more importance to Shakti Puja. Raja Wadiyar initiated the festival in 1610 at Srirangappattana with an aim to assert his control over the same against the suzerainty of the Vijayanagar rulers. Later, it got shifted to Mysore. Dussera during Raja Wadiyar was similar to that of Vijayanagar Dussera in terms of pomp and gaiety. In fact, he is said to have laid down certain rules and regulations for the strict conduct of the festival spread over nine nights.
The Literature of those times gives us a glimpse of how the Wadiyars celebrated the Mysore Dussehra. They mention that artists, skilled workers and labourers were commissioned to beautify the city, that Srirangapattana was swarmed with visitors, travellers, petty chieftains, feudatory chieftains, nayakas and a host of others who represented various strata of the society. A Durbar was also held with representatives from different sections of society.
The royalty worshipped arms and ammunition on the Ayudha Puja day. Wrestling competition became an integral part of Dussera celebrations. The entire city soaked in the festive atmosphere with commoners and the royalty participating in it enthusiastically.
The rich tradition of Mysore Dussehra continued in the time of Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar. He was a contemporary of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor. He received honours like nagari, naubath and nishan, considered as essential and important military insignias, from the Mughals. They were used in Dussera processions. After the death of Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar, Mysore state plunged into a period of political confusion. There were troubles to the state from all the sides. There was rivalry and bitter relationship between the English and the native states. In Mysore, Dalvoys came to occupy prominent position. In spite of these, Dussera, both as a tradition and a ritualistic festival, retained its importance.
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The Legacy of Mysore Dussehra
Though continued during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Mysore Dussehra celebration was not a big affair. During the period of interregnum, the tradition must have had become a household event. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the kingdom of Mysore was restored to the representative of the Wadiyar dynasty. Thus, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III assumed administrative responsibility. He initiated new systems to keep up with the times, while importance was given to strict observance of rituals too. In 1814, he introduced a system of convening a Dussera Durbar exclusively for the Europeans.
The Mysore Dussehra procession, with all the insignias and the chariot drawn by three pairs of elephants, traversing the main streets of Mysore used to be meticulously planned. There were tom-toms, camels, elephants, horses, cows and men in uniform marching in the procession. Many travellers, missionaries, European civil administrators and army officials who visited Mysore Dussehra during this time have provided interesting accounts. Huge paintings that depict Dussera are exhibited in Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore. The records, documents and files preserved at Regional Archives, Government of Karnataka, Mysore contain valuable information about the meticulous preparations, arrangements and a host of rituals conducted in the palace.
With the assumption of administration by Chamaraja Wadiyar X in 1881, a new phase began to emerge in the celebration of Dussera. He conceptualised new avenues for Mysore Dussehra. It became more people-centred. Nadaswara and olaga were performed along with a contemporary European band. National Anthem of Great Britain came to be played along with the state song Kayo Shri Gowri. A contingent of English army marched alongside native forces.
Modern times
As years passed on, the festival scope widened and Mysore Dussehra holidays were declared. Special trains were introduced connecting Bangalore and Mysore to ferry guests, particularly Europeans. With an aim to attract common people, the government organised industrial and agricultural exhibitions. The government also started convening the session of Mysore Representative Assembly, called the Dussera session. Records also speak about health Dussera. Awareness sessions on literacy and social evils came to be part of Mysore Dussehra festivities.
Like other rulers, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV gave much importance to Mysore Dussehra celebrations. Grand Durbars were held where awards and recognitions were bestowed upon achievers. Even after popular political sentiments began to emerge in Princely Mysore, the Dussera celebration did not lose its charm. Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was succeeded by Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. He continued the glorious tradition of the Dussera. With the accession of Princely Mysore into the Indian Union after independence, Dussera celebrations slowly went into oblivion. The last Mysore Dussehra led by the royalty was held in 1969.
Dussera is now sponsored by the State government. From the time of arrival of elephants from their base camps till their departure from the premises of the palace, the government departments plan and coordinate Dussera programmes. Several committees are also constituted to expand the scope of the festival.
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A Spectacle to Behold
Mysore-Dussera, the grand festival of Karnataka fills the people with great enthusiasm and happiness. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with the lights that captivate the attention of the people. The celebration of the festival generally starts with the royal couple of the palace offering a special puja in the Chamundi Temple, perched on the top of Chamundi Hill. After the puja is over, a special royal assembly is organized inside the palace.
During the festival, plenty of dance performances and music concerts are organized in various parts of the city. The events depicting the vibrant culture of Karnataka attract a large number of people both Indian and foreigners. A Dussera exhibition is also held where the people can purchase various kinds of jewelry items, handicraft clothes, stunning ornaments and eat lip-smacking dishes. The children can have a fun-filled time by enjoying amusement rides.
Festivities at the Mysore Palace on Mysore Dussehra
In the present day, the “Pattada Katti” (royal sword) is worshiped on the day of Dusshera and on the ninth day of the festival, which is also known as Mahanavami, it is placed on the golden throne.
The martial event is not organised anymore but the Mysore Dussehra festivities in Mysore today are no less grand than what they were before. The highlight of the festivities is the 10-day Mysore Dussera festival in the Mysore Palace. The entire palace is decorated with about 100,000 light bulbs that illuminate and brighten the sky from 7 P.M to 10 P.M on each day of the festival. Many cultural and religious programs, song and dance performances are also organised in front of the palace.
The entire palace is decorated with about 100,000 light bulbs.
Dussera Procession- Jambu Savari
Another important aspect of Mysore Dussehra is the procession that is held every year to commemorate the festival in Mysore. The traditional Dasara procession is also known as the Jumbo Savari. During the procession, an idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a mantapa made with pure gold and seated on top of a decorated elephant that tours around the city. The procession starts at the Mysore palace and is joined by musical bands and dance troupes. It ends at a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree is worshiped. It is believed that back in the day, the banni tree was worshiped by the kings before they set out on a war to seek luck to help them emerge victorious. The procession and all the festivities end on the 10th night or Vijayadashami with a torchlight parade at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds.
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