MYSURU: The smooth organisation of the 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations has given a boost to tourism and local economic activity, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson M. Lakshman has said, crediting the district administration and Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah for the planning and execution of the festival.
Lakshman said the celebrations attracted large numbers of tourists, dignitaries and visitors from outside the district. Nearly six lakh vehicles reportedly entered Mysuru from other areas during the festivities, reflecting the scale of travel demand generated by the annual cultural event.
The 11-day Dasara celebrations, held from October 11 to 21, featured cultural programmes, entertainment events, exhibitions, food fairs and the traditional Jamboo Savari procession. The festival is a major attraction for domestic and international tourists and provides seasonal business opportunities for hotels, transport operators, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.
Large-scale arrangements for Dasara
Lakshman praised the arrangements made by the administration to manage the influx of visitors and coordinate the festival’s events. He credited Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the district in-charge Minister, for the planning that helped the celebrations proceed smoothly.
The scale of the arrangements included a substantial security deployment. Around 8,000 police personnel and eight Indian Police Service (IPS) officers were reportedly involved in managing security during the festivities.
The Jamboo Savari, one of the main attractions of Mysuru Dasara, drew large crowds as the city hosted visitors from across Karnataka and beyond. The festival’s multiple venues and cultural programmes also encouraged tourists to explore the city’s heritage and other attractions.
Tourism provides a boost to local businesses
The influx of visitors during Dasara is an important source of seasonal business for Mysuru. Accommodation providers, transport operators, tourist guides and shops often experience increased demand during the festival period.
The arrival of visitors from outside the district also creates opportunities for businesses serving tourists, including food establishments and operators offering local travel services.
However, the economic benefits of a large festival can vary across sectors. While accommodation and transport providers may see higher demand, some businesses can face difficulties because of traffic restrictions, changes in access routes and the location of temporary commercial venues.
Effective planning and coordination between event organisers, traffic police and civic authorities are therefore important to ensure that tourism activity benefits a wider section of the local economy.
Lakshman responds to protocol controversy
Lakshman also addressed criticism surrounding alleged protocol violations during the Jamboo Savari. He rejected objections raised by Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa concerning the participation of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s wife in floral offerings during the procession.
Lakshman described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. His comments came amid a wider political exchange over the conduct of the festival and the roles of dignitaries during official ceremonies.
He also referred to a complaint he had filed over the omission of the district in-charge Minister’s name from official advertisements, while the photograph of a Member of Parliament from another party was displayed prominently.
The issues highlighted the political disagreements surrounding the celebrations, even as organisers and officials focused on managing the festival.
Dasara’s role in promoting Mysuru
Mysuru Dasara remains one of Karnataka’s most prominent cultural festivals, combining royal traditions, religious ceremonies, public celebrations and tourism-related activities. Its appeal extends beyond the main procession to the city’s palace, heritage sites, exhibitions and cultural venues.
The large number of visitors reported this year highlights the importance of planning for transport, accommodation, security and public services during peak festival periods.
Lakshman’s remarks underline the Congress leadership’s position that the organisation of the 2026 celebrations helped strengthen Mysuru’s tourism profile. The longer-term impact will depend on whether the interest generated during Dasara can be converted into sustained visitor numbers and business opportunities throughout the year.