Dussera
Dussera is celebrated for 10 days from September end to early October. Although it is celebrated all over India, it has special significance in Mysore. It symbolizes the victory of goddess Chamundeswari (Durga) over the demon Mahishasura. i.e. the victory of the good over the evil. Mysore palace is fully illuminated for a whole month. Several religious, cultural and other programmes are conducted during the celebrations. On the last day, with the accompaniment of a band, colourfully bedecked elephants carrying the statue of the goddess starts from the palace as a procession followed by palace chariots and units of the army through the city to Banni Mantap (where Banni tree is worshipped), about five kilometres away. In the evening, there is a torchlight parade by the horse mounted guards who provide an exciting display of horsemanship and the night ends with a grand display of fireworks.

Horse Race
The popular horse race in Mysore is conducted by the Mysore Race Club. There are three racing seasons. The Winter races begin in November and conclude in January. May-June-July is the Summer racing season. The Mysore Derby race during the second week-end of October is the biggest event of the season.

Yugadi
It is the New Year celebration in Karnataka. This falls on the day after the new moon day in April, the month of Chaitra. Yugadi is celebrated with great devotion and delight.

Vairamudi Festival
The annual Vairamudi festival at the Cheluvanarayana temple of Melkote is a part of the Brahmotsavam during the month of Panguni (March-April). Vairamudi festival is celebrated on the 4th day of Brahmotsavam. On this day Lord Cheluvarayaswamy decked with the legendary diamond-studded crown (Vairamudi crown), along with his consorts was taken in a procession at the auspicious hour around the town. This nightlong even is witnessed by thousands of devotees.