Drought no dampener to grand Mysuru Dasara starting today

The venue atop Chamundi Hill in Mysuru where the Mysuru Dasara 2026 inauguration will take place on Sunday. | Photo Credit: M A Sriram Starting Sunday, Mysuru is set to immerse itself in the grandeur of ‘Nada Habba’ (State festival), with the 2026 Dasara promising a blend of royal traditions, cultural extravaganza and new attractions, including a citywide illumination, mega drone show, and the first-ever Kambala. The celebrations, ending on October 21, promise a blend of centuries-old traditions with contemporary spectacle.Though this year’s Dasara is unfolding against the backdrop of severe drought, with water availability in the Cauvery basin grim, the State government under Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has decided against scaling down the festivities. The government has maintained that Dasara is also an important tourism and economic event that generates business for the hospitality and other sectors, providing a boost to the local economy.The festivities will begin with the traditional inauguration atop Chamundi Hill by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavimath, Koppal, in the presence of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries, on Sunday between 11.50 a.m. and 12.13 p.m.On the other hand, the royal traditions of Mysuru Dasara will come alive as the Wadiyar family continues its private Navarathri celebrations at the Mysuru Palace, preserving a royal ritual. Scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family and MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar will ascend the iconic golden throne at Durbar Hall of the palace to conduct the traditional ‘Khas Durbar’.All lit upAs every year, illumination will be one of the biggest attractions. As many as 199 roads, 123 circles and 80 installations will be lit up for 21 days from October 11 to 31 with the Dasara special illumination covering nearly 146 km of roads.Adding to the spectacle, special drone shows featuring 3,500 LED drones are planned on October 17, 18, 20 and 21. A giant peacock formation created by the drones is expected to be a major attraction. Dasara air show is another prime attraction. IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic team is slated to perform from October 18 to 20.The combination of illuminated streets, music and dance programmes in the backdrop of illuminated Mysuru Palace and new attractions is expected to offer visitors a unique festive experience.Kambala, taste of coastOne of the major additions to Dasara this time is Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, scheduled for October 18 and 19 at Sathagalli here. The inclusion had sparked a controversy with activists opposing the event and demanding its cancellation, citing the drought, ”excessive” water use. However, the event will go on as scheduled.Dasara offers a diverse line-up of programmes, ranging from classical music and dance to contemporary entertainment. The food mela from October 11 to 25 offers traditional cuisines from different regions of Karnataka as well as delicacies from across India and international cuisines. Yoga Dasara will highlight Mysuru’s reputation as an international yoga destination.With a large tourist turnout anticipated, around 5,000 security personnel are involved in monitoring the situation. Police helpdesks are set up and drone cameras and CCTV systems are in place for crowd and traffic management. Published - October 10, 2026 08:12 pm IST