The 2026 Mysuru Dasara is set to begin on Sunday, October 11, despite drought and crop loss across the state. The festival will officially commence at the Chamundi Hills shrine, with the Chamundeshwari Temple serving as the focal point for the opening rites. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the district administration, including seating for over 2,000 people and special provisions for around 200 seers from various mutts. State and central dignitaries, notably Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, are expected to attend the opening ceremonies. The festival’s programme promises cultural, literary, and traditional events that will build toward the Vijayadashami procession and the torchlight parade on October 21.
Sri Abhinav Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Koppal Gavimath will inaugurate the Dasara festival during the auspicious Dhanur Lagna, a window between 11:50 AM and 12:13 PM on October 11. This moment marks the formal start of the celebrations, and the swamiji’s role is described as supportive by those close to the event. The inauguration will take place at the Chamundeshwari Temple, aligning with the chronology recorded for 2026-10-11.
VIDEO | Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Nada Habba Dasara festival in Mysuru on Sunday. The 10-day grand celebration showcases Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and traditions and is one of the state's most prominent annual festivals. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)
This year’s Dasara holds particular significance as it is the first to be held under the leadership of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, whose supportive stance has been noted by observers.
Organizers anticipate the participation of about 150 to 160 pairs of buffaloes, and the Kambala event is scheduled for October 18.
For the first time, a traditional coastal Kambala buffalo race is being organized as part of the Dasara celebrations. The race will be held on a 145‑meter track, with an estimated cost of 8 crore rupees allocated for the event. Organizers anticipate the participation of about 150 to 160 pairs of buffaloes, and the Kambala event is scheduled for October 18. While the race adds a new dimension to the festivities, it has faced opposition from environmentalists concerned about water usage; discussions regarding the water requirements for the Kambala track are underway as part of the preparations.
ನಾಡ ಹಬ್ಬ - The Grand Mysuru Dasara Begins! 📅 October 11–21, 2026 Events include Kambala, Drone Show, Surya Kiran Aero Show, Kaveri Aarti, Jumboo Savari, Torchlight Parade, grand Mysuru Palace illumination, Flower Show, Aahara Mela and cultural programmes! #MysuruDasara2026 #Mysuru #Karnataka #Dasara
The Dasara schedule includes 11 consecutive days of cultural and traditional programs, featuring troupes from various states, traditional rituals, and modern attractions such as drone shows. The drone show is set for October 17, adding a contemporary spectacle to the historic setting. Early morning rites include the Maharudrabhisheka at 5:30 am on Sunday, October 11. Among the highlights are the golden throne assembly and the Jamboo Savari procession, both slated for October 21, followed by the torchlight parade that caps the celebrations. These elements together underscore the blend of heritage and contemporary expression that defines the festival.
The district administration has undertaken extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of participants and visitors. Seating has been arranged for over 2,000 people, and special provisions have been made for around 200 seers expected to attend from various mutts. Lakshmikanth Reddy, commenting on the readiness of the venue, stated in translation that "All necessary preparations for the Dasara inauguration have been completed by the district administration."
Gavi Matha's Swamiji inaugurates the world famous Mysuru Dasara. Well done CM @DKShivakumar He is the best choice. The prior years' invitees were controversial. But you have invited a Swamiji who is well respected. Thanks!
As the opening date approaches, the festival stands ready to blend longstanding royal traditions with new coastal customs, all while navigating the realities of a dry agricultural season. The arrangements described—seating, dignitary attendance, seer accommodations, and the inaugural rites—set the stage for an 11‑day celebration that will culminate in the Vijayadashami procession and torchlight parade on October 21.
