As the cultural center of Karnataka, the Mysuru Dasara procession is a major tourist attraction. In fact, the city becomes a cultural focal point, as the 10-day festival brings the best of the state’s performers in one city. It reminds me of the Kala Ghoda Festival from back home in Bombay. Apart from the Golu set up, which explains the social perceptions of a family, the festival ends with a gala procession. The kuldevi of the Wodyar Empire, Durga as the warrior goddess (Chamundeshwari), steps out of her temple and visits the temple, on elephant back.

In South India, we worship all out instruments and tools livelihood on Dasara or Vijayadashami. Kids also start schooling on this auspicious day.