The city Mysore is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore is the 3^rd largest city in the state with a population of 9.21 lakhs approximately. Mysore was ruled by many kings and their dynasties and the last rulers to rule on Mysore were the Wadiyar who encouraged and supported all religions in their kingdom without any discrimination that is why you may find many religions co-exist with harmony in Mysore. The Wadiyars have contributed to making Mysore a cultural epicenter. Mysore has a unique culture that has been cultivated by the kings of Mysore, over the years people in Mysore are living with peace and harmony even though they come from different walks of life. This has contributed a major part in the culture of Mysore. The city has a majority of Hindus, then comes Muslims and Jains. You may even find people speaking different languages as the population of  Mysore is not only Kannadigas, but people from different parts of India are living in Mysore, everyone co-exists with harmony and have brotherhood feeling among them.

Mysore is also called the city of palaces because of several palaces in the city. The well-known palace is the Mysore Palace which is known throughout the world for the architecture and is one of the largest palaces of its kind. As now Mysore is a modern city but it still has the touch of its history, culture, and tradition.

Customs of Mysore

The name Mysore is derived from a Sanskrit term ‘Mahisasuranaooru’ if further simplified then ‘Mahisuru’ which means Mahishasura’s village. Mahishasura is a Hindu mythological character who was believed to be a demon with a bull’s head. He was attacked by the goddess Chamundi who lived on the hills to protect her devotees from Mahishasura. Chamundi was the incarnation of goddess Parvati and people of Mysore worship her till today. There is a range of hills in Mysore known as Chamundi hills where you can find the Chamundi temple, during the Dasara festival the temple is flooded by devotees of the goddess Parvati to celebrate the victory of good over evil. There are many other events held in Mysore every year to attract tourists.

Over the years Mysore has been ruled by many rulers like the Gangas, the Cholas, the Hoysalas, the Chalukyas, the Wodeyars, Hyder Ali, and his son Tipu Sultan. After the death of Tipu Sultan, Mysore was captured by the Britishers and reinstated the Wodeyars who remain the legal authorities and Rajpramukh.

Traditions of Mysore

Mysore has a rich tradition and possesses many palaces, mansions, and pilgrim sites. The city considered the best travel destination in Karnataka which has hence helped in the growth of Mysore. These changes in the city have changed the lives of people who were following the same old traditions. People of Mysore have gradually evolved with time to the new changes coming in today’s society, may old traditions such as traditional wrestling, Mysore Tongas, and Mysore UndeNeshya are now endangered this is due to the changes that occur in the lifestyle of people over the time.

Lifestyle in Mysore

Life in Mysore is peaceful, with so much greenery all around and the beauty of lakes to accompany. Every minute spent here is like nectar to the brain. Mysore is a heritage city so a lot of tourists are expected here every year. This also justifies the diversity in the population of Mysore. Food is one of the great things about Mysore and the best part of it is the nominal price of the food.

Since Mysore is a heritage city, the government has stopped the industrialization here, the government is trying to preserve the culture and heritage of the city. You may not find many malls here like in the neighborhood of Bangalore. But the tourist spots here will never disappoint you. Evenings in the Mysore glows differently whether it is walking up to 1,000 steps to Chamundeshwari temple to a great swim in the pools, Mysore is a great place for fitness freaks. The connectivity to the airport is also good and many reputed hospitals and schools are found here. The traffic is moderate here unlike the heavy jams of Bangalore. No doubt Mysore is one of the cleanest cities of India. More people from different states are coming here giving their contribution to the diversity in the population. The residents are doing every bit possible to sustain its beauty. Let’s hope the charm of the city prevails eternity.

Read to know 30 places in Mysore to see

Mysore holds its cultures and traditions even today which are seen in the vibrant gardens, palaces, temples, churches, painting, artwork, and crafts. The people of Mysore are welcoming, helpful, and filled with joy, the hospitality of people in the city is remarkable. The food that you find in Mysore is one of its kind. Finally, the marvelous Mysore has so much to give that it is truly miraculous.

Also Read : Famous food dishes of Karnataka