The Dasara festivities of Mysore in the state of Karnataka are a cultural tour de force. They range over ten days that fall in the months of September-October to commemorate the victory of Devi Durga, also known as Chamundeswari, over the demon Mahishasura. Symbolically it was the triumph of truth and valor over that of evil and chaos.

The origins of this festival date back to the times of the erstwhile and glorious Vijaynagara empire in the 14th century. Friezes and carvings upon some of its temple walls, notably the Hazara Rama temple as shown in this picture, depict various scenes from the celebration of Mahanavami held in the kingdom during the 400 odd years of its existence. Some foreign travelers to Hampi have left detailed accounts of the grandeur and scope of these festivities that included grand processions, martial and athletic events, dances, variety entertainment for the masses and the giving of charity to the destitute. Royal support and participation made these celebrations truly distinctive for the subjects of the city of Hampi and the thousands of visitors it drew from around the regions of this prosperous kingdom.

With the fall of the Vijaynagara kingdom to the Deccan Sultanate in the 16th century, the Mahanavami celebrations fell in their scale and glory rapidly, finding no support whatsoever from its new Islamic rulers. This grand tradition almost died until it was revived in the early 17th century under the Wodeyar dynasty who ruled the kingdom of Mysore right up until the time of India’s independence.

The festivities of Dasara remain a highlight to this day with the royal family continuing to initiate and participate in it in homage to Devi Chamundeswari, the patron deity of Mysore.

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