All South Indian Chief Ministers to be invited; short films on Mysuru’s attractions; static displays of Defence Forces
Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has already announced plans to give the Mysuru Dasara festival a fresh identity, offered several suggestions at a progress review meeting held at Shakti Bhavan on Race Course Road in Bengaluru last evening.
It was decided to invite the Chief Ministers of other South Indian States to participate in the Dasara festivities. Cultural troupes from different States will also be invited to perform as part of efforts to attract wider public interest.
Shivakumar said talks would be held with the Union Defence Minister on the possibility of organising an Air Show during this year’s Dasara. The meeting also decided to request the Army, Navy and Air Force to send contingents for static displays and participate in the Dasara parade.
The Chief Minister stressed that priority seating must be provided to ticket holders. He also suggested inviting Ambassadors of various countries and senior officials to add to the stature of the festival.
Other proposed attractions include a film fair, flea market, vintage car rally, rangoli competitions and other special events. A Drone Show is also planned.
To ensure smooth conduct of the festivities, Shivakumar directed that, in addition to the District In-charge Minister, one Minister be assigned each day to oversee the arrangements.
The Government has also decided to invite the Indian Armed Forces, prestigious educational institutions, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other organisations to participate in the festival.
The Chief Minister further instructed officials to produce short films showcasing Mysore Palace and other prominent heritage, cultural and historical sites and to promote them widely to boost tourism and create greater awareness.
The meeting was attended by Urban Development and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, State Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Mysuru District In-charge Secretary and Principal Secretary of Commerce and Industries Dr. Selvakumar, Kannada and Culture Department Secretary Manjushree, Youth Empowerment Department Principal Secretary Naveen Raj Singh, Urban Development Department Secretary B.B. Cauvery, Tourism Commissioner Ram Prasat Manohar, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Zilla Panchayat CEO Ukesh Kumar, Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar and Mysuru District Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi, among others.
This post was published on September 4, 2026 7:30 pm