Mysuru: Mysuru is set to glow brighter during Dasara 2026, with the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) planning illumination across nearly 146 km of city roads and 123 traffic circles.

The illumination plan includes more than 80 thematic installations at prominent locations across the city. CESC has also introduced new designs and displays this year instead of repeating the arrangements used during previous Dasara celebrations.

A total of Rs 13.77 crore has been earmarked for the Dasara illumination and drone show. Of this, Rs 9.5 crore has been allocated for illumination, while Rs 4.27 crore has been set aside for the drone show.

146 km of roads to be illuminated

CESC will illuminate nearly 146 km of roads during the nine nights of Navaratri as part of the Dasara celebrations.

The arrangements will cover major traffic circles, important roads and prominent public spaces across Mysuru. More than 80 thematic installations are planned at key locations.

The illumination committee has decided to introduce fresh designs and themes this year, with the objective of giving visitors a different experience from previous editions.

The plans include lakhs of bulbs and LED lights along the city’s major routes.

Thematic displays planned at major circles

Several important junctions and public spaces will receive specially designed installations.

These include K.R. Circle, Chamaraja Circle, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar (Hardinge) Circle, Gun House Circle, Ramaswamy Circle and the Devaraj Urs Road junction.

Other locations include Babu Jagjivan Ram Circle, the junction near J.K. Grounds, Government Ayurveda Hospital Circle, Old RMC Circle, LIC Circle and Doddakere Maidan.

The displays will feature a mix of cultural, religious, historical and contemporary themes.

Among the planned attractions are representations of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the Navadurgas, members of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family and Lord Krishna riding a chariot.

Government schemes to feature in illumination

The 2026 illumination will also include displays depicting several government welfare schemes.

LED installations will showcase programmes including Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Yuva Nidhi, Gruha Jyothi and Anna Bhagya.

Other displays will highlight initiatives such as ‘Praja Seva’ and ‘Bharat Jodo’.

The inclusion of these themes means that the illumination will combine the traditional visual elements associated with Dasara with displays highlighting contemporary public initiatives.

Rs 13.77 crore earmarked for illumination and drones

CESC has allocated Rs 13.77 crore for this year’s illumination and drone show.

The illumination budget has increased to Rs 9.5 crore from Rs 6 crore last year. The allocation for the drone show has also increased from Rs 3.75 crore in 2025 to Rs 4.27 crore this year.

The combined allocation therefore represents a significant increase in spending on the two major visual attractions of Mysuru Dasara.

CESC had earlier begun trial illumination along roads including Manasagangothri Open Air Theatre Road and Bogadi Road as part of preparations for the festival.

2.6 lakh units of electricity expected to be used

CESC expects to use around 3,106 kilowatts of power, equivalent to approximately 2,60,920 units of electricity, for the illumination during the nine nights of Navaratri.

The scale of the illumination requires advance planning to ensure that the additional electricity demand does not affect regular power supply to residents and businesses.

Earlier, Energy Minister K.J. George had directed officials to ensure adequate precautions and continuous monitoring so that the additional power requirement for Dasara illumination would not disrupt electricity supply.

3,500 drones planned for Bannimantap show

One of the major attractions this year will be a large-scale drone show at the Bannimantap Torchlight Parade Grounds.

CESC plans to use 3,500 drones for the show, an increase from the 3,000 drones used last year.

The formations planned for this year’s presentation include Nandi of Chamundi Hill, a flying butterfly, a peacock, Vishnu’s chakra, a soaring dove and a polar bear.

CESC is also aiming to create a Guinness World Record with the 3,500-drone display.

The drone shows are scheduled for October 17, 18, 20 and 21, providing visitors with multiple opportunities to watch the aerial formations.

Sayyaji Rao Road gets special royal theme

Special attention is being given to Sayyaji Rao Road, which serves as the main route for the Jumboo Savari procession on Vijayadashami.

CESC plans to install LED displays depicting gatekeepers and royal guards along both sides of the road.

The installations are intended to complement the ceremonial atmosphere of the Jumboo Savari and enhance the visual experience for spectators gathered along the procession route.

The use of themed installations instead of only conventional serial lights is part of CESC’s effort to give the city’s Dasara decorations a more distinctive appearance this year.

Illumination extends beyond central Mysuru

The Dasara illumination programme is not restricted to the central parts of Mysuru.

Earlier plans indicated that the festive lighting would also extend to areas such as Hootagalli, Kadakola, Yelwal, Udayagiri, Roopanagar and Vidyaranyapuram.

This expansion is intended to spread the festive atmosphere to areas beyond the core city and along important routes used by residents and visitors.

The Mysuru Palace area has received one of the largest allocations for illumination, while other major areas include Lakshmipuram, Rama Vilas Road, Bannimantap and Mandi Mohalla.

Dasara preparations gather pace

The illumination preparations come as Mysuru gets ready for the 11-day Dasara festival scheduled from October 11 to 21.

The district administration has also launched the official Mysuru Dasara 2026 website to provide information on festival programmes, tickets and other arrangements for visitors.

With illumination covering 146 km of roads and a large drone show planned at Bannimantap, the visual attractions are expected to be among the major highlights of this year’s celebrations.

The focus on new designs also follows directions to make the illumination more innovative and attractive than previous years while maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply.

Conclusion

Mysuru will illuminate nearly 146 km of roads and 123 traffic circles for Dasara 2026, with more than 80 thematic installations planned across the city. CESC has allocated Rs 13.77 crore for illumination and the drone show, including Rs 9.5 crore for lighting and Rs 4.27 crore for the aerial display.

A 3,500-drone show is planned at Bannimantap on October 17, 18, 20 and 21, while new LED themes and royal-inspired installations will add to the festive atmosphere across Mysuru.