Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara 2026 and the Grand Jamboo Savari - Date, Rituals, History and Significance

Mysuru Dasara 2026 will be celebrated from October 11 to October 21, with the grand finale, Vijayadashami and Jamboo Savari, taking place on Wednesday, October 21. Known as Karnataka's Nada Habba or state festival, Mysuru Dasara is a spectacular celebration of Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over the demon Mahishasura, combining religious rituals, royal traditions, cultural programmes and one of India's most famous elephant processions.

Also Read: Dussehra 2026 Across India: How Vijayadashami Is Celebrated in Different States

Mysuru Dasara 2026 Date and Schedule

Date	Day	Major Ritual/Event
October 11	Sunday	Dasara inauguration and Chamundeshwari Puja
October 16	Friday	Saraswati Puja
October 17	Saturday	Mahishasura Samhara tradition
October 20	Tuesday	Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja
October 21	Wednesday	Vijayadashami and Jamboo Savari

The official 2026 schedule states that the festival inauguration will take place at Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill on October 11, while the grand procession will be held on October 21.


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What Is the Significance of Mysuru Dasara?

Mysuru Dasara celebrates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over Mahishasura. According to local tradition, the Goddess defeated the buffalo demon on Chamundi Hill, where the famous Chamundeshwari Temple now stands.

The festival therefore represents the triumph of good over evil and divine power over injustice. Mysuru's royal family historically played an important role in the celebrations, and royal traditions continue to form an important part of the modern festival.

Important Rituals During Mysuru Dasara 2026

The festival includes several significant rituals throughout Navaratri.

Chamundeshwari Puja: The festival officially opens with special worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hill on October 11.

Saraswati Puja: Observed on October 16, the ritual honours Goddess Saraswati and the importance of knowledge and learning.

Mahanavami Ayudha Puja: On October 20, weapons, tools and other important objects are worshipped. The Mysuru Palace calendar also lists Gaja-Ashva Puja, involving the ceremonial worship of elephants and horses.

Shami Puja: Vijayadashami also includes Shami Puja and Aparajita Devi Puja according to the Palace calendar.

What Is Jamboo Savari?

The Jamboo Savari is the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara and the most iconic event of the festival. On October 21, Goddess Chamundeshwari's idol is placed inside the golden howdah carried by the lead elephant.

Before the procession begins, Nandi Dhwaja Puja is scheduled at the Mysuru Palace from 1:36 PM to 1:56 PM. The ceremonial Pushparchane to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah will take place from 4:10 PM to 4:35 PM. After this ritual, the Jamboo Savari will leave the palace at approximately 4:35 PM, travelling towards Bannimantap.

The procession features decorated elephants, traditional musicians, folk performers, cultural tableaux and ceremonial groups. Karnataka Tourism describes the procession as featuring the deity's idol along with elephants, cavalry, foot troops, folk dancers, musicians and tableaux.

What Happens After Jamboo Savari?

The celebrations continue at Bannimantap, where the famous Panjina Kavayathu or Torchlight Parade forms the closing spectacle of Mysuru Dasara. For 2026, the Torchlight Parade is scheduled for the evening of October 21, alongside the final palace illumination and a drone show.

Mysuru Dasara is therefore much more than a single-day Dussehra celebration. It is a grand blend of devotion, royal heritage, Karnataka's folk traditions and public festivities, with the Jamboo Savari serving as the spectacular culmination of the 2026 celebrations.