21-day illumination; 40-50 actors in JumbooSavari; hotels warned against overcharging
Mysuru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) has announced that 500 religious leaders from different faiths, including Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Jain communities, will be invited to the inauguration of MysuruDasara.
Speaking at a press conference after chairing a meeting on Dasara 2026 preparations at MysuruZilla Panchayat auditorium yesterday evening, DKS said the district administration would make separate seating arrangements and provide respectful hospitality for the religious leaders. Accommodation will be arranged at Suttur Mutt.
Highlighting the scale of the festival, the CM said contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force would participate in the Dasara procession. He also said that international medal-winning athletes be invited to participate in Dasara Sports.
For the smooth conduct of the festival, two Ministers will oversee the programmes each day. All legislators and Ministers will be invited to participate in the JumbooSavari. The Film Chamber has also been asked to provide a list of 40–50 actors to take part in the procession along with athletes.
21-day dazzle
The CM said Mysuru would be illuminated for 21 days. He also directed that Kambala (buffalo race) be conducted in its customary manner, with food outlets, sanitation and drinking water facilities provided at the YuvaDasara and Kambala venues.
He instructed organisers to avoid repetition of art forms in the procession. The 18 Dasara sub-committees have been tasked with detailed programme planning.
Officials expect around two lakh visitors for YuvaDasara. Shivakumar cautioned hotels against overcharging visitors and urged them to charge reasonably. Foreign diplomats have also been invited, with special seating arrangements planned.
Five elephants, including Dhananjaya and Ekalavya, are being trained to carry the Golden Howdah. DKS stressed the need to honour the Mysore royal family with dignity, preserve tradition and keep political interference away from the festival.
The review meeting was attended by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister EshwarKhandre; Mysuru District Minister Dr.YathindraSiddaramaiah; MLAs TanveerSait, G.T. Devegowda, K. Harishgowda, T.S. Srivatsa, Anil Chikkamadu and Ravishankar; MLCs Dr. D. Thimmaiah and K. Shivakumar; DC G. Lakshmikanth Reddy; ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar and SP MallikarjunBaladandi.
This post was published on October 4, 2026 7:30 pm