Being a Tamilian, born and raised in Mumbai, I had the privilege of watching the best of West India and South India during every Dasara — one where Garba met Golu.
This year marks the 413th anniversary of Mysuru Dasara, a rich heritage of Karnataka. Essentially, Dasara represents the balance of the material and ethereal aspects of life.
For 54-year-old Mysuru-based Vijay Kumar P, the festival was one of bonding. But beyond family, it was community gatherings and joint celebrations that Kumar cherished.
On Vijayadashami, the crowds would assemble to watch. It was not modern and didn’t have tableaux like we do now, he shares. Instead, folk artistes and elephants took centre stage.
The arrival of Dasara also meant a time for togetherness for Sapna MS, University of Mysore. Her extended family from Haasan, Mangaluru and Gundulpet would stay at her place for 10 days.
The civic body too gears up a month before Dasara, shares Sapna. “That itself sets the mood for hoteliers and local vendors, who stock up on sweets and savouries that are local,” she adds.
Festivals also come with a promise of a sense of belonging and a reconnection with our roots and identity. Flavours of the region are crucial to the nativity of the cuisine.