Mysore of the East: A Legacy of Grandeur

The historic Dussehra celebrations in Jeypore, one of southern Odisha’s grandest festivals, have commenced with splendour, blending centuries-old royal traditions with vibrant tribal customs. Often referred to as the “Mysore of the East”, Jeypore’s Dussehra has been celebrated for over two centuries and is widely compared to Mysore’s royal festivities for its pageantry, cultural richness, and historical significance.

Origins in the Suryavanshi Dynasty

The festival traces its roots to the Suryavanshi dynasty of Jeypore, which shifted its capital from Nandapur to Jeypore in 1791 during the reign of Maharaja Ramchandra Dev II. His successor, Ramchandra Dev III (1829–1860), elevated the event to such grandeur that British officials and colonial records often likened it to Mysore’s royal Dussehra.

The Vizagapatam Gazetteer (1907) notes:
“The great event of the year in Jeypore is the Dasara feast, which lasts for sixteen days.”
It records magnificent darbars, elephant processions, and participation of European dignitaries, tribal leaders, and citizens, highlighting the festival’s role in showcasing royal authority and community engagement.

Historical Documentation and Tribal Connection

The Orissa District Gazetteer: Koraput (1945) emphasizes the festival’s importance in connecting the king with his subjects, particularly the tribal communities of undivided Koraput. It also chronicles the capital shifts from Nandapur to Purunagada in 1751 and then to Jeypore in 1791, which laid the foundation for the festival’s grandeur.

The Royal Dussehra and Its Transformation

The last full-scale royal Dussehra was held by Maharaja Vikram Dev Burma in 1952, before the Orissa Estates Abolition Act stripped princely states of their privileges. Though the festival was scaled down in subsequent decades, it retained its unique blend of royal rituals and tribal heritage, continuing to captivate locals and visitors alike.

Navaratri Puja and Rituals Across Jeypore

This year, Navaratri Puja began on Sunday night with Mahalaya Amavasya, featuring rituals at shrines of Maa Bhagabati, Maa Dakhinakali, Maa Jagatjanani, Maa Basantayee, Byaghra Devi of Rajanghar Chowk, and Maa Kanak Durga, along with 13 Durga pandals across the town. The Gujarati community also continues its traditional worship during the festival.

Crown Prince Yuvraj Vishweshwar Chandrachud Dev Revives Tradition

Adding a new dimension to the celebrations, Yuvraj Vishweshwar Chandrachud Dev, the crown prince of the current Jeypore royal family, has actively participated in recent years. His involvement symbolizes continuity with the kingdom’s glorious past and strengthens the royal family’s ties with the people. The Yuvraj’s presence reinforces cultural pride and unity with tribal communities, ensuring the festival thrives with renewed vigour.

A Cultural Legacy of Devotion and Community

With its spectacular combination of royal grandeur, tribal traditions, and centuries of history, Jeypore Dussehra remains one of India’s most unique cultural legacies — a festival where history, devotion, and community spirit converge.

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