Mysooru Dasara

Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival Celebrating victory of Truth over Evil. Legend has it that the Goddess Chamundeeswari or Durga slew the demon Mahishasuran on Vijayadashami day. Dasara is a 10-day festival in the region culminating on Vijayadashami or tenth day. The day marks the successful conclusion of the preceding nine days. Vijayadashami is also a day of victory of the King and his subjects, be it in a battle or day-to-day governance. On tenth day a grand spectacular Procession is held which starts from Mysore Palace and ends in Bannimantap.

In Karnataka, Dasara is observed as State festival - Nadahabba, because of the celebration of the festival is steered by the Royal Family of Mysore. The royal family of Mysore performs special Pooja on the occasion of Dasara. During Dasara, the entire City is gaily decorated and illuminated. The Palace and other important buildings are illuminated. Cultural programmes by famous artists are arranged in the Palace along with Sports, Wrestling, Poet's meet, Food Festival, Film Festival witnessed by a large number of people.

Here are a few glimpses of Dasara captured during Dasara 2007.

Palace Illumination seen from Chamundi Hills

C Ashwath performing live in Yuva Dasara

Traditional Doll Exhibition

Nandi Dhwaja (Signaling the start of procession)

Royal Elephants

KamsaaLe

DoLLu kuNitha

Yakshagaana

Shurpanakha

Dasara Procession

Here comes the Golden Ambari

Wish one and all a veryHappy Dasarra!!