The Mysore Palace lit with 97,000 LEDs is the image most people associate with Dasara in Karnataka. But the illumination runs every evening for 11 days. The event that people specifically travel for is the Jamboo Savari on the final day: a 5 kilometre elephant procession carrying a 750 kilogram golden howdah from the palace to Bannimantap, with roughly 25 decorated elephants, 30 music bands and folk troupes lining the route.
Mysore Dasara 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 to Wednesday, October 21. The Jamboo Savari falls on October 21, which in the Mysore calendar is Vijayadashami, one day after the pan-India Dussehra date of October 20.
Why Mysore Dasara Is Structurally Different
The mysore dasara 2026 celebration is a state festival rather than a community gathering. Its royal legacy traces back to the Vijayanagara Empire and was continued by the Wadiyar rulers of Mysuru. The scale of the programming, the palace illumination, and the formal procession with government and royal participation set it apart from every other Dussehra celebration in India.
Mysore Dasara 2026: Dates, Day by Day Highlights and Complete Travel Guide
The festival has three layers: the daily evening illumination, the cultural programming running throughout the 11 days, and the Jamboo Savari procession on the final day.
The Palace Illumination: Every Evening, October 11 to 21
The Mysore Palace is lit every evening during Dasara from roughly 7:00 to 7:45 PM. The 97,000 eco-friendly LEDs outline the entire palace structure and create the iconic silhouette visible from the palace grounds, the surrounding roads, and elevated viewpoints across the city.
Viewing is free from the palace grounds. No ticket is required for the illumination itself. The switch-on draws a crowd each evening, and weekends during Dasara see the heaviest footfall around the palace.
For photography, the northern face of the palace gives the most complete view of the illuminated structure. Arrive at the grounds by 6:30 PM to secure a position before the lights come on.
The Jamboo Savari: October 21, Afternoon
The Jamboo Savari is the grand procession on Vijayadashami. An idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in the golden howdah (ambari) on the lead elephant. The procession moves from the Mysore Palace grounds along Albert Victor Road to Sayyaji Rao Road and onwards to Bannimantap, a route of about 5 kilometres.
The procession includes approximately 25 decorated elephants, traditional musicians, decorated tableaux, folk performers from across Karnataka, and a military escort. The golden howdah weighs about 750 kilograms and is carried by the lead elephant, which is selected and trained specifically for this role each year.
The elephants enter the Mysore Palace premises weeks before Dasara for acclimatisation. In 2026, the first batch moved into the palace grounds in late August.
The Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayathu) is a separate event held on the evening before or after the Jamboo Savari. The parade moves through the city at night with lit torches and draws its own crowd distinct from the daytime procession.
The Dasara Exhibition
The Dasara Exhibition at Doddakere Maidan, directly opposite the palace, runs from around the festival start through December. It is a mix of trade stalls, industrial exhibitions, food courts, rides and entertainment. The exhibition is the longest-running component of Dasara and serves as the commercial counterpart to the cultural programming.
Chamundi Hills and the Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundi Hills rises about 1,000 steps above the city, with the Chamundeshwari Temple at the summit. During Dasara, special pujas are conducted at the temple, and the temple sees significantly higher footfall throughout the 11 days. The Nandi Bull statue, carved from a single boulder, sits partway up the hill.
The drive up Chamundi Hills takes about 30 minutes from the city centre. Walking the steps is an option for those who want the full experience, but allow 45 to 60 minutes for the climb.
Other Dasara Events
Veda Parayanam runs at the Durbar Hall inside the palace, with approximately 300 scholars reciting sacred texts. Yuva Dasara is a youth-oriented cultural and music festival held at a separate venue, usually starting a few days before the main Dasara. The Food Court at Doddakere Maidan complements the exhibition with local and regional food stalls.
How to Reach Mysore
From Bangalore: About 140 km, roughly 3 hours by road on NH275. The Bangalore to Mysore road trip guide covers the route in detail.
From Chennai: About 480 km, roughly 8 to 9 hours by road via Bangalore.
By Train: Mysore Junction is connected to Bangalore by multiple daily trains, including the Shatabdi Express. Direct trains run from Chennai and Delhi as well.
By Air: Mysore Airport has limited connectivity. Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport is the practical option, with the 3-hour road connection to Mysore.
Where to Stay
Hotels near the palace and on Sayyaji Rao Road offer the closest access to the illumination and the Jamboo Savari route. Accommodation fills well in advance for the Jamboo Savari weekend. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead for the October 17 to 21 window.
Budget options are available in the Devaraja Market area and along JLB Road. Heritage hotels like the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel offer a thematic stay during the festival.
Best Days to Visit
If you can only visit for one or two days, plan around the Jamboo Savari on October 21 (Wednesday) and arrive the evening before to see the palace illumination on October 20. If you have a full weekend, the October 17 to 18 Saturday-Sunday window covers the first big weekend of Dasara programming.
Practical Considerations
October in Mysore is warm during the day (28 to 32 degrees Celsius) and pleasant in the evenings. Carry water and sun protection for the Jamboo Savari, which runs in the afternoon. The procession route is lined with spectators, and positions along the front rows fill hours before the procession starts.
Expect traffic diversions and parking restrictions near the palace during the illumination hours and on Jamboo Savari day. Auto-rickshaws within Mysore run on negotiated fares during Dasara.
Prices are approximate and may vary based on season, demand, and availability.
Common Questions About Mysore Dasara 2026
When is mysore dasara 2026?
Mysore Dasara 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 to Wednesday, October 21, with the Jamboo Savari on the final day.
What is the Jamboo Savari at Mysore Dasara?
The Jamboo Savari is a 5 km elephant procession carrying a 750 kg golden howdah from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap on Vijayadashami.
Is the Mysore Palace illumination free during Dasara?
The palace illumination is visible from the grounds without a ticket, running every evening from roughly 7:00 to 7:45 PM during the festival.
How many elephants participate in the Jamboo Savari?
Approximately 25 decorated elephants participate in the procession, with the lead elephant carrying the golden howdah of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Why does Mysore celebrate Vijayadashami on October 21 instead of October 20?
The Mysore Dasara calendar follows a local calculation that places its Vijayadashami on October 21 in 2026, one day after the pan-India date.
How do I reach Mysore from Bangalore for Dasara?
Mysore is about 140 km from Bangalore, roughly 3 hours by road on NH275, with multiple bus and train connections daily.
What is the Torchlight Parade at Mysore Dasara?
The Torchlight Parade is a separate nighttime procession through the city with lit torches, held the evening before or after the Jamboo Savari.
When should I book hotels for Mysore Dasara?
Book at least 2 to 3 weeks before the festival, especially for the Jamboo Savari weekend from October 17 to 21.
What is the Dasara Exhibition in Mysore?
The exhibition at Doddakere Maidan runs from Dasara through December with trade stalls, industrial exhibits, food courts and entertainment rides.
Can I visit Chamundi Hills during Dasara?
Chamundi Hills and the Chamundeshwari Temple are accessible during Dasara but see significantly higher footfall. Drive takes 30 minutes from the city.
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