Mysuru Dasara 2026: Mahanavami Rituals Shine with Elephants, Horses and Ancient Arms

In the grand courtyards of Mysuru Palace, the air was thick with incense and excitement as the Mahanavami ceremonies kicked off the Dasara Mahotsava 2026. The highlight? A solemn puja conducted beside the revered Patta elephant, Srikantha, and the spirited Nishane horse, Ekalavya, both escorted by a contingent of gleaming Khasa weapons.

Royal family members, palace staff and a handful of dignitaries gathered at the ancient Kote Someshwara Temple, where priests chanted age‑old verses, invoking Goddess Chamundeshwari’s blessings. The elephant, draped in ornate gold cloth, swayed gently while the horse, regal in its own right, let out a soft whinny that seemed to echo the festival’s centuries‑old rhythm.

For anyone who’s ever watched the famed Jamboo Savari procession, today’s rituals felt like a quiet prelude to the fireworks to come. The 11‑day extravaganza, which started on October 11, will crescendo on Vijayadashami with the spectacular parade on October 21, following the Ayudha Puja held this Tuesday.

Karnataka’s chief minister, DK Shivakumar, took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend a warm invitation. “Mysore Dasara… the pride of the land of Karuna, the celebration of Kannadigas,” he wrote, urging locals and travellers alike to soak in the art, culture and sheer splendor that defines the state festival. His message was peppered with heartfelt wishes and a reminder that the festivities are as much about heritage as they are about communal joy.

Since the days of Raja Wadiyar I in 1610, when the first Dasara was held to commemorate Chamundeshwari’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura, the festival has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of illuminated streets, folk performances, classical music, and dazzling aerial displays. Yet, the core rituals—like today’s Mahanavami puja—remain rooted in tradition, linking present‑day revelers to a lineage that stretches over four centuries.

So whether you’re wandering the bustling bazaars, watching the majestic procession of decorated elephants, or simply standing on the palace steps admiring the scent of jasmine and sandalwood, Mysuru Dasara 2026 promises a sensory feast that feels both timeless and alive.