Palace ‘Sound and Light’ show ticket row

Mysuru, June 2 (PM&BCT)- A video posted on Instagram alleging irregularities at the ticket counter of the Mysore Palace ‘Sound and Light Show’ has gone viral. However, the Mysore Palace Board has denied the allegations.

In the video, a woman alleged that visitors are not being given the correct change while purchasing tickets. She claimed that after paying Rs. 500 for two tickets costing Rs. 120 each, the counter staff did not return the remaining Rs. 10.

She also complained that only cash payments are accepted, that there is no online ticketing facility and that tickets for the 7 pm show are issued through a single queue beginning at 6.30 pm.

CCTV camera monitoring

Responding to the allegations, Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya categorically denied any malpractice. He said visitors have every right to demand the correct balance amount and can lodge a complaint with the Palace office if they are denied change.

He pointed out that every ticket receipt carries the name of the operator who issued it, making it possible to identify the staff member. In addition, all transactions at the ticket counter are monitored through CCTV cameras.

“If there is a genuine grievance, visitors should bring it to the notice of the Palace office so that appropriate action can be taken. Merely posting such allegations on social media serves no purpose,” he said.

Online payment soon

Subramanya clarified that online payment facilities are already available for Palace entry tickets and that similar facilities for the ‘Sound and Light Show’ will be introduced shortly. He said the Palace Board is in the process of upgrading the show’s infrastructure, including digital ticketing, to enhance transparency and convenience for visitors.

Addressing concerns over crowd management and ticket distribution, he said attendance on most days remains moderate, with around 250 to 300 visitors. On Saturdays, however, the show attracts nearly 800 spectators, necessitating additional seating arrangements and the conduct of two shows.

Explaining the ticketing process, he said Palace visiting hours conclude at 5.30 pm and visitors are required to leave the premises by 6.15 pm.

Ticket distribution for the ‘Sound and Light Show’ begins at 6.30 pm. Allegations that ticket sales continue until 7.40 pm, he said, were likely linked to the second show conducted on Saturdays.

Subramanya said that the ‘Sound and Light Show’ continues to be one of the Palace’s most popular attractions, particularly during weekends.

He assured visitors that efforts are underway to modernise facilities and reiterated that complaints, if any, should be formally submitted to the Palace office for redressal rather than being circulated on social media.