Mysore Dasara is a state festival in the state of Karnataka in India. It is a 10-day festival, starting with nine nights called Navaratri and the last day being Vijayadashami. The festival is observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvina, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.
Image: Mysore palace illuminated
Image: Dasara in Mysore
Image: Mysore Palace Dussera (29633564994)
A lit up Mysore Palace, the epicenter of all Dasara festivities held in Mysore
Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra, and again in the month of Ashvin (September–October). It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere. Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navaratri. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri. There are 2 Gupta Navaratris or "Secret Navaratris" as well, one starting on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Magha Month and another starting in the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Jyestha Month.
Murti of Durga upon a tiger during Navaratri, Pune
Navadurga - The nine goddesses worshipped in Navaratri.
An 1834 sketch by James Prinsep showing Rama Leela Mela during Navaratri in Benares.
Navaratri is also a festival for feasting with friends and family.