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 making nice with the crowd.

Waiting (for hours) for the parade to start

Dancers having a good time.

Spinning fun.

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

A few death defying stunts were performed.

Is anyone else thinking of ABBA right now?

Float of Mother Earth (?)

Elephants

Elephants putting on a show.

Scaring away the demon?

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

Checking out the crowd.

Military presence

More colour

A loud start to the parade

Happy drummer.

Hanuman, the monkey god, creating a spectacle.

Shiva, on stilts.

We stand on guard…..

Ew, scary!

Getting ready to jump….

Scary face to chase the demon away.

The idol being carried by elephant in a gold container.