Thousands of people are set to throng Mysuru to witness the Dasara processions.
Each time the 100,000 light bulbs in and around the magnificent Mysuru Palace are turned on - there is an audible gasp. This year, ahead of the grand Vijayadashami procession, the reaction was similar.
Karnataka's state festival - Dasara, brings with it an aura and an atmosphere, compelling the city to pull out all stops in order to make it special.
The enthusiasm is not just restricted to locals. A French tourist visiting the palace, while speaking to NDTV, said, "I was at the palace today. Tomorrow, I will see the big procession."
Vijayanand and Uma had brought their daughter, Navya, for Dasara in Mysuru for the very first time. The couple had earlier lived in the city. "You can feel the excitement I the air, it is very special," says Uma.
Young Navya gave the festival big thumbs up. "I am very excited!" she said.
The splendid elephant procession or Jamboo Savari, will see the magnificent elephant, Arjuna, carrying a heavy howdah with the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari. The legend is that this is where the goddess killed the demon Mahishasura - from whom Mysuru derives its name. It is also said that the Chamundi hill near the city is actually the giant body of a buffalo - Mahishasura's vehicle.
In the bygone era, the then Maharaja of Mysuru would ride atop an elephant. But now, the US-educated scion of the royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, will perform puja and see the procession off from the palace. His family started the tradition centuries ago.
The crowd this year is a little less than previous years. The protests over sharing of Cauvery water have taken a toll on tourism.