Mysuru is set to be the center of attention as the annual Nada Habba Dasara festival begins. The celebrations commenced with a traditional puja at Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, where writer Nadoja Hampa Nagarajaiah paid his respects to the deity, Goddess Chamundeshwari. This nine-day festival, which draws crowds from around the world, will culminate with a grand Vijayadashami procession starting from Mysore Palace on October 12. Nadoja Hampa Nagarajaiah, also known as Hampanna, reflected on the joy of playing with dolls during Dasara, highlighting the cultural diversity of Karnataka celebrated by all its people.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a member of the Mysuru royal family and Member of Parliament, conducted the annual private darbar at Mysore Palace over the nine days of Navratri. The festival will feature cultural events such as Yuva Dasara with performances by Ilaiyaraaja and A R Rahman, a food mela, a flower show, and a book mela. Additionally, this year’s film festival will honor the late actor-filmmaker Dwarakish.