Preventing unauthorised occupancy

Two-day Kambala to run day and night; to be free for public

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, CCF Ravi Shankar, DCF K. Paramesh and their families seen with PCCF A. Radha Devi (second from left) after Ganesha Chaturthi Puja to Dasara elephants at the Mysore Palace premises yesterday.

Mysuru: The Gold Cards for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations are expected to be released within a week, though their price has not yet been finalised, said Deputy Commissioner (DC)  G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, who is also the Dasara Special Officer.

Speaking to reporters after offering traditional Ganesha Chaturthi Puja to the Dasara elephants at the Mysore Palace premises yesterday, the DC said, steps were being taken to streamline seating arrangements and prevent unauthorised occupation of seats.

This year, all Gold Cards, passes and tickets will carry printed seat numbers corresponding to numbered seats at the venue.

The move is aimed at avoiding the confusion witnessed during the previous Dasara, when some Gold Card holders reportedly could not occupy their allotted seats as they had been taken by unauthorised persons.

“This time, a decision has been taken to prevent confusion and unauthorised seating. All Gold Cards, passes and tickets will have assigned seat numbers printed on them, corresponding to the numbered seats at the venue. With seat numbers this time, unoccupied seats will remain empty and we will ensure that the system is fair,” he said.

Online booking is expected to begin within a week, with the administration likely to retain the prices charged in previous years.

Day-and-night Kambala

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy announced that a two-day Kambala event would be held as part of the Dasara celebrations. The event will be conducted during both the day and night, with seating arrangements for around 8,000 spectators.

The Kambala will be held on a rolling basis over two consecutive days. The general public will be allowed to watch the event without tickets or passes, he said.

Air Show: Centre’s nod awaited

Regarding the proposed Air Show in Mysuru, Reddy said, correspondence had been made with the Centre and approval was awaited.

A formal proposal for an Air Show and helicopter displays had been submitted to the Ministry of Defence, which is currently considering it. The dates are being aligned at the Ministry level and the final schedule will be announced after official approval.

Asked whether the event would feature the Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team or the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, the DC said, the decision would be taken by the Defence Ministry. If approved, the Air Show would be held for one day, he said.

Film stars in ‘Jumboo Savari’

The Dasara Executive Committee has decided to drop the Film Festival from this year’s celebrations following discussions on public demand and logistical issues, the DC said.

The DC said that, as per the directions of the CM, major Kannada film directors, actors, actresses and technicians would participate in the procession and be honoured before the public. A dedicated tableau representing the Kannada film industry would also feature in the Jumboo Savari, he added.

On the proposal to invite CMs of other South Indian States for Dasara, he said, discussions were currently underway at the CM’s Office. An official announcement would be made by CM D.K. Shivakumar, he added.

PCCF A. Radha Devi, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, DCP (Crime & Traffic) K.S. Sundar Raj, CCF Ravi Shankar, DCF Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, Mandya DCF Raghu and RFO Yashma Machamma were among those present during the puja. The rituals were performed by priest S.V. Prahlada Rao.