The grandeur of Dasara as a State Festival in the city of Mysore, a seat of cultural heritage, has won acclaim all over the world, and attracts a large number of visitors, both Indian and foreign. The cultural programmes held at the Mysore palace, the Jagan Mohan Palace, Kalamandir and the town hall, the sports and wrestling events, colourful procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari, torchlight parade and fireworks at Bannimantap and exhibition mark the main attractions of Dasara.
Basically, Navarathri is a feast of mother Goddess worshipped in different names and forms such as - mahakali, mahishasura mardhini, chamundi, kali, durga, raktadanti, shakambari and brahmani. Dasara starts on the first day of Ashwija month
The origin of Dasara goes way back to the Vijayanagar dynasty in 15th Century. The Wodeyars of Mysore continued this colourful & religious celebration under the leadership of Raja Wodeyar in the year 1610. Dasara is also known as the 'Navarathri', where nine days of worship & celebration culminate on the 10th day, known as 'Vijaydashami'. This has been declared as Naada Habba or the State Festival.
Legend has it that the resident demon of Mysore, known as 'Mahishasura' was slain by the goddess in the avatar of Chamundeshwari. (Incidentally the name Mysore is derived from this demon 'Mahishasura') Therefore 'Vijaydashami' is celebrated symbolically as the victory of good over evil.