Mysuru Palace during Dasara, Karnataka

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Under a thousand lights. Mysore Dasara

Mysore Dasara is Karnataka's grand state festival, celebrated with immense enthusiasm in the city of Mysuru. This 10-day extravaganza kicks off with nine nights of Navaratri, ending on Vijayadashami, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Today's image features the centrepiece of this celebration, the majestic Mysuru Palace. This palace is illuminated every night with 100,000 lights from 7 to 10 PM for the duration of the festival. The palace grounds come to life with cultural performances showcasing Karnataka's heritage of dance, music and art. The origins of the festival remain a mystery, but historical evidence points to its celebration during the 14th-15th century by the Vijayanagara kings. Known as Mahanavami at the time, the festival held great significance in the empire.

On Vijayadashami, the city observes the traditional Dasara procession called 'Jumboo Savari' in the day, winding through the city's streets in a vibrant display. The excitement continues with a torchlight parade in the evening at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds. The festival also features the popular Dasara exhibition, held opposite the Mysore Palace, offering many attractions like clothes, kitchenware, cosmetics and food. Another big draw is the Kusti Spardhe, a wrestling competition that brings together top wrestlers from across India, adding to the festive spirit.