Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Mysuru Dasara

Vedic Karnataka / Mysuru Regional / major Chamundeshwari

Dates for the Bay Area

  • Tuesday, 20 October 2026Regional / major
  • Saturday, 9 October 2027Regional / majornext
  • Wednesday, 27 September 2028Regional / major
Traditions differ. What follows describes common practice, not the only correct practice. Observance varies by region, sampradāya and family, and Sri Kumar Gurukkal will follow your family’s tradition. Our editorial & ritual standards →

Why it matters

Karnataka’s royal Dasara tradition centers on Chamundeshwari and celebrates the victory of the Goddess over Mahishasura, intertwined with centuries of Mysuru court and cultural heritage.

The story behind it

The Wodeyar-era festival developed into a grand state celebration; Chamundeshwari worship, palace ceremonies and the Vijayadashami procession are major elements.

Prayers and worship

Chamundeshwari/Durga pooja, Devi stotras, Navratri worship, arati and cultural offerings of music and dance.

Fasting and devotional customs

Nine nights of Navratri build toward Vijayadashami; the royal and civic celebration includes processions, illumination and cultural programs.

What is typically offered

Flowers, kumkum, lamps, royal/cultural decorations and Devi prasādam.

Visiting a temple that day

In Northern California this is usually represented through Karnataka community programs rather than a literal royal procession; emphasize Chamundeshwari and cultural heritage.

Spiritual themes

Victory of dharma, Shakti, cultural heritage and community pride.

Request this pooja

Ask Sri Kumar Gurukkal about a pooja for Mysuru Dasara — at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely. A request is an enquiry, not a booking.

Request a pooja Add 20 Oct 2026 to calendar

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Related festivals

BhogiLohriKaanum PongalMauni AmavasyaGudi PadwaAll Navarātri dates
← Mokshada EkadashiNag Panchami → Full festival calendar

The 2026–27 dates were derived for the Fremont / Bay Area location from standard tithi, nakṣatra and solar-ingress rules. The 2028 date is computed by this site’s own engine from the festival’s standard definition, tested against the 2026–27 dates: the same day as Vijayadashami / Dussehra. No 2028 date has been checked against a printed almanac or reviewed by Sri Kumar Gurukkal. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →