Mysuru: The Mysuru Palace Board is set to organise its annual cultural festival ‘Ugadi Sangeetotsava – Sri Parabhava Samvatsara’ on March 19 at the Mysuru Palace premises. The event, which celebrates the Kannada New Year, will begin at 5.30 pm and is expected to attract music lovers and cultural enthusiasts from across the region.
The festival is part of the palace’s long-standing tradition of hosting special cultural programmes to mark important festivals in Karnataka. Ugadi, which marks the beginning of a new year in the Hindu lunar calendar, is celebrated with music, rituals and cultural performances across the state.
Officials said the event aims to promote classical and devotional music while also preserving the cultural heritage associated with Mysuru Palace.
Ministers and leaders to attend
The event will be inaugurated by Mysuru District In-charge and Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to participate in the programme as a special guest.
The function will be presided over by Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivathsa, while several other dignitaries are scheduled to attend the programme.
Among the guests expected to participate are Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh, HD Kote MLA and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Chairperson C. Anil Kumar, and CESC Chairman and Srirangapatna MLA A.B. Ramesh Babu Bandisiddegowda.
Officials said the presence of political leaders and cultural patrons reflects the importance of the festival in Mysuru’s cultural calendar.
Cultural celebrations for Ugadi
Ugadi Sangeetotsava has been organised annually by the Mysuru Palace Board to mark the Kannada New Year with classical music performances and cultural programmes.
The festival typically features renowned musicians, devotional songs and traditional performances that highlight Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage.
The Mysuru Palace, which has historically been a centre for music and arts during the reign of the Wadiyar dynasty, continues to host such events to keep these traditions alive.
Organisers said the festival offers an opportunity for audiences to experience classical music in the historic palace surroundings.
Sound and light show cancelled
In view of preparations for the Ugadi Sangeetotsava, the regular Sound and Light show conducted at Mysuru Palace has been temporarily cancelled.
The show, which usually takes place from 7 pm to 8 pm, has been suspended from March 16 to March 22.
According to a press release issued by Deputy Director of the Mysuru Palace Board T.S. Subramanya, the temporary cancellation is necessary to facilitate stage setup, rehearsals and other arrangements for the festival.
Authorities said the suspension is only temporary and the popular tourist attraction will resume after the completion of the cultural programme.
Mysuru Palace as a cultural hub
Mysuru Palace has long been recognised as one of Karnataka’s most important cultural landmarks.
Apart from being a major tourist attraction, the palace regularly hosts festivals, concerts and cultural programmes that showcase the state’s artistic traditions.
Events such as Ugadi Sangeetotsava play an important role in connecting the public with classical music and traditional performing arts.
Officials believe that such programmes help sustain interest in cultural heritage among younger generations.
Preparations underway
Organisers have begun preparations at the palace premises to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
Stage arrangements, lighting and rehearsal activities are currently underway ahead of the festival.
Authorities are also expecting a significant turnout of visitors, including residents of Mysuru and tourists who may be in the city during the Ugadi celebrations.
Officials said adequate arrangements are being made to manage the crowd and ensure the event proceeds smoothly.
Conclusion
The upcoming Ugadi Sangeetotsava at Mysuru Palace promises to be a vibrant cultural celebration marking the beginning of the Kannada New Year. With the participation of prominent leaders and the staging of traditional music performances, the festival is expected to reinforce Mysuru’s reputation as a city deeply rooted in art and culture.
As preparations continue, residents and visitors alike are looking forward to an evening of music and tradition set against the historic backdrop of the Mysuru Palace.