Dasara is the biggest festival in Mysore and surrounding areas of South Karnataka, celebrated with great fanfare. This year's Dasara celebrations have begin in the city, and will go on till 28th of September.
Historically, Dasara festival had the patronage of the Kings of Mysore. Today, the Government of Karnataka continues the tradition of celebrating Dasara in a grand way.
The festival started with inauguration by Sri Sri Ravishankar on the morning of 19th September. Programs during the festival days include an exhibition of arts and crafts in a sprawling exhibition ground, sports events and cultural evenings. Particularly well known are the kusti competition - a form of wrestling. The Mysore Palace will be lit up with thousands of lights every evening during the festivities.
The program concludes with a grand procession lead by elephants and followed by various tableau. The last day is the most eventful of the festival days and attracts large number of tourists.
Visit the official website of Mysore Dasara (http://mysoredasara.com) for schedules and other details.