MYSURU: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that Mysuru’s Dasara illumination will continue for an additional 10 days beyond the scheduled festival period, giving residents and visitors more time to enjoy the city’s decorative lights.
The decision comes amid heavy crowds and traffic congestion as people gather every evening to view the colourful lighting arrangements across Mysuru. Shivakumar said the extension would help ease the pressure by allowing visitors to see the displays over a longer period rather than concentrating their visits within the festival days.
The illumination has become one of the major attractions of Mysuru Dasara, drawing visitors from across Karnataka and other parts of the country. The extension is expected to provide another opportunity for tourists to experience the city’s festive atmosphere after the main celebrations conclude.
Heavy crowds prompt extension
The Chief Minister’s announcement follows a surge in visitors travelling through Mysuru to see the illumination. Large numbers of people have been gathering on city roads after the lights are switched on in the evening, leading to congestion in several areas.
Shivakumar said nearly one lakh people were visiting the city daily to view the lighting displays. Extending the illumination by another 10 days is intended to spread out the crowds and reduce pressure on roads during the main festival period.
The city’s illumination covers major roads, traffic circles and prominent public locations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout Mysuru. The arrangements are coordinated by the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), which has developed themed lighting installations for this year’s celebrations.
Lights to remain on in the evening
The extended illumination is expected to continue during the evening hours, with the lights scheduled to remain on from 6 pm to 11 pm, according to the announcement reported by Deccan Herald.
The additional period will give visitors who could not travel to Mysuru during the main Dasara celebrations another opportunity to see the displays. It may also help businesses and tourism-related establishments benefit from visitors arriving after Vijayadashami.
The city’s decorative lighting has become an important part of the annual festival, complementing the cultural programmes, processions and other events associated with Mysuru Dasara.
Dasara lighting draws visitors across the city
This year’s illumination features lighting across 199 roads covering approximately 146 kilometres, along with decorations at 123 traffic circles and 80 LED-based installations, according to earlier reports.
The illuminated stretches and themed displays have contributed to the festive atmosphere and encouraged people to explore different parts of the city after sunset. However, the popularity of the displays has also brought challenges for traffic management, particularly when large numbers of visitors arrive at the same time.
The extension is intended to give people more flexibility when planning their visits and reduce the concentration of crowds during the main Dasara period.
Prizes announced for Dasara reels
Shivakumar also announced prizes for the 100 best social media reels featuring Dasara festivities. Participants have been encouraged to upload their videos and tag the official Mysuru Dasara 2026 account.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging people to document and share the festival’s attractions, including the illumination, cultural events and other celebrations.
With the additional 10 days of lighting, Mysuru will continue to offer visitors an opportunity to experience its festive displays beyond the main Dasara dates. The extension is also expected to support efforts to manage crowds while maintaining the city’s appeal as a major cultural and tourism destination.