Hello, friends! Let’s learn about a big, fun party called the Mysore Dasara festival. It happens every year in a place called Mysuru, which is in Karnataka, India. In 2024, this happy festival will be from October 4th to October 14th. That’s 10 whole days of fun!
What is Mysore Dasara?
Mysore Dasara is like a giant birthday party for the whole city. The streets are full of lights, colors, and happy people. There’s music, dancing, yummy food, and lots of cool things to see and do.
Cool Things to See at the Festival
- A big, pretty palace that lights up at night
- A parade with big, friendly elephants
- People holding bright torches at night
- Lots of dancing and singing shows
- Yummy food to try
- Beautiful flowers everywhere
- Fun movies to watch
- People doing yoga (that’s like fun exercise)
How Much Does it Cost?
To see all these fun things, grown-ups need to buy tickets. Here’s how much they might cost:
- To see the lit-up palace:
- Normal ticket: 50 to 100 rupees
- Special ticket: 200 to 500 rupees
- To watch the elephant parade:
- Normal seat: 100 to 300 rupees
- Best seat: 500 to 1000 rupees
- To see the torch light show:
- Normal ticket: 100 to 200 rupees
- Special seat: 500 to 1000 rupees
- To watch dancing and singing:
- 50 to 500 rupees, depending on the show
- To see cool stuff in a big room (called an exhibition):
- Grown-ups: 20 to 50 rupees
- Kids: 10 to 25 rupees
Remember, these prices might change a little bit. It’s best to ask a grown-up to check the real prices when it’s closer to the festival time.
When Can You See Things?
Here’s when you can see all the fun stuff:
- The pretty lit-up palace:
- Every night from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- The big elephant parade:
- On the last day at 2:30 PM
- The torch light show:
- On the day before the last day, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Dancing and singing shows:
- All day long, from morning to night
- Cool stuff to see and yummy food to eat:
- Every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Pretty flower show:
- Every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
New and Exciting Things for 2024
- Tickets on your phone: You might be able to get tickets on a phone or computer.
- Being kind to nature: The festival will try to use things that don’t hurt the Earth.
- Staying safe: There will be more people to keep everyone safe.
- People from other countries: You might see dancers and singers from far-away places.
- Watch from home: If you can’t go to the festival, you might be able to watch it on a computer.
- A special app: There might be a fun app on phones to help people at the festival.
- Lots of yummy food: There will be many new foods to try.
- Easy for everyone: The festival will be easier for people who need extra help to move around or see things.
- More pretty lights: The palace might stay lit up for more days.
- Learn new things: You might be able to learn how to make cool stuff.
Mysore Dasara 2024 Schedule: Key Dates and Events
Mysore Dasara 2024 will begin on October 3rd and conclude on October 12th, with each day packed with various cultural and religious activities. Here’s a detailed look at the key events:
- Day 1: October 3, 2024 – Inauguration Ceremony: The festival kicks off with a grand inauguration at the Chamundi Hill, usually performed by a notable figure or a member of the royal family.
- Day 2-9: Cultural Programs and Exhibitions: Various cultural performances, including classical dance, music, and drama, will be held at prominent venues like the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, and Kalamandira. Additionally, the Dasara Exhibition, showcasing handicrafts, cuisines, and traditional artifacts, will run throughout the festival.
- Day 10: October 12, 2024 – Vijayadashami & Jumbo Savari: The final day features the iconic Jumbo Savari procession, followed by the torchlight parade at Bannimantap Grounds.
Top Attractions During Mysore Dasara 2024
The festival offers a plethora of attractions that appeal to both locals and tourists alike. Here are some must-see highlights:
a. Mysore Palace Illumination
During the Mysore Dasara, the Mysore Palace is beautifully illuminated every evening with nearly 100,000 bulbs, creating a magical ambiance. The palace serves as a backdrop for various cultural programs, including music and dance performances, making it a visual and auditory feast.
b. Jumbo Savari
The Jumbo Savari is the highlight of Mysore Dasara. The procession includes caparisoned elephants, horses, camels, and decorated floats that depict Karnataka’s rich heritage. The spectacle is accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, attracting thousands of spectators.
c. Torchlight Parade (Panju)
Held at the Bannimantap Grounds, the torchlight parade marks the conclusion of the festival. It features a variety of thrilling events, including motorcycle stunts, equestrian displays, and fireworks, offering an adrenaline-pumping end to the celebrations.
d. Dasara Exhibition
The Dasara Exhibition, held near the Mysore Palace, is a vibrant marketplace offering a variety of stalls that sell handicrafts, garments, toys, and regional delicacies. It is an excellent opportunity for visitors to shop for souvenirs and experience local flavors.
e. Cultural Programs and Performances
Throughout the 10 days, the city hosts numerous cultural programs, showcasing classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, along with folk dances, puppet shows, and music concerts. These performances provide a platform for artists to display their talents and preserve traditional art forms.
How to Make the Most of Mysore Dasara 2024
Here are some additional tips to enhance your Mysore Dasara experience:
- Arrive Early: To secure a good spot during the processions and cultural events, arrive early, as large crowds are expected.
- Photography Tips: Mysore Dasara offers fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the illuminated palace, the vibrant processions, and the colorful costumes. However, respect the guidelines, especially in restricted areas.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the festival’s history, significance, and hidden gems.
- Explore Beyond Dasara: While in Mysore, explore other attractions like the Mysore Zoo, St. Philomena’s Church, Brindavan Gardens, and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Why You Should Go
The Mysore Dasara festival is like a big, magical party. It’s full of pretty things to see, fun things to do, and yummy things to eat. You can learn about old stories and see how people in Karnataka celebrate.
If you want to go, ask a grown-up to plan early. Lots of people want to see this festival, so it’s good to get ready in advance.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before, the Mysore Dasara festival in 2024 will be super fun. You’ll see amazing things and make happy memories. It’s a special time when everyone comes together to have fun and celebrate. Don’t forget to mark it on your calendar!
Also Read: Mysore Dasara Timings and Ticket Prices 2024 Latest Updates
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