Mysuru: The 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival is set to receive a fresh identity with the Karnataka Government planning a wider range of cultural, tourism and public engagement programmes. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has suggested several new initiatives, including inviting Chief Ministers from other South Indian States, exploring an Air Show, organising a Drone Show and involving the Defence Forces in the festivities.
The proposals were discussed during a progress review meeting chaired by D.K. Shivakumar at Shakti Bhavan on Race Course Road in Bengaluru. The meeting focused on expanding the appeal of Dasara and presenting Mysuru as a major cultural and tourism destination.
South Indian Chief Ministers to be invited
As part of the new approach, Chief Ministers of other South Indian States will be invited to participate in the Dasara celebrations. Cultural troupes from different States are also proposed to be brought to Mysuru to perform during the festival.
The wider participation is aimed at giving the annual festival a more national character while providing visitors with an opportunity to experience different cultural traditions under one platform.
The Government is also considering inviting Ambassadors of various countries and senior officials to the celebrations. Such participation, according to the plans discussed at the meeting, is expected to add to the stature and international visibility of Mysuru Dasara.
Air Show and Drone Show proposed
One of the major attractions being considered for this year’s Dasara is an Air Show. Chief Minister Shivakumar is expected to hold discussions with the Union Defence Minister regarding the possibility of organising the event.
The Government also plans to approach the Army, Navy and Air Force to send contingents for static displays and participate in the Dasara parade. If implemented, the displays could add a new dimension to the festival’s traditional cultural and heritage-focused programmes.
A Drone Show has also been proposed as another major attraction. The inclusion of such technology-driven events reflects the Government’s intention to introduce newer experiences while retaining the traditional character of Dasara.
However, these remain proposals at this stage and their final implementation will depend on further discussions and approvals.
Film fair, flea market and vintage car rally
Several other events have been proposed to broaden the range of activities available to residents and tourists during the festival.
These include a film fair, flea market, vintage car rally and rangoli competitions. The Government is also looking at organising other special events that could increase public participation throughout the Dasara period.
The proposals are intended to make the festival more diverse, offering visitors attractions beyond the traditional ceremonies, cultural performances and heritage events associated with Mysuru Dasara.
Focus on Mysuru’s heritage and tourism
Another key proposal is the production of short films showcasing Mysore Palace and other prominent heritage, cultural and historical sites in and around Mysuru.
The films are expected to be promoted widely to create greater awareness about the city’s attractions and encourage tourism. Mysuru is already known for its heritage architecture, royal history, cultural traditions and annual Dasara celebrations, and the proposed campaign seeks to use the festival as an opportunity to highlight these attractions to a wider audience.
The Government has also decided to invite prestigious educational institutions, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other organisations to participate in the festivities.
Ministers to oversee arrangements
To ensure better coordination during the festival, Shivakumar has directed that one Minister be assigned to oversee arrangements on each day of the celebrations, in addition to the District In-charge Minister.
The decision is aimed at ensuring that different departments involved in the organisation of Dasara have closer political and administrative oversight throughout the festival.
Officials from several departments and agencies attended the review meeting, including Urban Development and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Tourism Commissioner Ram Prasat Manohar, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar and Mysuru District Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi.
Priority for ticket holders
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to provide priority seating to ticket holders during Dasara programmes.
With the festival attracting large crowds, seating and crowd management remain important aspects of organising major events. The instruction is intended to ensure that people who purchase tickets for designated programmes receive appropriate arrangements.
The Government’s proposals come as preparations for the 2026 Dasara festivities gather pace in Mysuru. Alongside traditional events, the administration is looking to add new cultural, technological and tourism-oriented attractions.
A wider vision for Dasara
The proposed changes indicate an attempt to expand Mysuru Dasara beyond its traditional festival framework while retaining its cultural significance. Invitations to South Indian Chief Ministers and cultural troupes could bring greater regional representation, while participation by the Defence Forces, ISRO, DRDO and other institutions could introduce new themes to the celebrations.
The proposed Air Show, Drone Show, vintage car rally, film fair and flea market could also provide visitors with additional reasons to spend more time in the city during the festival.
At the same time, the Government’s emphasis on short films about Mysuru’s heritage sites suggests that Dasara is being viewed as an important platform for promoting the city’s tourism potential.
Conclusion
Mysuru Dasara 2026 is being planned with a focus on combining its traditional cultural identity with newer attractions and wider participation. From South Indian cultural troupes and Defence displays to a proposed Air Show, Drone Show and tourism films, several initiatives are being considered to give the festival a fresh look.
The final shape of these programmes will depend on further consultations and approvals, but the plans signal an effort to make Dasara a broader cultural and tourism showcase for Mysuru.