Mysuru: The world-famous Mysuru Dasara is set to begin on Sunday, bringing together art, culture, heritage, devotion and valour as the city prepares for 11 days of festivities despite drought conditions and distress among farmers.
The Palace City has been illuminated and decorated for the state festival, transforming its streets and landmarks into a vibrant spectacle. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the inauguration at Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, where Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavimath, Koppal, will inaugurate the celebrations during the auspicious Dhanur Lagna between 11.50 am and 12.13 pm.
A series of cultural programmes and traditional events will follow, attracting residents and visitors to the city throughout the festival.
Dasara celebrations amid drought
This year’s celebrations come against the backdrop of deficient rainfall, crop losses and financial difficulties faced by farmers in several parts of Karnataka.
Despite these challenges, preparations for the festival have continued, with Mysuru decked out in decorative lighting and arrangements made for cultural performances and public events.
The celebrations are particularly significant for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who, according to the source report, is overseeing his first edition of Mysuru Dasara as chief minister. The government has mobilised its administrative machinery to facilitate the smooth conduct of the festivities.
Dasara remains one of Karnataka’s most prominent cultural celebrations, with Mysuru serving as its traditional centre. The festival combines religious ceremonies with music, dance, heritage events and public performances, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond.
Kambala to be held in Mysuru for the first time
One of the major attractions this year will be Kambala, the traditional buffalo race associated with coastal Karnataka. The event is scheduled for October 18 and 19, marking the first time it will be held as part of Mysuru Dasara.
Around 150 to 160 pairs of buffaloes are expected to participate in the two-day competition.
A 145-metre-long racing track has been set up near Satagalli on the Outer Ring Road to host the event. The estimated expenditure for organising the competition is around Rs 8 crore.
The decision to hold Kambala in Mysuru has, however, faced opposition from environmental activists and sections of the public. Concerns have been raised over the environmental impact of the venue and the appropriateness of organising a major event amid drought and water shortages.
Supporters of the event view it as an opportunity to showcase the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka to a wider audience, while critics have called for the environmental and resource-related concerns to be addressed.
Eleven days of culture and tradition
With the inauguration at Chamundi Hills, Mysuru is set to host a succession of cultural and traditional programmes over the next 11 days. The city’s illuminated streets, heritage landmarks and festival venues are expected to remain central to the celebrations.
The festival’s blend of religious observances, cultural performances and public events continues to make it a major attraction on Karnataka’s cultural calendar.
As the celebrations begin, the city faces the challenge of balancing the grandeur of the state festival with concerns over drought, farmer distress and the environmental implications of some events.