 Referred to as the "cultural capital" of Karnataka, Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the period of "Dasara"; the state festival of Karnataka.The "Dasara" festivities, which are celebrated over a ten-day period, were first introduced by King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610.On the ninth day of "Dasara", called "Mahanavami", the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants, camels and horses.