Mysuru Dasara to get grander makeover with southern states, armed forces invited

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has begun preparations to celebrate Mysuru Dasara on a grander scale this year, with plans to invite chief ministers of all southern states and showcase cultural performances from across the country.

A meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at Shakti Bhavan in Bengaluru decided to invite the chief ministers of southern states to the Dasara festivities. Cultural troupes from different states will also be invited to perform, providing a platform to showcase India’s diverse traditions.

The government has also decided to invite contingents from the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy to participate in tableaux and ceremonial events. Invitations will be extended to the armed forces, leading educational institutions, the film industry, ISRO, DRDO and other central government organisations.

The possibility of holding an air show during Dasara will be discussed with the Union Defence Minister. A drone show is also being considered to add a new attraction to the festivities. Ambassadors and officials from various countries are expected to be invited to give the celebrations an international character.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to introduce several new public events, including an art exhibition, flea market, vintage car rally and rangoli competition. Cultural groups representing different regions of Karnataka will also be given opportunities to perform.

The government plans to ensure proper seating arrangements for visitors who purchase tickets for Dasara programmes. Officials have been instructed to ensure that ticket holders do not face inconvenience.

The Chief Minister has also called for systematic supervision of the celebrations. One minister, along with the district in-charge minister, will be assigned to oversee the arrangements each day.

As part of a new publicity strategy, short films showcasing Mysuru Palace and other major tourist attractions will be produced and promoted widely. The initiative aims to use Dasara to highlight Mysuru’s tourism potential and cultural heritage to audiences across India and abroad.

With cultural programmes being combined with military displays, an air show, drone show and a range of new public events, the government is planning to make Mysuru Dasara 2026 a larger and more diverse celebration.