Mysuru: Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted the third day of Yuva Dasara 2026 at Uttanahalli Grounds on October 15, forcing organisers to cancel the much-awaited concert by singer Sid Sriram. Thousands of music lovers who had gathered to watch the performance were left disappointed as adverse weather conditions brought the evening’s programme to an abrupt end.
The cultural programmes began at 5.30 pm, with dance performances entertaining the audience. However, the situation changed around 7.45 pm when a sudden downpour, accompanied by gusty winds, thunder and lightning, swept across the venue just minutes before Sid Sriram was scheduled to take the stage.
Strong Winds Damage Stage Equipment
The storm created difficult conditions at the open-air venue. Strong winds caused the speaker towers positioned on either side of the stage to tilt towards the LED walls, raising concerns about the safety of the equipment and people nearby.
A Jimmy camera collapsed, while the LED screen on the right side of the stage was damaged. The speaker towers did not topple, preventing what could have been a serious accident.
As the rain intensified, spectators scrambled to find shelter. Several people used plastic chairs to shield themselves from the downpour, while organisers and staff attempted to protect the stage lights and sound equipment with tarpaulin sheets.
Despite these efforts, the heavy rain and strong winds made it difficult to continue the event. Organisers eventually announced the cancellation at around 8.45 pm, bringing an end to the evening’s programme.
Spectators Face Difficulties During Exit
The cancellation prompted thousands of spectators to leave the grounds at the same time, resulting in congestion near the venue’s gates and on surrounding roads.
Women and children faced particular difficulties as the main road was some distance from the grounds. Police personnel helped people leave safely, with some being transported in ambulances and patrol vehicles. Others walked through the rain towards parking areas, using chairs as makeshift protection.
Traffic congestion worsened as several vehicles attempted to exit simultaneously. Incomplete roadworks and waterlogging on stretches around the venue further slowed traffic, delaying the dispersal of the crowd.
Many visitors had to navigate flooded roads and traffic jams before reaching home.
MJ-5 Performance Draws Applause Before Rain
Before the weather disrupted the programme, Bollywood dance group MJ-5 had entertained the audience with an energetic performance featuring songs in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and English.
The troupe showcased breakdance, hip-hop and Western-style dance moves, drawing whistles and applause from spectators. The group performed continuously for around ten minutes and has also gained recognition through performances in India and abroad, including as a finalist on America’s Got Talent.
The rain-related cancellation turned what had been an eagerly anticipated evening into a disappointing experience for music lovers who had gathered to see Sid Sriram perform.
The incident highlighted the challenges of conducting large-scale cultural events at open-air venues during unpredictable weather. The concert was cancelled after organisers assessed the conditions, while police assisted spectators in leaving the grounds amid rain and traffic congestion.