Mysuru: The world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival, celebrated for centuries, will witness a historic change this year with the festivities extended to 11 days instead of the traditional 10.

According to the schedule announced by the Karnataka government and the Wadiyar royal family, Dasara 2025 will be held from September 22 to October 2, making it an 11-day celebration for the first time.

Dasara is traditionally a 10-day event, beginning with Navaratri and concluding on Vijayadashami, the day symbolising the victory of good over evil. The term “Dasara” itself comes from “Dasha” (ten) and “Hara” (defeat). However, this year, due to the occurrence of Panchami (fifth day of Navaratri) on two consecutive days — September 26 and 27, the festival will be observed for an additional day.

Historians say that the Mysuru Dasara traces its origins back to 1399, during the rule of the Vijayanagara kings, and it was officially started by the Wadiyars in 1410. Since then, the festival has always been observed for 10 days — making this year’s 11-day event truly unique.

Senior spiritual scholar Dr. Shelvapillai Iyengar remarked that extending the celebration by a day is considered an auspicious sign. “Our elders always say ‘let everything increase,’ so adding one more day to this grand celebration is believed to be a good omen,” he said.