Entertainment · Books & Arts · 1 hr ago
Mysuru Dasara adds modern shows and faces debate over new traditions
Mysuru Dasara blends long-standing rituals with newer attractions, including a drone show at the Torchlight Parade in Bannimantap.
The festival in Mysuru, Karnataka, dates back more than four centuries and began under the Vijayanagara empire.
Since 1970, the Karnataka government has organised Dasara as a regional festival, with Goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol replacing the Maharaja in the golden howdah during the Jumboo Savari.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has proposed inviting other southern States to include their tableaux in the procession.
He has also proposed adding Kambala, a traditional buffalo race on a slushy track in coastal Karnataka.
The Kambala proposal has drawn opposition from farmers’ groups, environmentalists and historians, who have raised questions about expanding the festival’s cultural identity.
The debate is whether new additions strengthen or dilute Dasara, and the sources do not say what happens next.
Mysuru Dasara has added modern attractions, including a drone show at the Torchlight Parade.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has proposed inviting southern State chief ministers and adding their tableaux to the procession.
He has also announced plans to introduce Kambala, a traditional buffalo race from coastal Karnataka.
Farmers’ groups, environmentalists and historians oppose the Kambala addition, prompting debate over whether new elements could dilute the festival’s identity.
The festival has evolved over more than four centuries, from a royal celebration into a multi-venue event.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is proposing changes to Mysuru Dasara. Farmers’ groups, environmentalists and historians oppose the proposed Kambala addition.
- What
- Dasara has added modern shows, including a drone display, and may add Kambala and tableaux from other southern States.
- When
- The proposals were announced for the 2026 celebrations, Shivakumar’s first Dasara as the State’s executive head.
- Where
- Mysuru, Karnataka. The proposed Kambala race is a tradition of coastal Karnataka.
- Why
- Shivakumar has proposed a broader regional character for the procession. Critics’ opposition has reopened debate over whether expansion could dilute the festival’s identity.
Karnataka government
Farmers’ groups, environmentalists and historians
Festival changes
Karnataka government
Shivakumar has proposed inviting southern State chief ministers and including their tableaux in the procession. He has also announced the introduction of Kambala.
Farmers’ groups, environmentalists and historians
They oppose the proposed addition of Kambala.
Festival identity
Karnataka government
The proposals would broaden Dasara’s regional character.
Farmers’ groups, environmentalists and historians
The proposals have raised concerns about whether expanding the festival’s cultural canvas could dilute its distinctive identity.
Raja Wadiyar I formally instituted Dasara celebrations at Srirangapatna.
Dasara celebrations shifted to Mysuru after the fall of Tipu Sultan.
The Maharaja stopped occupying the golden howdah and withdrew from organising Dasara, and the Karnataka government took over responsibility for the festival.
Dasara developed from a palace-centred celebration into a multi-venue festival.
Shivakumar’s first Dasara as the State’s executive head includes proposals for new festival elements.
- Festival history
- More than four centuries
- Dasara institution
- 1610, Srirangapatna
- Shift to Mysuru
- 1799
- Torchlight Parade venue
- Bannimantap
- New proposed event
- Kambala, a traditional coastal Karnataka buffalo race
- 2026 Dasara
- Shivakumar’s first as the State’s executive head