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Amit Khanna Staff answered 5 months ago
Mysore, known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrates several vibrant festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the famous festivals celebrated in Mysore along with relevant information for first-time visitors:
Dasara Festival:
Date: Usually held in September or October, culminating on Vijayadashami day.
Description: Dasara is the most grand and widely celebrated festival in Mysore. It spans over ten days and commemorates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the triumph of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura.
Highlights: The main attraction is the Mysore Dasara procession (Jumbo Savari), where a grand procession of decorated elephants, cultural floats, musicians, and dancers parade through the city streets. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, presenting a spectacular sight.
Mysore Dasara Exhibition:
Date: Concurrent with the Dasara festival.
Description: Held at the exhibition grounds near the Mysore Palace, this fair features amusement rides, shopping stalls, food courts, and cultural performances. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists during Dasara.
Vairamudi Festival:
Date: Celebrated in March or April.
Description: Held at the Kaginele Mahadeshwara Temple in Mysore, this festival is dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara. The highlight is the Vairamudi (diamond crown) procession where the deity is adorned with a precious diamond-studded crown.
Mahashivaratri:
Date: Celebrated in February or March.
Description: This Hindu festival celebrates Lord Shiva. Devotees visit Shiva temples across Mysore, including the famous Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill, to offer prayers and participate in rituals.
Durga Puja:
Date: Celebrated during Navaratri (September or October).
Description: Navaratri is celebrated with fervor in Mysore, and Durga Puja marks the worship of Goddess Durga. Many pandals (temporary structures) are set up across the city where elaborate rituals and cultural programs take place.
Ugadi:
Date: Celebrated in March or April (Telugu New Year).
Description: Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It is celebrated with traditional rituals, rangoli decorations, and special dishes.
Diwali:
Date: Celebrated in October or November.
Description: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mysore. Homes and streets are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), and fireworks light up the night sky.
These festivals not only showcase the cultural diversity of Mysore but also provide visitors with a memorable and immersive experience into the local traditions and festivities.
Sameer Staff answered 5 months ago
Major Festivals in Mysore
Dasara (Dussehra): Mysore Dasara is the city’s most famous festival, celebrated with grandeur over ten days in September or October. The festivities include a royal procession, cultural performances, a grand parade of elephants, and the illumination of the Mysore Palace.
Ugadi: This is the Kannada New Year, celebrated in March or April. The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar, with people decorating their homes, preparing special dishes, and participating in traditional rituals.
Makar Sankranti: Celebrated in January, this harvest festival involves kite flying, traditional sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds, and various cultural activities.
Vijayadashami: The culmination of the Dasara festival, Vijayadashami is marked by a grand procession featuring the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari carried on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant.
Diwali: The festival of lights, celebrated in October or November, sees the city adorned with lamps and decorations. Fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings are central to the celebrations.
Ramzan (Eid-ul-Fitr): Celebrated by the Muslim community at the end of Ramadan, this festival involves prayers, feasting, and giving alms to the needy.
Christmas: Celebrated by the Christian community, Christmas in Mysore involves midnight masses, festive decorations, and community gatherings.
Mysore Winter Festival: Held in December, this festival features cultural programs, a flower show, music performances, and various other activities, attracting both locals and tourists.
These festivals reflect the diverse cultural and religious heritage of Mysore, offering vibrant and unique experiences throughout the year.