Mark your calendar for September when the Prasanna Krishnaswamy festivals calendar brings eleven days of spectacular celebrations to this 1829 Krishna temple inside Mysore Palace. The crawling Krishna idol with butterball attracts thousands during Brahmotsava (September 2-13) and Krishnotsava (September 17-22).
Quick Festival Information for Prasanna Krishnaswamy
Location: Eastern end of main Mysore Palace building
Major Festivals: Brahmotsava (Sept 2-13), Krishnotsava (Sept 17-22)
Entry Fee: Free with palace ticket (70 adults)
Built: 1829 by Krishnaraja Wodiyar III
Best Festival Days: Sept 10 (Rathotsava), Sept 22 (Krishnashtami)
Celebration Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM during festivals
Contact: Palace Board Office 0821-242-1051
Brahmotsava Festival Calendar September 2-13, 2025
The eleven-day Brahmotsava follows traditional temple calendar with specific deity processions each day. September 10th’s Rathotsava (chariot festival) remains the highlight when ornate temple chariot circles the palace grounds between 10:06-10:30 AM in Tula Lagna auspicious timing.
- Sept 2: Mrithika Sangrahana, Ankurarpane ceremony – Foundation rituals
- Sept 3: Adivasara, Rakshabandhana, Kalyanotsava – Sacred thread tying
- Sept 4: Dwajarohana, Bheritadana, Hamsavahana procession
- Sept 10: Rathotsava chariot festival 10:06 AM – Main celebration
- Sept 13: Thepotsava floating festival finale
How to Reach During Prasanna Krishnaswamy Festivals
Festival Shuttle: KSRTC runs special buses every 15 minutes from City Bus Stand to Palace during festival days.
By Auto: Fixed 120 rate from railway station during festivals (normal 80). Book return in advance.
By Car: Arrive before 9 AM for parking space. Palace parking 30 during festivals, street parking 50-100.
Krishnotsava Celebration September 17-22, 2025
The five-day Krishnotsava culminates on September 22nd with Krishnashtami – Lord Krishna’s birthday celebration. The temple’s unique crawling Krishna statue (Ambegalu Krishna) gets special decoration with 40 bronze deity statues arranged in elaborate patterns.
Traditional Mysore-style paintings on mandapa walls depicting Bhagavata Purana stories come alive during evening bhajan sessions. Local classical musicians perform from 7-9 PM on each Krishnotsava day.
Festival Timings and Special Events
Temple opens 5:30 AM during festival season for morning abhisheka rituals. Main palace areas remain accessible 10 AM-5:30 PM with extended evening access until 9 PM for festival participants.
- Morning rituals: 5:30-7:30 AM – Abhisheka, decoration
- Darshan hours: 7:30 AM-12:00 PM, 4:00-9:00 PM
- Procession time: 6:30-8:30 PM daily during festivals
- Cultural programs: 7:00-9:00 PM – Music, dance performances
Things Most Festival Visitors Miss
The temple’s Sage Atri shrine receives special worship during festivals as he was the gotra sage of Wodiyar dynasty. Krishnaraja Wodiyar III and his wives’ statues get decorated alongside main deity – unique royal temple tradition.
Early morning 6 AM abhisheka using panchamrita (five sacred substances) occurs before tourist crowds arrive. The temple’s chlorite schist Krishna statue changes color subtly during different lighting of day-long ceremonies.
Festival Food and Prasadam
Temple distributes free prasadam (sweet rice, coconut laddu) during morning and evening aarti. Special Krishna-themed sweets prepared by palace cooks include butter laddu, makhan mishri, and kesari bath priced 50-150 per packet.
- Free prasadam: Morning 8-9 AM, evening 7-8 PM
- Festival meals: 100 per person traditional thali
- Special sweets: 50-150 Krishna-themed varieties
Best Days for Prasanna Krishnaswamy Festivals Calendar
September 10th Rathotsava and September 22nd Krishnashtami see maximum celebrations with elaborate decorations. Weekday festival days (Sept 4, 5, 11, 18, 19) offer authentic local participation without weekend tourist rush.
Accommodation During Festival Season
Book hotels minimum 2-3 months advance for September festival dates. Budget options like OYO properties increase rates 1,500-3,000 during festivals. Palace view hotels charge 5,000-15,000 premium for festival season.
Common Festival Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t arrive after 11 AM expecting easy darshan during main festival days. Parking fills completely by 9:30 AM on weekends. Never push in darshan queues – temple staff maintain strict order. Avoid flash photography during abhisheka ceremonies.
Local’s Verdict on Festival Experience
Authentic royal temple festivals with genuine spiritual atmosphere and cultural performances. Yes, crowded during peak days but the 1829 temple’s historical significance and unique crawling Krishna make it memorable. Best experienced over 2-3 days rather than single visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates for Prasanna Krishnaswamy festivals 2025?
Brahmotsava: September 2-13, 2025. Krishnotsava: September 17-22, 2025. Main celebration days are September 10 (Rathotsava) and September 22 (Krishnashtami).
How much does festival participation cost?
Basic darshan included in palace ticket (70). Special abhisheka sponsorship 500-2,500. Festival meal packets 100 per person. Cultural program seating free.
Is the temple suitable for families during festivals?
Excellent family experience with child-friendly programs and safe palace environment. Bring sunhat and water bottles. Temple provides seating during evening programs.
What’s the best time to visit during festivals?
Early morning 6-8 AM for peaceful rituals. Evening 6:30-8:30 PM for processions and cultural programs. Avoid midday 12-3 PM peak crowd period.
Can we participate in festival rituals?
Devotees welcome to join morning prayers and evening aarti. Special puja sponsorship available through Palace Board office. No restrictions on festival prasadam distribution participation.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Post-festival season October 2025