Dasara, also called "Navaratri", is among the most important festivals celebrated in Southern India. Unlike Dussera, this is celebrated for 10 days in Southern parts.

The Festival of Dasara is celebrated on the occasion of Navaratri. Celebrations are unique ranging from worshipping goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) to exhibiting colorful toys on the day of 'bombe habba' in Kannada or 'Bommala Koluvu' in .

See also: Navratri

Ayudha Puja

This day is to worship weapons. People in the modern days worship automobiles, their machines on this day.

'Weapons' have

Vijaya Dashami

The last day of all the celebrations is Vijaya Dashami. In Mysore, the tradition of holding a grand procession through the streets of this historic city, with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari riding in a golden Ambaari (Elephant-seat) heaved on Elephant-back has been in effect since time immemorial. Indeed, for many centuries, presiding over the 10-day festivities was the hallmark of sovereignty over the Kingdom of Mysore. The Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore celebrated the annual event on a grand scale; "Mysore Dasara" has attained renown across the country and abroad. People from all over the world go to Mysore to witness this cultural event. Many cultural events are held at the main Palace in Mysore. Post Independence, the Government of Karnataka has taken

How to celebrate dasara?

In karnataka, Ayudh Puja, the ninth day of dasara, is celebrated with the worship of implements used in daily life such as computers, books, vehicles, kitchen tools etc. It is an effort to see the divine in the tools and objects one uses in daily life.

Basically it includes all tools that help one earn one's livelihood. So knowledge workers go for books, pen or computers, plough and other agricultural tools by the farmer, machinery by industrialists and cars/buses/trucks by transporters are decorated with flowers and worshiped on this day invoking God's blessing for success in coming years. It is believed that any new venture such as staring of business or purchasing of new house hold items on this day is bound to succeed.

Sweets

It is the day which sees much good food and feasting. Here are name of sweets:

• Narkel Nadu – It is made of coconut, milk, sugar and elaichi powder
• Sandesh – It is made of good quality paneer and sugar.

A festive meals for puja time

It is day when the best meals is cooked for a festival.

• Luchi
• Aloor Dum
• Cholar Dal
• Begun Bhaja
• Payesh