Spirit of Dasara- A visitor’s guide to Mysore Dasara

Spirit of Dasara - A visitor’s guide to Mysore Dasara ISBN: 978-93-80149-08-0 Pages: 45   US$19.99 The download link will be sent in a confirmation email.

Travel guide to Mysore Dasara festival

The Mysore Dasara is a major cultural festival held in the southern Indian city of Mysore. It is celebrated during the months of September or October, coinciding with the Indian festival of Dasara (also spelt as Dusshera).

Mysore is about 180 kms from Bangalore and still retains much of its small, historic city charm. The Dasara festival is a big draw for domestic and overseas tourists.

The 'Spirit of Dasara' by Hema Narayanan, a Chillibreeze writer, is a wonderful guide for those wanting to visit Mysore during Dasara. The author has unraveled the history and heritage of the Mysore Dasara and also captured the spirit of the festival in some beautiful snapshots.

'Spirit of Dasara' is about the festival, historical facts, the 'must watch' events, city specialties, accommodation, travel options and sightseeing around Mysore.

What makes Spirit of Dasara different from other travel guides?

• It is written by someone who has experienced the festival, knows the city and its culture.
• It has no advertisements or promotional content.
• It presents the 'experience' the Mysore Dasara offers and lets the traveler decide.

The guide will be useful for anyone wanting to make a weekend trip to Mysore, not essentially during Nadda Habba.

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Mysore is considered an iconic symbol of status in Karnataka. With the Wodeyars being patrons of art and culture and having contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city, Mysore earned the sobriquet Cultural capital of Karnataka. Since Dasara was celebrated at Mysore from centuries, it came to be known as the state festival or Nadda Habba.

Contrary to few prevalent notions, both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan fully supported the Dasara festivities. Srikanta Wadiyar in an interview recently said, “Hyder and Tipu were the de facto rulers of Mysore. But they always deferred to the Mysore king when local festivals and customs were concerned.” He added, “Dasara does not represent just one religion.”

Mysore has a mix of Wonders: It is said, “Wonder is the basis of worship and Wonder is the beginning of wisdom”. Mysore depicts a terrific mix of wonders and wisdom. It’s a city…

• rich in culture, heritage and architectural wonders
• reputed for its research and educational centers
• possessing skilled artists making handicrafts, and mastering at classical music
• known for its various specialties ranging from a sweet meat and its masala Dosa, to sandalwood and incense sticks, to Mysooru Jasmine and silk sarees
• Home of the world famous Ashtanga Yoga teacher Late Sri Pattabhi Jois, Mysore is also called “Ashtanga city or Ashtanga Yoga Capital”

Jamboo Savari	Mysore Palace	Conjuring up images of the bygone era, this Savari or the Vijayadashami procession, replete with caparisoned elephants and cultural troupes is 5 to 6 kilometers long. It starts at the palace and ends at the Bannimantap Many dignitaries and the King are a part of the ceremony.
Cultural programs	Jagan Mohana palace Kalamandira Amba Vilas Palace	Various cultural shows such as classical dancing (dance ballets, Bharatanatyam), music (Hindustani, classical, Sungama Sangeetha) and instrument recitals (Sitar, whistle) are held at these venues at different timings
Yuva Dasara	Maharaja college Grounds	This is a six day celebration for the young and the hip – it’s a big draw of Dasara. It will also host folk arts from different states like R ajasthan, Orissa, Assam and Gujarat. This year, big entertainers from Hindi music/ singing industry will present music. The music veteran S P Balasubramanyam will also be performing at the Yuva Dasara

 

Wildlife/Birds:

• Bandipur: 80 kms from Mysore, Bandipur is one of India’s best known protected areas and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants, along with leopards, dholes, gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is a must-see for a visitor.
  (More at: http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/mysore/bandipur.html)
• Nagarhole: located 94 km from Mysore, it is a national park, spread between Kodagu and Mysore districts. Located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two. It stretches over 640 km², protecting the wildlife of Karnataka. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park, it forms the largest protected area in southern India.
  ( More at: http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/mysore/nagarahole.html)
• Ranganathittu: 19 kms from Mysore it’s a small bird Sanctuary being only 67 km². in area, and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. However the species of birds here are in plenty.
  (More at: http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/sanctuary/ranganthittu.html)
• Kokrebellur: Famous for its bird sanctuary the name of this village is derived from Kokkare meaning stork and Bellur meaning village of jaggery (raw sugar from sugarcane). The district abounds in sugarcane fields and this village is famous for having large colonies of Spot-billed Pelicans and Painted Storks nesting in trees within the village. River Shimsa flows through the village.
  (More at: http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/mysore/kokrebellur.html)

Also for the several myths and misconceptions that exist about India – which perhaps may not be true, some interesting notes are written in here:
http://www.chillibreeze.com/ebooks/mythsaboutIndia.aspx

Health & security related

• For emergency related to health centers, hospitals and other facilities, details can be found at: http://www.mysore.net/emergencynumber.htm
• Several health care centers are available in Mysore (Contact information can be got using Just-Dial at 6999-9999. Dial in code: 0821

General Tips

• Watch out for touts
• Beware of pickpockets during Dasara
• Local folks sell musical instrument like flutes or violins made by bamboo, postcards, wooden box with nice carving etc. Do not peek onto the product if you have no intentions to buy – they will follow you all the way
• Mozzies and Buggahs surround the street lamps and nearby water, thus going around you

Best Time to Visit Mysore

Mysore is blessed with a pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit the city any time of the year but it is advisable to avoid the rainy seasons. The daily temperatures vary between 21°C and 34°C (with April being the hottest).