Festivals and events

October/November is when Mysore comes alive with its most famous festival — Dussehra. The city celebrates not the slaying of Ravana by Sri Ram as is common in other parts of India, but the victory of the goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon king Mahishasur. Dussehra is marked by the procession of several bedecked and caparisoned elephants winding through the streets of the city. The Chamundeshwari deity is carried on a golden howdah atop one of the elephants.

During Dussehra, Mysore's palaces are lit up with hundreds of lights. The famous throne is displayed for public viewing and there are fireworks, torchlight parades, and cultural performances all through the city. Definitely the best time to visit! Read more on Mysore Dussehra