Mysuru: Energy Minister K.J. George has directed officials to make the illumination planned for Mysuru Dasara 2026 more attractive and innovative than last year, while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the festival.
George issued the directions during a preparatory meeting for the 2026 Dasara celebrations at the Karnataka Engineers’ Association auditorium in Kadakola on September 25. He asked officials to explore new designs and concepts for the city’s festive illumination while ensuring that the arrangements do not cause inconvenience to residents or visitors.
The illumination is among the major attractions of Mysuru Dasara and is expected to draw large crowds to the city during the 11-day festival from October 11 to 21.
Minister calls for new illumination designs
During the meeting, George stressed the need for an innovative approach to this year’s lighting arrangements. Officials were asked to ensure that the designs are visually appealing while maintaining the traditional character associated with Mysuru Dasara.
The Energy Minister also directed the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and other departments involved in the arrangements to ensure that electricity supply remains uninterrupted throughout the festival.
The focus on reliable power supply is particularly important as the city is expected to witness increased tourist and visitor movement during Dasara.
Mysuru’s streets, major junctions and prominent buildings traditionally receive decorative lighting during the festival, while the illuminated Amba Vilas Palace remains one of the most recognised attractions.
Illumination to begin on October 11
The official Mysuru Dasara 2026 programme states that the inauguration of the Dasara electric illumination will take place at 6.30 pm on October 11.
The sample illumination will be inaugurated on Sayyaji Rao Road near K.R. Hospital Circle by Energy Minister K.J. George.
The illumination will continue throughout the Dasara period from October 11 to 21. The Amba Vilas Palace will be illuminated every evening from 7 pm to 10 pm. On Sundays and Vijayadashami, the Palace illumination will continue until midnight.
The Palace lighting is traditionally one of the biggest attractions for tourists and residents, with the entire facade lit up simultaneously during the evening.
Rs 13.77 crore earmarked for illumination and drone show
Preparations for this year’s illumination have been underway for several weeks.
CESC has earmarked Rs 13.77 crore for Dasara illumination and the drone show this year. The allocation is higher than the Rs 9.75 crore spent on illumination during the previous year, according to an earlier Star of Mysore report.
Trial illumination work had already begun along roads including Manasagangothri Open Air Theatre Road and Bogadi Road. CESC officials have also been working on decorative designs, replicas, arches and other illuminated structures.
The higher allocation is expected to support expanded lighting arrangements as well as additional visual attractions during the festival.
Drone shows planned at Bannimantap
The illumination programme will be accompanied by a series of drone shows at Panjina Kavayathu Maidan in Bannimantap.
According to the official Dasara programme, the first drone show will be inaugurated at 8 pm on October 17. Further shows are scheduled for October 18, 20 and 21.
The October 17 inauguration will be attended by Urban Development Minister and Mysuru district in-charge Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah and CESC Chairman and Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda.
The drone displays are expected to add another attraction to the evening Dasara programme, complementing the traditional citywide illumination.
Palace remains the centre of attraction
The Amba Vilas Palace continues to be the centrepiece of Mysuru’s Dasara illumination.
The official Dasara website states that around one lakh bulbs are used to illuminate the Palace, covering its arches, domes and edges. The lighting is switched on simultaneously at 7 pm during the festival.
The Palace illumination is closely associated with the identity of Mysuru Dasara and attracts visitors who gather around the Palace premises and adjoining roads to watch the lights.
The city’s major roads and public spaces will also receive decorative lighting, creating an extended illumination zone beyond the Palace.
Focus on uninterrupted power supply
With thousands of visitors expected to gather in Mysuru during Dasara, uninterrupted electricity supply will be important for both the illumination programme and regular civic services.
George has therefore directed officials to ensure that the lighting arrangements do not compromise the reliability of the electricity network.
CESC teams will have to coordinate maintenance, electrical safety and illumination operations throughout the festival. Any disruption could affect not only the decorative lighting but also businesses, traffic management and other public services operating during the peak tourist period.
The instructions also come at a time when Mysuru is preparing for a larger festival calendar, with cultural events, sporting activities, food fairs and other programmes scheduled alongside the traditional Dasara celebrations.
Mysuru prepares for a larger Dasara
Mysuru Dasara 2026 will run from October 11 to 21, with the illumination serving as one of the festival’s major public attractions.
The lighting programme is expected to complement other major events, including the Jumboo Savari on Vijayadashami and the newly planned Kambala event in Mysuru.
The combination of traditional Palace illumination, citywide decorative lighting and drone shows is expected to give visitors several options for evening entertainment during the festival.
Officials are now working towards completing the illumination arrangements ahead of the October 11 inauguration.
Conclusion
The Mysuru Dasara 2026 illumination is set to receive an innovative makeover, with Energy Minister K.J. George directing officials to introduce more attractive designs while maintaining uninterrupted power supply.
With Rs 13.77 crore earmarked for illumination and drone shows, Palace lighting scheduled throughout the festival and four drone displays planned at Bannimantap, the city’s evening attractions are expected to form a major part of this year’s Dasara celebrations.