Which city is famous for its grand royal Vijayadashami celebrations?



Vijayadashami or Dussehra is celebrated in Mysuru to commemorate the day when the Hindu Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) killed the demon Mahisasura. It is believed that the city Mysore got its name after the demon Mahishasura was slayed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. Therefore, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated with much grandeur and spectacle in Mysore and is accompanied with elaborate preparations. The Dasara Festival organised to celebrate Dussehra 2017 will complete 407 years this time. 



It is believed that Mysore Dasara or Dussehra festivities were first celebrated during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings back in the 14th-century. Goddess Durga was revered as the warrior goddess and therefore, martial event was organised every year with athletic competitions, fireworks and military parades. Later, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the year 1805, the tradition of holding a special Durbar at the Mysore palace was started, which was attended by members of the royal family, special invitees, officials and the masses. In the present day, the “Pattada Katti” (royal sword) is worshiped on the day of Dusshera and on the ninth day of the festival, which is also known as Mahanavami, it is placed on the golden throne. 



The martial event is not organised anymore but the Dussehra festivities in Mysuru today are no less grand than what they were before. The highlight of the festivities is the 10-day Mysore Dasara festival in the Mysore Palace. The entire palace is decorated with about 100,000 light bulbs that illuminate and brighten the sky from 7 P.M to 10 P.M on each day of the festival. Many cultural and religious programs, song and dance performances are also organised in front of the palace. 



 



Picture Credit : Google


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