Karnataka’s grand ten-day Dasara celebration showcases royal legacy, culture, and traditions through the Jamboo Savari, palace illuminations, cultural shows, and bustling exhibitions. Among these attractions, the Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025 stands out, offering authentic Karnataka flavors alongside dishes from across India and beyond — from traditional recipes to modern twists and global cuisines — all in a lively community atmosphere.

This year brings even more stalls, live cooking shows, themed dining, and cultural tie-ins. For locals and tourists, it’s an immersive journey of flavors that complements the spirit of Dasara. This guide covers dates, venue, timings, must-try dishes, highlights, cultural events, and travel tips.

Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025 Date

The Mysore Dasara Food Festival is an integral part of the ten-day Dasara celebrations, held from September 26 to October 4, 2025. Running throughout the festival, it fills each day with flavor and festivity.

More than a food fair, it has become a gastronomic showcase where Karnataka’s culinary richness meets the diverse tastes of India. Visitors can enjoy coastal delicacies, South Indian staples, North Indian curries, and experimental street foods.

Over the years, it has grown into a signature attraction, drawing food lovers, chefs, and tourists alike. Closely tied to the grandeur of Dasara, it offers a vibrant cultural celebration not to be missed.

Also Read – Dussehra Celebration in Mysore 

Mysore Dussehra Special Food Items Menu

The Mysore Dasara Food Festival showcases a delightful array of special food items that highlight Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can indulge in iconic dishes like Mysore masala dosa, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and the sweet delicacy Mysore pak, each prepared with traditional recipes and authentic flavors.

Traditional Karnataka Dishes You Must Try

The heart of the Mysore Dasara Food Festival lies in its rich and diverse traditional Karnataka cuisine, offering flavors that carry the essence of the region. Some must-try dishes include:

• Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice) – A tangy rice dish flavored with tamarind, spices, and curry leaves, loved for its bold and earthy taste.
• Bisi Bele Bath – A wholesome mix of rice, toor dal, tamarind, and aromatic spices, offering a comforting, one-pot festive dish.
• Ragi Mudde – A staple made with finger millet flour, usually paired with sambar or saaru, representing Karnataka’s rustic flavors.
• Mysore Pak – A rich, melt-in-the-mouth sweet made with ghee, sugar, and gram flour, famously linked with Mysore’s royal kitchens.
• Obbattu / Holige – A festive flatbread stuffed with jaggery and dal mixture, often served with ghee or milk during celebrations.

Together, these dishes highlight Karnataka’s culinary variety, ranging from mild and aromatic to bold and spicy, making them essential choices for anyone exploring the festival’s food stalls.

History and Cultural Significance of Mysore Dussehra

• Rooted in the Vijayanagara Empire and later continued by the Wadiyar dynasty.
• Began as a royal celebration honoring Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura.
• Symbolized the triumph of good over evil.
• Marked by rituals, royal gatherings, and sacred ceremonies performed with devotion.
• Evolved from an exclusive royal event into a grand public celebration with cultural shows, artistic displays, and community gatherings.

Mysore Dasara Food Festival

• A recent addition that quickly became a crowd favorite.
• Introduced to promote Karnataka’s traditional flavors and India’s diverse cuisines.
• Started on a modest scale, but expanded significantly over the past decade.
• Now, one of the most anticipated highlights of the Dasara season.
• Serves as both a cultural and gastronomic experience, offering food, stories, and community bonding beyond rituals and processions.

What Makes the Food Festival a Must-Visit in 2025

• Expected to be the biggest edition yet, with more food stalls and a wider representation of Karnataka’s districts.
• Expanded selection of regional cuisines from across India.
• Live cooking demonstrations by seasoned chefs featuring both traditional and modern dishes.
• Celebrity chef appearances bring star power and culinary expertise.
• Food court enhanced with cultural performances, blending food and art for an immersive experience.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

• Chance to savor authentic Karnataka delicacies like Mysore masala dosa, ragi mudde, bisi bele bath, and Mysore pak.
• Dishes prepared by traditional chefs preserving age-old recipes.
• Offers insights into culinary heritage, food stories, agricultural practices, and local artistry.
• Improved infrastructure and accessibility in 2025 for a smoother visitor experience.
• Welcomes families, solo travelers, and foodies, making it a key highlight of the Dasara season.

Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025 Venue and Timings

The Mysore Dasara Food Festival 2025 will be held at the vibrant grounds near the Mysore Palace, providing a picturesque backdrop to the gastronomic celebrations. The festival runs daily from 10 AM to 10 PM throughout the ten-day duration, ensuring ample time for visitors to explore the diverse food stalls and cultural events at their own pace.

Main Festival Grounds and Food Court Locations

The Mysore Dasara Food Festival is a vibrant culinary celebration spread across the city. While the main hub is the Dasara Exhibition Grounds near Mysore Palace, several smaller food courts are also set up at key cultural spots, allowing visitors to enjoy diverse dishes along with festive events.

• The main venue at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, turned into a huge food court for ten days.
• Hundreds of stalls offering regional and national cuisines.
• Comfortable seating and live cultural performances on multiple stages.
• Additional food courts at Mysore Palace campus, Jaganmohan Palace grounds, and other cultural centers.
• Decentralized locations make it easy for tourists and locals to sample food while enjoying festivities.

Daily Opening and Closing Timings for Visitors

The Mysore Dasara Food Festival aligns with the exhibition’s schedule, offering a lively mix of food and culture throughout the day. Visitors can choose their experience depending on the time, whether it’s calm mornings, family-friendly afternoons, or vibrant evenings filled with lights and performances.

• The festival runs daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM in 2025.
• Evenings are busiest, with palace illuminations and cultural programs.
• Mornings are quieter, perfect for peaceful strolls through stalls.
• Lunchtime features thali meals and family-oriented menus.
• Evenings highlight snacks, sweets, and live entertainment

How to Plan Your Visit Around Peak Hours

To make the most of the Mysore Dasara Food Festival, timing and planning are key. Visiting during quieter hours or on weekdays can help you avoid heavy crowds and enjoy the food and cultural experiences at a relaxed pace.

• Best time to visit: late morning or early afternoon, before 2:00 PM.
• Evenings (6:00–9:00 PM) are busiest with palace lights and cultural shows.
• Weekdays have lighter crowds compared to weekends.
• Split your visit across two days for a richer experience.
• One day for Karnataka specialties, another for regional Indian cuisines and desserts.

Famous Sweets and Desserts at the Festival

You can’t come to Mysore Dasara and skip the sweets. The festival has a whole section just for these treats, and here are some you really have to try:

• Mysore Pak – This one’s famous around here, made with ghee and gram flour. It’s super rich and just melts in your mouth.
• Kesari Bath – Think soft, sweet semolina with flavors of saffron and cardamom, very comforting and tasty.
• Rava Ladoo – Little sweet balls made with semolina, with nuts and a bit of cardamom that make them extra good.
• Holige – Sweet flatbread stuffed with coconut or lentils mixed with jaggery, a festival favorite.
• Karjikai – Fried pockets filled with coconut, jaggery, and some dry fruits. Crunchy outside, sweet inside.
• Dharwad Peda – A milk sweet from the north of Karnataka, soft and has a caramel-like flavor.
• Chiroti – Flaky, layered pastry dusted with sugar, usually eaten warm with milk.
• Payasa – A creamy sweet made from vermicelli, jaggery, and cardamom, perfect to end a meal.

These sweets really complete the whole food experience at the festival and show just how much Karnataka loves its desserts.

Street Food and Regional Snacks to Explore

The food festival also celebrates India’s lively street food scene, bringing together delicious snacks from various regions. Some popular favorites you should try include:

• Pani Puri and Masala Puri – Crisp puris filled with spicy, tangy water or topped with flavorsome chaat masala, perfect for those who enjoy a burst of flavors.
• Mirchi Bajji – Large green chilies dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried until crispy, offering a spicy and crunchy snack.
• Vada Pav – Mumbai’s famous potato fritter burger, a spicy and fulfilling street food treat.
• Mangalore Buns – Soft, sweet banana-flavored fried bread from the coastal region of Karnataka, slightly different and delightfully light.
• Kodu Bale and Chakli – Crunchy snacks made from rice flour, popular in Karnataka for their unique textures and flavors.
• Dabeli and Sev Puri – Savory chaat dishes from Gujarat and Maharashtra, bursting with tangy chutneys and crunchy toppings.
• Idli, Vada, and Pongal – Classic South Indian breakfast dishes served fresh and often enjoyed with chutney and sambar.
• Pav Bhaji – A rich vegetable mash cooked with spices, served hot with buttered buns, a favorite from Mumbai’s street stalls.

