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.

Getting ready to jump….

A few death defying stunts were performed.

Dancers having a good time.

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

Checking out the crowd.

Elephants putting on a show.

Military presence

We stand on guard…..

Hanuman, the monkey god, creating a spectacle.

Shiva, on stilts.

More colour

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

Elephants

Waiting (for hours) for the parade to start

Scary face to chase the demon away.

Is anyone else thinking of ABBA right now?

Spinning fun.

Ew, scary!

Happy drummer.

The idol being carried by elephant in a gold container.

Elephants making nice with the crowd.

A loud start to the parade

Float of Mother Earth (?)

Scaring away the demon?