Vijsysdashami or Dasara celebrates nothing less than the victory of good over evil. Mysore/Mysuru, India is named after that great battle.

The buffalo demon, Mahimadura tricked Shiva into giving him Godlike powers that he used to wreak havoc on humanity. The goddess Puja descended to earth and, after a great battle, slew the demon. Mysore is based on the name of the demon’s homes that was the site of the epic battle.

The Dasara parade commemorates the battle and was supposed to coincide with the coronation of the local prince. Unfortunately, due to a death in the family, the coronation was cancelled but the celebrations continued.

Elephants

Spinning fun.

Checking out the crowd.

Female drummer. Most musicians in the parade were male but there were a few exceptions. This band had a huge number of female drummers.

Dancers having a good time.

Shiva, on stilts.

Military presence

Float of Mother Earth (?)

The idol being carried by elephant in a gold container.

A loud start to the parade

More colour

Scaring away the demon?

Ew, scary!

Dasara featured a huge variety of performers including members of the demon’s family.

Is anyone else thinking of ABBA right now?

Elephants putting on a show.

We stand on guard…..

Elephants making nice with the crowd.

Waiting (for hours) for the parade to start

Happy drummer.

A few death defying stunts were performed.

Getting ready to jump….

Hanuman, the monkey god, creating a spectacle.

Scary face to chase the demon away.