Crowds cheer as 3,500 drones light up the sky 

Mysuru: The night sky over Mysuru turned into a canvas of light last night as 3,500 synchronised drones formed colourful images of a peacock, a roaring lion, the presiding deity of Mysuru Goddess Chamundeshwari and the iconic Golden Howdah, drawing loud applause from the crowd. 

The drone show at Bannimantap Torchlight Parade Grounds, organised by the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), presented 12 formations using colourful LED lights, adding a technological spectacle to this year’s Dasara celebrations. 

The show opened with a formation welcoming the public to Dasara on behalf of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The drones then created a series of images, including galaxies, butterflies, the armed forces, the national bird, the peacock and the king of the jungle. 

The display also featured Karnataka’s flagship projects, spiritual motifs such as the ‘Sudarshana Chakra’ and ‘Shiva Tandava’, and symbols of Mysuru’s heritage, including the Nandi statue, the Golden Howdah carried during the world-famous Jumboo Savari and Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru. 

The peacock formation was a major highlight, with CESC submitting it for Guinness Book of World Records recognition. 

Before the drones took to the sky, a cultural programme kept the audience entertained. Singers Indu Nagaraj, Sriharsha, Vyasaraj Sosale, Divya Ramachandra and Aishwarya Rangarajan performed for the gathering. 

Behind the scenes 

The show was operated from the grounds of St. Philomena’s College in Bannimantap by a team of specialists from Delhi-based BotLab Dynamics, whose expertise brought the spectacular aerial formations to life. 

The 20-minute show began at 7.30 pm and ended at 7.50 pm, leaving many spectators wishing it had lasted longer. Entry was regulated through tickets, Gold Cards and passes. The next shows are scheduled for Oct. 18, 20 and 21.  

The event was inaugurated by District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah in the presence of MLA Tanveer Sait, CESC Chairman and MLA Ramesh Babu Bandisiddegowda, actress Anusha Rai, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar and other dignitaries.