Reach Bannimantap grounds by 3:30 PM on October 2 to witness the sacred Banni tree worship ceremony following the Jumbo Savari procession. The 400-year-old Prosopis spicigera tree sits protected by a stone platform while the Maharaja performs the same ritual that Pandavas did before revealing their hidden weapons to win the Kurukshetra war.
Quick Banni Tree Worship Information
Date: October 2, 2025 (Vijayadashami)
Location: Bannimantap Parade Grounds, near Cole’s Garden
Ceremony Time: 3:30-4:00 PM (after procession arrival)
Access: Free viewing from public areas
Parking: Bannimantap Road, 50 for cars
Best Position: East side of parade grounds near tree
Duration: 30-minute royal ceremony
Sacred Significance of Banni Tree Ritual
According to the Mahabharata, Pandavas hid their celestial weapons in a Shami tree during their one-year Agnatavasa (incognito period). After successfully completing exile, they retrieved weapons and worshipped the tree before the decisive Kurukshetra battle that established dharma over adharma.
Mysore’s Maharajas adopted this tradition, believing Banni tree worship ensures victory in all endeavors. The tree at Bannimantap has received royal reverence since Krishnaraja Wadiyar III’s time, making it over 200 years of continuous worship.
Vijayadashami Ceremony Sequence
The Jumbo Savari procession arrives at Bannimantap around 3:15 PM after the 5-kilometer journey from Mysore Palace. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, current scion, leads the ceremony wearing traditional royal attire.
Sacred procedures include offering flowers, lighting camphor, and chanting Vedic mantras. The Maharaja carries a Banni tree branch back to the palace, symbolizing bringing victory and prosperity home. This ritual connects contemporary celebrations to ancient warrior traditions.
Historical Context and Royal Traditions
Cole’s Garden, now Bannimantap, served as the royal family’s rest point during processions since the early 1800s. Arthur Cole’s bungalow provided accommodation where Maharajas refreshed before the Banni tree worship and evening torchlight parade.
- 1822: Arthur Cole establishes garden and bungalow
- 1880s: Krishnaraja Wadiyar III institutionalizes Banni worship
- 1912: Current ceremony format established
- 2025: 416th Dasara continues unbroken tradition
The Sacred Banni Tree Details
The Prosopis spicigera at Bannimantap stands approximately 15 feet tall, surrounded by a circular stone platform built during British administration. Its scientific name reflects hardy desert origin, but the tree thrives in Mysore’s climate.
Local belief attributes victory-granting powers to Banni trees. Warriors traditionally exchanged Banni leaves on Vijayadashami, wishing each other success. North Karnataka and Maharashtra continue this custom, while Mysore focuses on royal ceremony.
How to Reach Bannimantap for Ceremony
By City Bus: Take bus 201, 202, or 341 from City Bus Stand. Get down at Bannimantap stop, 3-minute walk to parade grounds.
By Auto: From Mysore Palace costs 120-150. Heavy traffic during procession time may double fares.
Walking Route: 2.5 km walk from palace via Sayyaji Rao Road and Highway Circle takes 45 minutes.
Best Viewing Positions and Photography
Position yourself east of the Banni tree platform by 3 PM for optimal ceremony viewing. The raised area near the old Cole’s bungalow foundation provides elevated perspective. Avoid crowded south side where VIPs gather.
Photography allowed from public areas. The late afternoon sun provides excellent backlighting for tree ceremony shots. Telephoto lens recommended as public viewing maintains 20-meter distance from ritual area.
Torchlight Parade Following Tree Worship
After Banni worship concludes around 4 PM, the evening transforms into preparation for the grand torchlight parade beginning at 6 PM. The same grounds host military formations, motorcycle stunts, and cultural performances.
Stay positioned for the evening spectacle featuring Karnataka Armed Reserve Police, mounted cavalry, and the Maharaja’s ceremonial horse entry around 6:30 PM. Fireworks and laser show conclude by 9 PM.
Religious and Cultural Importance
Beyond royal tradition, Banni tree worship connects to broader Hindu beliefs about Vijayadashami as the day Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura. The ceremony represents dharma’s victory over adharma, making it spiritually significant for devotees.
- Shami Puja: Worshipping tools and vehicles on Vijayadashami
- Aparajita Puja: Invoking victory goddess blessings
- Simollanghana: Crossing boundaries to achieve goals
- Ayudha Puja: Blessing weapons and instruments of work
Modern Challenges and Conservation
Urban development pressure threatens Bannimantap’s historical character. The proposed KSRTC bus terminal construction near sacred grounds has sparked heritage conservation debates. Environmental groups advocate protecting the ancient tree and surrounding green space.
Crowd Management and Safety Tips
Expect 15,000-20,000 people at Bannimantap during Vijayadashami ceremonies. Arrive early, carry water, and wear comfortable shoes for standing. Police cordons maintain security around royal ceremony area.
Avoid bringing large bags as security checks cause delays. Mobile network congestion common between 3-6 PM. Download event maps beforehand and designate meeting points with family members.
Regional Variations of Banni Worship
North Karnataka districts like Bijapur and Belgaum practice home-based Banni leaf exchange on Vijayadashami. Maharashtra’s rural areas maintain similar customs. Mysore’s royal ceremony represents the tradition’s most elaborate institutional form.
Local’s Verdict on Banni Tree Ceremony
Authentic cultural experience connecting modern Mysore to ancient traditions. The royal family’s genuine reverence makes it meaningful beyond mere tourism. Yes, crowds are intense but the ceremony’s spiritual atmosphere is palpable. Worth experiencing once to understand Mysore’s cultural depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Banni tree worship start on Vijayadashami?
Ceremony begins around 3:30 PM after Jumbo Savari procession reaches Bannimantap, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Can general public participate in Banni tree worship ritual?
No, the ceremony is exclusively performed by royal family. Public can observe from designated viewing areas.
Is there any entry fee for watching Banni tree ceremony?
No entry fee for ceremony viewing. Paid seating available for evening torchlight parade at same venue.
Why is Banni tree considered sacred during Vijayadashami?
Legend says Pandavas hid weapons in Shami tree and worshipped it before Kurukshetra victory, establishing its power-granting reputation.
What happens to Banni tree branch taken by Maharaja?
The branch returns to Mysore Palace where it’s preserved as blessed item symbolizing victory and prosperity for the kingdom.
Last Updated: July 2025
Next Update: Post-Vijayadashami October 2025