Mysore Dussehra parade.The 10 day Mysore Dasara festival gets underway tomorrow, October 16, 2012. In contrast to the usual one day Dussehra celebration in India, it runs for the whole of Navaratri, culminating with a huge street procession and torch light show on the last day, October 24, 2012.
Apart from the events on the last day, the festival highlight this year will take place at Mysore Palace grounds on October 21, 2012. A huge program of music and dance, featuring 1,000 performers from various schools all over the city, has been organized for the first time. It will run from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
If you're into history, don't miss the free early morning heritage walk around the city on October 18, starting from 7 a.m. at the town hall. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation is also offering daily discounted bus tours to attractions around Mysore. Called the "Dasara Darshan", these tours cost from 225-335 rupees for adults and 115-170 rupees for kids. An early start is necessary -- the tours depart at 6.30 a.m and the longest one goes for 350 kilometers all the way to Coorg and back. It includes a stop at the Golden Temple at Namdroling Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastery, and Dubare Forest.
Find out more information about Mysore Dasara, including where to download a detailed program of events for each day, in this Mysore Dasara guide.
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I read about this Dasara and Diwali celebrations of Mysore. I’ve also read about early morning walk around the city. It is the time when I am in India. I want be a part of this festival.