Mysore Dasara 2026 – Karnataka’s Royal Festival of Victory & Culture

Full Date

11 October 2026 Morning (inauguration) – 21 October 2026 Evening (Jumbo Savari & torch-parade)

Muhurat Timings in India

• Jumbo Savari – Elephant Procession

  On 21 October 2026 (Vijayadashami) the famous Jumbo Savari parade will be held from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap featuring the golden howdah-elephant, tableaux, folk dances, music bands and camels, culminating in the torch-light parade in the evening. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

  21 October 2026 Afternoon ≈ 1:15 PM – 21 October 2026 Evening ≈ 7:30 PM

• Palace Illumination & Cultural Nights

  Every evening during the Dasara period the Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of bulbs and cultural programmes are held at the palace grounds and public venues. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

  11 October 2026 Evening 7:00 PM – 21 October 2026 Night 10:30 PM

Introduction

Mysore Dasara is a grand ten-day royal festival celebrated in Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka. It is one of India’s richest cultural spectacles, combining processions, illumination, music, dance, royal traditions and public festivities. It is locally called “Nada Habba” meaning ‘festival of the state’ and culminates on Vijayadashami with the iconic elephant parade known as Jumbo Savari. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Other Names

Nada Habba, Mysuru Dasara, Jumbo Savari Festival

Pooja Vidhi

• On the first day, special pooja is held at the Chamundi Hill temple honoring Goddess Chamundeshwari.
• On the ninth day (Mahanavami) weapons are worshipped (Ayudha Puja) and royal sword is shown to public.
• On Vijayadashami, after the procession, Banni tree is worshipped in Bannimantap as symbolic of victory. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Throughout the festival devotees visit the palace and temples, the royal family participate in worship and public participate in darbar and cultural events.

Rituals

• The illuminated palace: The Mysore Palace is lit with around 100,000 bulbs each evening during the festival. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Royal Durbar: The Wodeyar royal family hosts a special durbar at the palace where the “Pattada Katti” (royal sword) is displayed.
• Jumbo Savari: On the final day an elaborately decorated elephant carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in a golden howdah and proceeds in a grand procession from the palace to Bannimantap. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Torch-light parade (Panjina Kavayatthu) in the evening of Vijayadashami.
• Cultural programs every night — music, dance, wrestling (Kusti) matches and exhibitions throughout the ten days. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Regional Highlights

• Mysore Dasara is the state festival (Nada Habba) of Karnataka, celebrated with royal heritage, large public participation and tourist draw. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• The milestone event is in Mysuru, but the cultural impact spreads across the state with exhibitions, folk-arts, and traditional wrestling competitions.
• It draws thousands of tourists from across India and abroad, many of whom plan their visit around the Jumbo Savari.

History

The tradition of Mysore Dasara dates back to the reign of the Wodeyar dynasty and earlier Vijayanagara traditions. According to legend, the festival honours the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura—an event that gave Mysuru its name. The royal court (Durbar), weapons worship, decorated elephants and public celebrations are centuries old. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Additional Information

• Unlike many other Dasara celebrations (which last one day), Mysore Dasara extends over ten days culminating on Vijayadashami. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• The word ‘Jumbo Savari’ derives from ‘Jumbi’ (Banni tree) and ‘Savari’ (ride) referencing the ritual ride to Bannimantap where the Banni tree is worshipped. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• The annual Dasara exhibition at Mysore (Dasara Mela) begins during the festivities and continues for weeks, showcasing handicrafts, food stalls and entertainment. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}