Entertainment · Books & Arts · 1 day ago
Mysuru Dasara begins amid drought with new events and citywide lights
Mysuru Dasara, Karnataka’s state festival, begins on Sunday and runs until October 21.
The celebrations combine religious and royal traditions with cultural events and public attractions.
They are taking place during severe drought, with water supplies in the Cauvery basin under strain.
The state government has decided not to reduce the festivities, saying they support tourism and local businesses.
This year’s programme includes a first-ever Kambala buffalo race in Mysuru, as well as a drone show and an air show.
Some activists opposed Kambala because of concerns about water use, but it is scheduled to go ahead on October 18 and 19.
Streets and public spaces will be illuminated, and authorities are preparing security and crowd-control measures for the expected visitors.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 began despite severe drought and grim water availability in the Cauvery basin.
The State government decided not to scale down the celebrations, citing their tourism and economic importance.
The festival was inaugurated atop Chamundi Hill by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavimath, Koppal.
Planned attractions include citywide illumination, drone shows, an air show and the first-ever Kambala at Dasara.
The celebrations are scheduled to end on October 21.
- Who
- The State government is holding the festival. Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavimath, Koppal, inaugurated it.
- What
- Mysuru Dasara 2026 began despite severe drought, with traditional events and new attractions.
- When
- The inauguration was scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026. The celebrations are due to end on October 21.
- Where
- Mysuru, including Chamundi Hill, where the festival was inaugurated.
- Why
- The government says Dasara supports tourism and business in hospitality and other sectors, boosting the local economy.
Dasara organisers
Kambala opponents
Kambala at Dasara
Dasara organisers
The event will go ahead as scheduled on October 18 and 19.
Kambala opponents
Activists opposed the event and demanded its cancellation, citing drought and excessive water use.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The Dasara inauguration was scheduled to take place atop Chamundi Hill.
Dasara illuminations are planned across the city for 21 days.
Special drone shows featuring 3,500 LED drones are planned.
Kambala is scheduled to take place at Sathagalli.
The Dasara celebrations are scheduled to end.
- Inaugurator
- Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavimath, Koppal
- Illuminated roads
- 199
- Illuminated circles
- 123
- Drone shows
- 3,500 LED drones
- Kambala venue
- Sathagalli, Mysuru
- Security personnel
- Around 5,000
Sources
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Mysuru switches on citywide lights for Dasara celebrations
