Mysuru Dasara
The Wadiyar royal festival of Karnataka
Significance
Instituted by the Vijayanagara emperors and continued by the Wadiyar dynasty since 1610. Officially the 'Nadahabba' or state festival of Karnataka.
A 400-year royal tradition. The Mysuru Palace is illuminated by 100,000 bulbs every evening; Vijaya Dashami climaxes with the Jumboo Savari — a caparisoned elephant carries the golden howdah of Goddess Chamundeshwari in a 5 km procession through the city.
First-time visitor
Walk the palace grounds at dusk on any night, then lock your vantage for the Jumboo Savari on Day 10.
What to see
- Nightly palace illumination at 7 PM
- Cultural performances at Palace Durbar Hall
- Torchlight parade on Dasara evening
- Jumboo Savari — the grand elephant procession
Festival foods
Best for
Travel tips
- 1Book the grandstand seats for Jumboo Savari 2 months ahead
- 2Stay within walking distance of the palace — roads are sealed
- 3Carry a zoom lens — the elephant howdah is far in the procession
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Mysore Palace
Karnataka
Seat of the Wadiyar dynasty since 1399, the present Indo-Saracenic structure was rebuilt in 1912 after fire destroyed the wooden original. The official residence of the former Kingdom of Mysore.
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Questions & Answers
About Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru Dasara 2026 is scheduled for 11–20 Oct 2026. That's 119 days from today.
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