The festival of Dasara is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India.  Dasara concludes on the tenth day of Navaratri festivities, and the holy day also commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Dasara marks the victory of the Hindu God Rama over Ravana. It is also believed that the Pandavas returned home after their exile on this day.

In the Mysore district of Karnataka the Goddess Durga is worshipped as Chamundeswari. Here there is a tradition of holding a grand procession through the streets of the city with the idol of the Goddess riding in a golden ambaari or elephant-seat.  Presiding over the 10-day festivities was an important sovereign ritual for many centuries. In the post-independence period, the state government of Karnataka has taken over the tradition and continues the celebration every year.

Mysore is 140 km from Bangalore. Both the cities are well connected by the Karnataka Road Transport Corporation buses. Mysore is also connected to Bangalore and other cities with a number of trains. The nearest airport is at Bangalore.