Coffee Blog

Mysore Dasara Procession and How to Watch the Jamboo Savari

Oct 17 2026
Levista

Overview

The Mysore Dasara procession, also known as the Jamboo Savari, marks the grand finale of Dasara. Decorated elephants, folk performers and colourful tableaux travel around 5 km from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. This guide covers the 2026 timings, the route, the story behind the golden howdah and a few practical tips to help you plan your visit.

On Vijayadashami afternoon, the crowd outside Mysore Palace often falls quiet for a moment as a tall elephant carrying a gleaming golden howdah steps forward. Soon, the cheers begin. This is the Mysore Dasara procession, and for many visitors, it is the highlight of their trip to Mysuru.

What Is the Jamboo Savari?

The Jamboo Savari is the elephant procession held on Vijayadashami, the tenth and final day of the festival. It is the event that the entire Mysore Dasara procession season leads up to. The name refers to the elephant ride. In royal times, the Maharaja of Mysore rode on the lead elephant. Today, the golden howdah carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari instead.

The Mysore Dasara parade features more than the lead elephant. Visitors can also see other decorated elephants, police bands, horses, folk dancers and colourful tableaux representing districts across Karnataka.

What Are the Jamboo Savari Mysore Dasara Timings in 2026?

Here are the official Mysore Dasara procession timings for the Jamboo Savari Mysore Dasara finale on 21 October 2026.

Ritual or event	Time
Nandi Dhwaja puja	1.36 pm to 1.56 pm
Flower offering to the goddess at the palace	4.10 pm to 4.35 pm
Procession leaves the palace	4.35 pm
Torchlight parade at Bannimantap	From 7 pm

If you are looking for the Mysore Dasara procession time, the main procession is scheduled to leave the palace at 4.35 pm. It moves at a measured pace, with the journey to Bannimantap taking place over the following hours.

What Is the Mysore Dasara Procession Route?

The procession begins inside the Mysore Palace grounds and ends at Bannimantap, around 5 km away. Along the way, it passes through the old city on main roads lined with spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of the decorated elephants, performers and tableaux.

The Mysore Dasara procession route map is shared by the district administration and police each year, along with details of traffic diversions. Check the official Mysuru Dasara website or local police updates a day or two before the event. Barricades and entry points may change, so checking ahead can help you plan where to watch.

What Is the Golden Howdah, and Which Elephants Carry It During Mysore Dasara?

The golden howdah is the centrepiece of the Mysore Jamboo Savari. This ambari weighs about 750 kg and has a wooden frame covered with gold sheets. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed inside it.

Only a few elephants are trusted to carry this weight. Balarama carried the howdah 13 times between 1999 and 2011, followed by Arjuna from 2012. Abhimanyu carried it in the years leading up to 2025. For 2026, the forest department will confirm which elephant will carry the howdah just days before the procession.

The elephants arrive weeks before the festival as part of a journey called Gajapayana. They train daily with weights and loud sounds to help them remain calm amid the crowds and activity. In 2026, twelve elephants were selected, including four females.

What Is the Mysore Dasara Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap?

Once the procession reaches Bannimantap, the celebrations continue into the evening with the torchlight parade, known as Panjina Kavayatthu. Police units perform drills and stunts, followed by a march past illuminated by torchlight. In 2026, the parade begins at 7 pm on 21 October, with a ticketed rehearsal scheduled for the previous evening.

Where to Watch the Jamboo Savari

You have three main options for watching the procession.

Palace forecourt with a ticket. A Jamboo Savari seat costs ₹3,500 before fees. The ₹6,500 Gold Card includes one.
Bannimantap with a torchlight parade ticket. A seat costs ₹1,500 before fees. You can watch the procession arrive and stay for the parade afterwards.
Along the route for free. Thousands of people watch from the roadside without tickets. Arrive by late morning if you want to find a good viewing spot, as popular areas fill up quickly.

Tips for Procession Day

Carry water, a snack, a cap and a light rain jacket.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you may spend hours standing or walking.
Keep your phone charged and agree on a meeting point if you're visiting with a group.
Avoid driving into the city centre.

After spending a long day outdoors, a good cup of coffee can be a welcome break. If you're heading to Coorg after Dasara, you could stop at Cafe Levista in Kushalnagar, about 88 km from Mysuru, for coffee from the SLN group's own estates. You can also order the Levista strong instant coffee range for a quick cup on the road.

Key Takeaways

The Mysore Dasara procession leaves Mysore Palace at 4.35 pm on 21 October 2026.The route covers about 5 km, from the palace to Bannimantap.
The 750 kg golden howdah carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The torchlight parade at Bannimantap starts at 7 pm on the same day.
You can watch the procession for free from the roadside or book seats at the palace or Bannimantap.

Conclusion

The Mysore Dasara procession is worth making time for, but a little planning goes a long way. Check the timings, decide where you'd like to watch and arrive early to find your spot. Then enjoy the colourful procession of elephants and performers as it moves through the city. If your journey continues towards Coorg, a cup of local coffee is a fitting way to end the day.

The memories of Mysore Dasara often stay with you long after the procession ends. As the journey continues beyond Mysuru, a cup of Levista coffee can be a comforting companion, whether you're stopping in Coorg or settling down at home to revisit the day's celebrations. With coffee grown on the SLN group's own estates in Coorg, Levista brings a little of the region's coffee culture into the festive season.

FAQs

What time does the Mysore Dussehra procession start?

In 2026, the procession is scheduled to leave Mysore Palace at 4.35 pm on 21 October, following the flower offering to the goddess from 4.10 pm.

What is the route of the Dasara procession in Mysore?

The procession starts at Mysore Palace and ends at the Bannimantap grounds, around 5 km away. The district administration announces the exact route and traffic diversions each year.