Mysuru: Applications have been invited from eligible individuals, restaurants, organic farmers and associations to participate in the popular Dasara Food Mela, which will be held from October 11 to 25 at the Sri Jayachamaraja Ursu Education Trust (SJUET) Grounds, popularly known as Maharaja’s College Grounds, as part of the Mysuru Dasara-2026 celebrations.
According to a press note issued by B N Veena, Additional Commissioner of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and Deputy Special Officer of the Dasara Food Mela Sub-Committee, the event will bring together a wide range of cuisines and food products under one roof.
The annual food mela is expected to attract visitors from across Karnataka and other parts of the country, offering participants an opportunity to showcase traditional food, speciality dishes and locally produced agricultural products during the Dasara festivities.
Wide variety of cuisines to be showcased
The Food Mela will feature traditional cuisines from different parts of South and North Karnataka, along with popular dishes from various Indian states.
Visitors will also get an opportunity to sample international cuisines, with Chinese, Italian, French, Tibetan and African food among the varieties proposed for the event.
The organisers said the mela is intended to provide a diverse culinary experience while promoting traditional food and giving food entrepreneurs a platform to introduce their speciality dishes to a wider audience.
Homemakers, chefs, hotels and institutions preparing traditional and speciality dishes have also been invited to participate.
Focus on millets and organic products
This year’s Dasara Food Mela will place special emphasis on natural and organic agricultural products and millet-based food.
The organisers said the focus is intended to encourage healthier dietary choices and promote products associated with natural and organic farming.
Millet growers, organic farmers, fruit and vegetable vendors and farmers’ cooperatives in Karnataka will have an opportunity to establish stalls and introduce their agricultural products and dishes to visitors.
The initiative is also expected to provide farmers and producers with a platform to connect directly with consumers and showcase locally produced food items.
Opportunity for local and out-of-state participants
The organisers have invited participants from Karnataka as well as other states to make use of the Food Mela as a platform to promote their signature dishes and food products.
According to the Dasara Food Mela Sub-Committee, homemakers and professional food establishments with traditional or distinctive recipes can participate in the event.
The organisers described the mela as an opportunity for participants to expand the reach and popularity of their speciality dishes, similar to the recognition enjoyed by Mysuru Pak.
By bringing together local specialities, regional cuisines and international food, the mela is expected to add to the attractions of the annual Dasara celebrations.
Application dates announced
Interested applicants can obtain application forms from the office of the Additional Commissioner of the Mysuru City Corporation from September 1 to 16.
Completed applications must be submitted before 5.30 pm on September 19.
Applicants seeking further information can contact Dasara Food Mela Sub-Committee Deputy Special Officer B N Veena, Working President G Srinivasamurthy or Secretary K M Ravikumar.
The organisers have clarified that applications will not be issued for soft drinks, ice creams and mineral water products, as these categories are covered under sponsorship arrangements.
Stall selection through lottery
Applications received for the Food Mela will be categorised according to the type of dishes and food products proposed by the applicants.
The selection of stallholders will be conducted through a lottery process. The draw is scheduled to take place at 11 am on September 22 at Sir C V Rungacharlu Town Hall.
The names of selected applicants will subsequently be displayed on the notice board of the Mysuru City Corporation.
Selected applicants will be required to submit their Demand Draft (DD) within the stipulated period. The organisers have warned that if a selected applicant fails to submit the DD within the specified time, the opportunity will be offered to other applicants through another lottery process.
Food mela to add to Dasara festivities
The Dasara Food Mela has become one of the popular attractions associated with the annual Mysuru Dasara celebrations, offering visitors an opportunity to explore a wide variety of food and culinary traditions.
With this year’s emphasis on millets, organic produce and natural agricultural products, the event is also expected to provide greater visibility to farmers, cooperatives and food entrepreneurs.
The inclusion of regional Indian cuisines alongside international food is likely to make the mela a major attraction for residents and tourists visiting Mysuru during the Dasara season.
The organisers have urged eligible individuals, food establishments, farmers and associations interested in participating to obtain the application forms within the specified period and complete the submission process before the deadline.