Mysuru: The 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations are set to receive a major boost with the Karnataka government planning an air show and drone show, while chief ministers of all South Indian states are expected to be invited to the festival. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also directed officials to invite ambassadors and officials from various countries as part of efforts to give this year’s Dasara a wider national and international profile.
The plans were discussed at a progress review meeting on the preparations for Mysuru Dasara, chaired by Shivakumar at Shakti Bhavan on Race Course Road in Bengaluru on Thursday. The meeting focused on expanding the festival’s cultural programme, improving arrangements for visitors and introducing new attractions.
The 2026 Mysuru Dasara festivities are scheduled to be inaugurated on October 11, while the grand Jamboo Savari procession will be held on October 21. The festival is planned for 11 days this year.
South Indian chief ministers to receive invitations
One of the key decisions taken at the review meeting was to invite the chief ministers of all South Indian states to Mysuru Dasara.
The move is expected to give the state festival a stronger inter-state presence and provide an opportunity to showcase Karnataka’s cultural traditions to political leaders from neighbouring states. Along with the chief ministers, the government plans to invite ambassadors and officials from different countries.
The Karnataka government is also looking at bringing cultural groups from different parts of the country to Mysuru. Officials have been directed to invite art troupes from various States to perform during the celebrations.
Shivakumar stressed that artists representing different regions of Karnataka should also be given an opportunity to participate, ensuring that the cultural programme reflects the diversity of the State.
Air show plans discussed with Defence Ministry
An air show is among the major attractions being considered for this year’s Dasara celebrations.
According to the Kannada Prabha report, Shivakumar has discussed the possibility of organising the air show with the Union Defence Minister. The Chief Minister has also requested the participation of teams from the Army, Air Force and Navy.
The armed forces are being considered not only for an air show but also for tableaux and participation in the parade. If approved and organised as planned, their presence could add a ceremonial and patriotic dimension to the celebrations.
The proposal is still part of the preparations, and the final format and participation will depend on coordination with the concerned authorities.
Drone show planned as another major attraction
A drone show is also being planned during the Dasara festivities.
Drone-based light shows have become a popular addition to large public celebrations, allowing organisers to create formations and visual displays in the night sky. Mysuru had also hosted a large drone display during the 2025 Dasara celebrations, adding a modern visual attraction to the traditional festival.
For 2026, the government intends to include a drone show among the festival attractions. Details such as the number of drones, venue and dates are yet to be finalised.
The combination of an air show and drone display could add a contemporary element to a festival traditionally known for the illuminated Mysuru Palace, cultural performances, the Jamboo Savari and the torchlight parade.
More cultural and public events planned
The government is also considering several additional events to make the Dasara programme more diverse.
The proposed activities include a Chitrashante, or art market, a flea market, a vintage car rally and a rangoli competition. These events are intended to provide visitors with more activities beyond the traditional Dasara programmes.
The administration has also been asked to prepare short films highlighting Mysuru Palace and other important tourist destinations in and around Mysuru. These films are expected to be used for wider promotion of the city and its heritage sites.
The government is also looking to strengthen participation from institutions and organisations with a prominent role in Karnataka and India.
Army, ISRO and DRDO among those to be invited
According to the report, the government plans to invite the Indian armed forces, prominent educational institutions in Karnataka, the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce, ISRO, DRDO and other Central government organisations to participate in the tableaux during the Jamboo Savari.
Such participation could help present themes connected with science, technology, education, defence and national development alongside the traditional cultural tableaux.
The administration has also been directed to ensure that cultural teams from all parts of Karnataka receive opportunities to perform during the celebrations.
Focus on arrangements for visitors
Visitor management and seating arrangements are also receiving attention ahead of the festival.
Shivakumar instructed officials to give priority to providing suitable seating for people who purchase tickets for Dasara programmes. The direction comes as the administration prepares for large crowds expected to visit Mysuru during the festival.
The Deputy Chief Minister has further directed that, apart from the district-in-charge minister, one minister should be assigned each day to monitor the arrangements and programmes.
The move is intended to ensure closer supervision of the various events during the 11-day celebration.
Mysuru prepares for another grand Dasara
The 2026 Mysuru Dasara is shaping up as a combination of traditional festivities and newer attractions. While the Jamboo Savari, cultural programmes and other established events will remain central to the celebration, the proposed air show, drone show, vintage car rally, flea market and art-related activities could broaden the festival experience for residents and tourists.
The government has already fixed October 11 for the inauguration and October 21 for the Jamboo Savari.
With invitations planned for South Indian chief ministers, international representatives, cultural groups, educational institutions and national organisations, Karnataka is also looking to position Mysuru Dasara as a festival with a broader cultural and tourism appeal.
The final details of the proposed air show and drone show, including schedules and participating organisations, are expected to emerge as preparations progress. For now, the plans signal an effort to combine Mysuru Dasara’s traditional grandeur with new attractions aimed at drawing visitors and giving the 2026 edition a wider profile.