If you grew up in Karnataka, Dasara (or Dussehra, as much of India calls it) probably brings back one memory first: Bombe Habba. Going house to house in new clothes to see everyone's doll displays. And there was always an aunty at the door making sure you didn't leave without a few sweets.

The festival marks the victory of good over evil. Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated Mahishasura, and Lord Rama defeated Ravana.
 

Those stories matter. But if we're honest, what most of us remember are the visits, the neighbours and the food.

Nobody does Dasara like Mysuru. The palace lights up every evening and the Jamboo Savari draws huge crowds.

That same palace kitchen is where Mysore Pak is said to have come from. The story goes that a cook named Kakasura Madappa mixed gram flour, ghee and sugar for Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. The king liked it and asked what it was called. Madappa hadn't thought of a name, so he called it Mysore Pak, after the city.

It's still one of the first things people pick up for a Dasara box. We make two kinds, Soft Mysore Pak and Special Mysore Pak, and our customers have strong opinions about which one is better. (Not sure which side you're on? Read Two Royal Textures, One Legendary Sweet.)

On Ayudha Puja, people do puja for the things they work with. Books, vehicles, computers, weighing scales.
 

In our stores, we do it for our kitchen: the stoves, kadais and moulds we use every day, and the people who work there.

For the puja plate, most families keep it simple and traditional. So Tirupati Laddu, Motichoor Laddu, Mathura Peda and Kesar Peda are always in demand this week.

• Old favourites: Kaju Katli, Milk Cake, Roasted Kalakand, Khoya Kadambari
• New this year: Cranberry Barfi, Honey Laddu, Kaju Crunch Roll, Pista Leaf
• Something savoury: Special Mixture and Cashew Masala, because every Dasara visit needs something on the side

All of it will be ready at our Kasavanahalli, Marathahalli, Panathur and Varthur stores.

Ayudha Puja falls on Monday, 19 October and Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October this year. Those are our busiest days.

Pre-orders are open now, so you can pick up your box when it suits you. Whether it's for puja, the office or family visits, order early and we'll have it ready.

When do pre-orders close?
We're taking pre-orders until 17 October 2026. Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami slots fill up fast, so earlier is better.

How do I place a pre-order?
Call us on +91 97411 25367 . Tell us what you'd like, which store you'll pick up from, and the date.

Can I get my order delivered?
Yes. We deliver across Bengaluru. Mention your address and preferred date when you order.

Can I order for my office or for Ayudha Puja at work?
Yes. We do bulk orders for offices, shops and factories, in special 250 g or 500 g boxes, or larger.

Can I make my own mix of sweets?
Yes. Pick from our festive sweets and namkeen to build your own box, or choose one of our ready Dasara assortments.
 

Happy Dasara from all of us at Mithaicana.