Mysuru Dasara : An Ode to Vijayanagara

Another year and Mysuru is bracing up for a spectacular show of traditional parade, pageant, expo and extravaganza. A celebration rightly dubbed as “Naada Habba” across the state of Karnataka during the 10 days of Mahanavami and Vijayadashami. People throng from across different parts of the world to witness this traditional exhibition of Mysuru’s pomp and glory. 

The word Mysuru is not just the name of a place but rather an identity for many a folks and folklores especially for a few southern states of India. Mysuru Dasara is not just a festival but rather an illustrious manifestation of an empire that stood rock solid as a protector against the marauding Invaders. 

Bend some time and time-travel back to the early 16th century during the days of Mahanavami. Bend some space too, and find yourself in front of Hazararama Temple of Hampi. In the chronology of time, you are at a place what was once the capital city of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire and rightfully so, your King was Sri Krishnadevaraya.

Make no mistake, at this precise time and place, you are certainly an audience to what we proudly call Mysuru Dasara today. True, today’s Dasara is erstwhile Mahanavami and Vijayadashami celebrations of Vijayanagara Empire. To this day, the Mahanavami Dibba or The Mahanavami Platform in Hampi is a living testimony to the roots of Mysuru Dasara festival. The festival since then is celebrated in all its pomp and grandeur of traditions. The deity of Goddess Chamundeshwari being at the centre of it all. The Hazararama temple in Hampi is decorated with many a walls that display  sculptures depicting various festivities of arts and celebrations during the festival. A beautiful sight to behold. Events for singing, dancing, literature and guest hosting were the prime attractions for ten days. Vijayadashami celebrations also commemorated the lives of those who laid down to protect the good against the evil forces of invaders. 

After the tragic fall of Vijayanagara in the late 16th century, its vassal state of the Wodeyars of Mysuru voluntarily carried the baton of Mahanavami or Dasara and left no stone unturned to keep its continuity to this day. The first such celebrations took place in Srirangapatna near Mysuru under the Kingship of Raja Wodeyar I. Four centuries on, today the millennials are witnessing the same with much more enthusiasm. 

Thus, Mysuru Dasara is in many ways a festival of an identity of people whose ancestors were once proud citizens of a glorious Empire. 

Thus, Mysuru Dasara is a “Naada Habba” in all its true essence. 

Thus, Mysuru Dasara is an Ode to Vijayanagara.