
The Nada Habba
About Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru Dasara, the State Festival of Karnataka, celebrated since 1610.
Mysuru Dasara is the Nada Habba, the State festival of Karnataka. It is observed over the nine nights of Sharannavaratri and concludes on Vijayadashami, the tenth day. The tradition in Mysuru dates to 1610.
During the festival:
- the Amba Vilas Palace is illuminated every evening;
- cultural programmes are held at venues across the city;
- elephants from the forest camps of the Karnataka Forest Department take part in the ceremonies.
On Vijayadashami, the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken in procession in the golden howdah. This procession is the Jumboo Savari.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 will be observed from Sunday, 11 October to Wednesday, 21 October 2026. The Jumboo Savari will follow the Pushparchane at 4:10 PM on 21 October.
Key facts
| First observed | 1610, at Srirangapatna |
| Begun by | Raja Wadiyar I |
| Duration | Ten days (nine nights of Navaratri and Vijayadashami) |
| Concluding event | Jumboo Savari and Panjina Kavayathu, Vijayadashami |
| Status | State festival of Karnataka |
| Conducted by | Mysuru District Administration |
The Dasara emblem
The official emblem combines two symbols of Mysuru: an elephant bearing the ceremonial howdah, and the domes of the Palace.
Last updated on 24 September 2026