Srirangapatna: Kannada film actor V. Ravichandran will inaugurate the 2026 Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations, with the historic festival scheduled to take place from October 15 to 18 in Mandya district. The district administration has formally invited the veteran actor to inaugurate the celebrations, adding a popular film personality to this year’s cultural festivities.

Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumara and Srirangapatna MLA Rameshbabu Bandi Siddegowda visited Ravichandran at his residence in Bengaluru and extended the official invitation. The delegation felicitated the actor before handing over the invitation for the Dasara celebrations.

The announcement comes as the Mandya district administration steps up preparations for the annual festival, which is held to highlight Srirangapatna’s historical, cultural and religious significance.

Ravichandran to inaugurate Jumboo Savari

According to the details released by the district administration, Ravichandran will inaugurate the Jumboo Savari at Bannimantap in Kirangur during the Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations.

The actor will inaugurate the procession by showering flower petals on the portrait of Goddess Chamundeshwari installed on the elephant. The ceremony is expected to form one of the key highlights of the festival, bringing together the traditional elements associated with Dasara celebrations and the cultural programmes planned by the administration.

Ravichandran, popularly known as ‘Crazy Star’, is a veteran personality in the Kannada film industry and has worked as an actor, producer and director. His participation is expected to add a film and entertainment component to the public celebrations.

The decision to invite Ravichandran comes as the district administration prepares to organise the festival while retaining its traditional and cultural character. Reports said the actor accepted the invitation extended by the authorities.

Srirangapatna Dasara from October 15 to 18

The 2026 Srirangapatna Dasara Mahotsava will be held from October 15 to 18. The four-day programme is being planned by the Mandya district administration as part of the annual celebrations in the historic town.

Srirangapatna occupies an important place in Karnataka’s history and is known for its monuments, temples and heritage sites. The town, located on the Cauvery river, attracts visitors throughout the year and sees additional interest during Dasara festivities.

The district administration’s preparations are aimed at presenting the heritage of Srirangapatna alongside cultural programmes and traditional celebrations. The festival is also expected to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to participate in public events associated with Dasara.

The inclusion of a prominent Kannada film personality as the chief guest for the inauguration is likely to draw additional public attention to the celebrations.

Yuva Sambhrama planned ahead of Dasara

As part of the build-up to the main Dasara festivities, the district administration has also scheduled ‘Yuva Sambhrama’ on October 12 and 13.

The programme will be held at the taluk stadium and will feature cultural presentations by students from colleges across Mandya district. The event is intended to provide a platform for young people to participate in the celebrations through music, dance and other cultural performances.

Yuva Sambhrama has also become an important part of the wider Dasara celebrations in the region, allowing students and educational institutions to participate in programmes connected with the festival.

With the student-focused cultural programme scheduled two days before the main Dasara festivities, the district administration is planning a series of events leading into the October 15-18 celebrations.

Officials begin preparations for the festival

The invitation to Ravichandran is among the early announcements concerning this year’s Srirangapatna Dasara. The visit by the Mandya Deputy Commissioner and the Srirangapatna MLA to the actor’s Bengaluru residence marked the formal beginning of the arrangements involving the chief guest.

The district administration is expected to coordinate various aspects of the festival, including cultural programmes and arrangements at the venues where the celebrations will be held.

Srirangapatna’s historical setting also makes the festival distinct from celebrations centred only on entertainment. The town’s heritage buildings and religious sites form an important part of its identity, and the Dasara festivities provide an opportunity to showcase this history to visitors.

The administration’s plans therefore combine cultural participation with the traditional aspects of the festival. The Jumboo Savari at Kirangur is set to be a major public event, while Yuva Sambhrama will bring college students into the celebrations before the main festival begins.

Focus on culture and heritage

The Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations are expected to bring together local traditions, cultural performances and public participation. The festival also provides a platform for the district administration to showcase the historical importance of Srirangapatna.

The town has long been associated with Karnataka’s history and attracts tourists interested in its monuments and heritage. Events such as Dasara can further draw attention to these attractions while providing residents with opportunities to participate in cultural programmes.

For the 2026 edition, the administration’s schedule includes the student-focused Yuva Sambhrama on October 12 and 13, followed by the main Dasara celebrations from October 15 to 18.

The participation of Ravichandran as the inaugural guest adds a prominent Kannada cinema connection to the festival. His presence at the Jumboo Savari inauguration is expected to be one of the major public moments of the celebrations.

Conclusion

With V. Ravichandran set to inaugurate the Srirangapatna Dasara, preparations for the 2026 festival have gained momentum in Mandya district. The celebrations will run from October 15 to 18, while Yuva Sambhrama will be held on October 12 and 13.

The district administration is combining traditional Dasara events with student cultural programmes, with the Jumboo Savari at Bannimantap in Kirangur forming a key part of the celebrations. As preparations continue, the festival is set to bring together cultural activities, public participation and the historical heritage of Srirangapatna.