Festive getaways: Experience the grandeur of Mysuru Dasara; witness Durga Pujo magic in West Bengal

During the festive season, make sure you catch a glimpse of how local communities celebrate unique fests in traditional ways.
WITNESS REGAL GRANDEUR OF MYSORE
What: Mysuru Dasara
When: Sept 29 . Oct 8, 2019
Where: Mysore, Karnataka

The Mysuru Dasara celebrations are very popular with the locals and foreign tourists alike. What makes it very attractive is its regal grandeur. This royal tradition was once started by the Vijayanagara kings. In good faith, it has been continued by the Wodeyar family in Karnataka. This ritual spans over a few days and the finale takes place with the 'Jambo Savari', where an elaborately dressed elephant walks on the central path with people cheering and making a wish amidst prayers. Elephant back has a small golden seat where a heavy Gold idol of Mysore's Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed. The deity has slained the demon Mahishasura as per Hindu mythology. Interestingly, Mysore gets its name from the demon Mahishasura. This cultural capital of Karnataka blends historic splendour with contemporary traditions and locals enjoy participating in this fervour annually. While in Mysore, indulge in tasting its local sweet called 'Mysore Pak', it is delicious.

DANDIYA & GARBA - SWAY TO THE BEATS
What: Navratri
When: Sept 29 - Oct 7, 2019
Where: Patan, Rann of Kutch & Ahmedabad


œ Enamoured by the vibrancy of Gujaratis then make a plan to visit Gujarat during the Navratri days by opting for Navratri Special tours. Select the number of days and add as many locations at your pace during the Navratri festival. While food takes centrestage during the festivities, it is the dance and music that reverberates every night at various community grounds and Dandiya is played with much dedication. The cultural passage must be added with a trip to witness Rani-ki-Vav near Patan. In fact, watch the Patola weaving at the artisans museum to understand the intricacies of the weaving technique that makes Patola saree so exquisite. Rann of Kutch is a vast stretch that can lead to historical sites of Harappa too.

DURGA PUJA: PATRONAGE & DECKED STALLS
What: Durga Puja (also called 'Pujo')
When: Oct 4 - 8, 2019 and then idol immersion
Where: West Bengal


œ Ask the Bengali community members on their excitement quotient to mark the Durga Puja days and the answer would be unanimously excitatory. As per rituals, from the sixth day of the Navratri right till the Navami, beautifully crafted stalls or pandals are decked up with Goddess Durga idols. Members present dance and music renditions and families get together to visit every stall across the city. The Dhunuchi Dance is truly spectacular to watch. Gorge on the sweets too.