Mysuru: Energy Minister K.J. George has directed officials to make the illumination for Mysuru Dasara 2026 more attractive, innovative and captivating than last year, while ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the festival.
George reviewed the preparations for Dasara illumination at a meeting held at the Karnataka Engineers’ Association Hall in Kadakola on September 25. During the meeting, officials from the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) briefed him on the plans for the festival.
The minister stressed the importance of creating visually appealing lighting arrangements as lakhs of visitors are expected to arrive in Mysuru during the Dasara season.
Minister calls for innovative illumination
George said last year’s illumination had been executed well but instructed officials to make this year’s arrangements more distinctive.
The illumination is among the major attractions of Mysuru Dasara, with important roads, junctions, public spaces and heritage areas decorated with lighting installations during the festival.
Officials were asked to focus on innovative designs that could enhance the experience for visitors while maintaining the traditional appeal associated with the annual celebrations.
The official Dasara programme lists the illumination inauguration for October 11 at 6.30 pm on Sayyaji Rao Road near K.R. Hospital Circle. The Palace illumination is scheduled to begin at 7 pm on the same day.
Power supply to remain a key priority
Along with the appearance of the illumination, the Energy Minister directed CESC and KPTCL officials to take precautionary measures to prevent power interruptions during Dasara.
George stressed the need for continuous monitoring of the power network, particularly in areas where extensive lighting arrangements and large public gatherings are expected.
The large-scale illumination places additional demands on the electricity network, making advance planning and monitoring important during the festival.
Officials have therefore been asked to identify potential vulnerabilities in the network and take preventive measures so that the lighting displays and other Dasara events can continue without disruption.
Artistic installations planned across Mysuru
CESC Mysuru Circle Superintending Engineer Sunil Kumar briefed the minister about the proposed illumination arrangements.
The plans include artistic installations at major roads and junctions across the city. Officials are also preparing artworks connected with the drone show planned as part of Dasara celebrations.
The illumination programme will extend beyond the Palace to several prominent locations, allowing residents and tourists to experience the festival atmosphere across Mysuru.
According to the official Dasara schedule, Palace illumination will be held every evening during the festival from 7 pm to 10 pm. On Sundays and Vijayadashami, the Palace lighting will continue until midnight.
Drone show adds another attraction
The 2026 Dasara programme also includes a drone show at the Panjina Kavayathu Maidan in Bannimantap.
The first drone show is scheduled for October 17 at 8 pm, followed by shows on October 18, October 20 and October 21.
The combination of citywide illumination and the drone displays is expected to add another visual element to this year’s Dasara celebrations. The official programme lists the drone show as one of the major attractions during the festival period.
The drone show will be inaugurated by Urban Development Minister and Mysuru district in-charge minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, along with CESC Chairman and Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, according to the official schedule.
Officials review Dasara preparations
Several senior officials attended the review meeting along with George.
Those present included Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, CESC chairman and Srirangapatna MLA; Karnataka Exhibition Authority chairman Ayub Khan; Deputy Commissioner and Dasara Special Officer Lakshmikanth Reddy; CESC Managing Director M.S. Archana; Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar; Superintendent of Police Mallikarjuna Baladandi and senior CESC and KPTCL officials.
The meeting focused on ensuring that the electrical infrastructure is prepared to support the extensive illumination planned for the festival.
Dasara celebrations begin on October 11
Mysuru Dasara 2026 is scheduled from October 11 to 21, with more than 100 programmes planned across multiple venues.
The official schedule includes the Aahaara Mela, flower show, cultural programmes, Yuva Sambhrama, Kambala, drone shows and the grand Jumboo Savari on Vijayadashami.
The Aahaara Mela will run from October 11 to 25 at Maharaja’s College Ground, while the Jumboo Savari will take place on October 21 from the Palace to Bannimantap.
With preparations for illumination now under review, officials are working to ensure that Mysuru’s streets and heritage landmarks present a distinctive visual spectacle during the festival.
The focus this year will be on combining attractive and innovative lighting designs with reliable electricity supply, as the city prepares to welcome large numbers of visitors for Mysuru Dasara.