Mysuru: This year’s Dasara celebrations are set to turn the cultural capital of Karnataka into a grand stage, with over 10,000 artistes from 500 troupes presenting diverse art forms across multiple venues. The programmes will include vocal, instrumental, classical, folk, and light music performances, promising an immersive cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.

Star-studded performances at Mysuru Palace

One of the biggest attractions will be the prime-time performances in front of the illuminated Mysuru Palace, featuring some of India’s most celebrated artistes. Renowned playback singer Hariharan will inaugurate the cultural programmes with a ghazal and classical fusion concert on September 22.

Other highlights at the Palace include:

  • Thaikkudam Bridge performing Indian folk fusion music.
  • Abhishek Raghuram presenting Carnatic classical music.
  • Sai Shiv Lakshmi Keshav and team with a Carnatic instrumental fusion.
  • Sa Ra Nandakumar and Raghupathi Bhat in the Geetha Chithra concert.
  • Ananya Bhat and team performing Janapada Gaana Vaibhava.
  • Mysore Manjunath and his team with a violin trio recital.

The performances at the Palace will run for eight days, while the wider Dasara cultural programmes will span nine days across other venues.

Multiple stages across the city

According to M D Sudarshan, Assistant Director for Kannada and Culture, the events have been carefully curated from 2,800 troupe applications received from across Karnataka. Each troupe will consist of at least 15 artistes.

Key venues include:

  • Jaganmohana Palace, Naada Brahma Sangeetha Sabha, Gaanabharathi, and Rama Govinda Rangamandira for classical performances.
  • Kalamandira and Nanjangud for all art forms.
  • Clock Tower for folk art forms.
  • Town Hall for Pouranika (mythological) and Samajika (social) plays.
  • Kiru Rangamandira for modern theatre.

All shows will take place between 5 pm and 10 pm daily.

Inclusive participation

Organisers have ensured inclusivity by involving specially-abled children and transgender artistes in the performances. In addition, teams from the South Zone Cultural Centre, Tanjavur and South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, will participate, bringing regional diversity to the stage.

Preparations underway

Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO and Deputy Special Officer S Yukesh Kumar said that teams for the prime-time slots at Mysuru Palace have already been finalised. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing on the Palace premises to ensure smooth conduct of the cultural extravaganza.

Conclusion

The upcoming Dasara festival will not only highlight Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage but also provide a platform for new and diverse voices in the performing arts. With a mix of classical maestros, contemporary fusion bands, folk troupes, and inclusive participation, Mysuru is set to once again live up to its reputation as the cultural heart of the state.