Mysuru Dasara: Celebrating the ten days of Navratri

Mysuru Dasara also called Navratri is celebrated over a period of 10 days in Karnataka. This year 21st-30th September marks the days.

Mysuru Dasara also called Navratri is celebrated over a period of 10 days in Karnataka. This year the festival falls on 21st-30th September. In picture, Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare Umashree inaugurates a rangoli competition organized as part of Dasara in front of Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple in Mysuru. (EPS | S Udayashankar) 

The last day of the festival, Vijayadashami,signifies the victory of Goddess Chamunderswari over demon Mahishasura. In fact, the city Mysuru is named after the demon slained by the Goddess. In picture, folk artists perform during the inauguration of Dasara festival atop chamundi hill in Mysuru. (EPS | S Udayashankar)

During the festival, Mysuru palace steals the spotlight with cultural and religious programs. The royal palace is decorated with 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm during these days. (EPS | S Udayashankar)

The traditional Dasara procession also called Jamboo Savari takes place on the last day of Navratri festival. In picture, Elephants decorated as' Pattada aane' being take out for pooja. (EPS | S Udayashankar)

The procession which carries Goddess Chamunderswari's idol on golden mandapa on elephant top, begins from Mysuru palace and reaches Banni Mantapa. After the procession, a torchlight parade takes place at Banni Mantap. ( File photo | EPS)

The Dasara festival began way back in 15th century by Vijayanagar kings. The 400th anniversary of the festival was marked in 2010. In picture, Chamundi hill temple priest Shekhar Dixit decorating idol of Sri Chamundeshwari as part of Dasara inauguration. (EPS | S Udayashankar)