Sampling these snacks while wandering the busy food courts gives visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy India’s rich and varied street food traditions all in one lively spot.

Food Stalls, Cultural Events, and Live Cooking Shows

The Mysore Dasara Food Festival is more than a food market — it’s a vibrant celebration of Karnataka’s culture. Hundreds of themed stalls, often run by traditional chefs in ethnic attire, showcase regional cuisines from Kodagu, Udupi, North Karnataka, and Old Mysore, offering authentic local flavors. Beyond food stalls, the festival hosts live cooking shows where chefs demonstrate classic recipes and creative fusions. These interactive sessions let visitors learn tips, ask questions, and taste dishes freshly prepared.

Adding to the festive atmosphere are cultural performances — folk dances, classical music, and storytelling that highlight Karnataka’s food heritage. Together, the food, music, and stories make the festival a full cultural experience, celebrating the spirit and traditions of Karnataka.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025

Planning ahead can make your experience at the Mysore Dasara Food Festival much more enjoyable. From booking accommodations early to arriving during off-peak hours and staying hydrated, these simple tips will help you navigate the festival smoothly and savor its rich culinary delights without any hassle.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your visit in the late morning or early afternoon, ideally before 2:00 PM. This window is quieter, allowing you to sample dishes at your own pace without large crowds. Evenings, especially between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, are the busiest, filled with palace illuminations and cultural shows.

Weekdays vs Weekends

If possible, choose weekdays for your visit. They are less crowded than weekends, giving food lovers more space to explore stalls and enjoy the variety of offerings.

Make the Most of the Experience

Consider splitting your visit across two days. Dedicate one day to authentic Karnataka dishes, and another to exploring cuisines from other Indian regions, including desserts. This way, you enjoy a broader and more fulfilling food journey.

Following these tips will make your visit stress-free and enjoyable, allowing you to fully savor the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere of the Mysore Dasara Food Festival.

Conclusion

The Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025 is set to be a magnificent celebration of Karnataka’s culinary heritage, presenting visitors with a rich and vibrant mix of traditional flavors, aromas, and cultural experiences that truly capture the spirit of the region. From savoring time-honored local dishes prepared with age-old recipes to exploring inventive street foods bursting with new tastes, the festival offers something for every kind of food lover. Adding to the charm are the lively folk performances and engaging live cooking demonstrations, which highlight the deep-rooted food culture of Karnataka and make the entire event much more than just a food fair.

As Mysore lights up with royal grandeur during the Dasara festivities, the food festival injects an exciting and delicious energy to the celebrations, making it a perfect complement to the city’s regal traditions. Whether you are a serious foodie eager to try every dish, a casual traveler looking for a memorable outing, or a family wanting to share joyful moments, the Mysore Dasara Food Festival is an unmissable part of the Dasara experience. Planning your visit well in advance will ensure you can soak in the festival’s lively atmosphere without hassle. Come hungry, come curious, and prepare to be delighted by the diverse and rich flavors of Karnataka and beyond, making memories that will linger long after the festival ends.

FAQs

Q1. When is the Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025 held?

Ans:- It will be held from September 26 to October 4, 2025, during the main Dasara celebrations.

Q2. Where is the Mysore Dussehra Food Festival 2025 held?

Ans:- The main venue is the Dasara Exhibition Grounds near the Mysore Palace. There are also food courts at other cultural locations in the city.

Q3. What are the timings for the food festival?

Ans:- The festival runs every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM during the ten days of Dasara.

Q4. What types of food can I find at the festival?

Ans:- You will find traditional Karnataka dishes, different regional Indian cuisines, sweets and desserts, and popular street foods.

Q5. Are there cultural programs at the food festival?

Ans:- Yes, the festival includes folk dances, classical music, and live cooking demos by chefs.

Q6. How crowded does it get?

Ans:- Evenings and weekends are very busy. It is less crowded in the mornings and on weekdays.

Q7. Do I need to buy tickets to enter?

Ans:- Entry is usually covered by the Dasara Exhibition ticket. Food stalls charge separately for their items.