The MYSORE DASARA is the culimating event of the 9 day Navratri festival in Mysore and it attracts lakhs of tourists from India and the world over. Mysore, which used to be a capital for more than 600 years, is closely associated with Navratri and Dasara legends and the Chamundeshwari Temple is an important city landmark for a good reason. The city also owes its name to a tale from the Hindu mythology, one that involves Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Durga who battled the demon Mahishasura for nine nights. On the 10th day, Chamundeshwari killed Mahishasura and the town came to be called Mahishasurana Uru (meaning, the town that Mahishasur belonged to). Soon, that name changed to Mahisur or Mysuru, which was then anglicized as Mysore.
The grandest and the most important day of the Mysore Dasara celebrations is, of course, Vijayadashami. Mysore Palace begins its day with a puja. After the puja is over begins the Jamboo Savari, the procession that begins from the Mysore Palace with Goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol perched on a well-decorated elephant and ends at the Bannimantap Ground. The royals worship the Banni tree here which has its own history. The first grand Dasara procession was started by the Maharaja of Wodeyar in Srirangapatna in 1610 to show off his power and might.
This minutely crafted piece from Channapatna, shows a part of this glamorous Dasara procession. Please note that each of these pieces are handpainted and their rustic charm adds to their credibility. Kindly do not expect a perfect finish in terms of the painting.
DIMENSIONS -
18" x 7" base, 9 " tall
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Not to be washed. Avoid blows against hard surfaces.