Mysuru: The Mysuru District Administration has formally invited Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji, the 18th pontiff of Sri Gavisiddeshwara Mahasamsthana Mutt (Gavimutt) in Koppal district, to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festivities

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, who is also the Dasara Special Officer, visited Gavimutt yesterday along with members of the Dasara Reception Committee and met the Swamiji.

The officials handed over the official invitation, requesting him to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara 2026 celebrations, which begin on Oct. 11 atop Chamundi Hill.

Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa and Deputy Secretary M. Basavaraj honoured the Swamiji with fruits and flowers.

Koppal Deputy Commissioner Dr. Suresh Itnal and Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Varnith Negi were also present. The Swamiji later invited the visiting officials to have prasada at the Mutt. Following this, the Deputy Commissioner and ZP CEO visited Gavimutt Hill and had darshan of the Kartru Gaddige, the revered seat of the pontiff.