MYSURU: The Mysuru Dasara celebrations reached new heights on Sunday, October 18, as the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) created a Guinness World Record with an illuminated aerial peacock formation using thousands of drones at Bannimantap Grounds.
The spectacular display, organised as part of Mysuru Dasara 2026, used 3,473 drones to create the image of India’s national bird in the night sky, according to Asianet Suvarna News. The synchronised formation featured drones emitting different colours of light, captivating thousands of spectators gathered at the venue.
A team from Guinness World Records that travelled from London officially recognised the achievement and presented certificates to CESC officials following the performance.
Peacock formation creates a new world record
The highlight of the drone show was a giant peacock created by coordinating thousands of LED-equipped drones in the sky. The formation earned recognition in the category for the largest aerial display of a bird created using multirotor drones.
The drones moved in carefully synchronised patterns, producing a colourful image of the peacock against the night sky. The display was part of a larger programme featuring 12 different aerial formations.
The achievement added another international record to Mysuru Dasara, which has increasingly incorporated large-scale technology-driven spectacles alongside its traditional cultural and religious events.
CESC earns another Guinness recognition
CESC, which supplies electricity to Mysuru and surrounding areas, organised the show with support from the Karnataka government’s Energy Department.
CESC Technical Director L. Lokesh and other officials received certificates from the Guinness World Records team following the successful performance.
The achievement marks another milestone for the electricity utility, which entered the Guinness World Records in 2025 after using 2,983 drones to create an aerial image of a jumping tiger during Mysuru Dasara.
That earlier display set a record in the animal category. The 2026 peacock formation extended the initiative into the bird category, showcasing the use of drone technology for large-scale aerial art.
Energy Minister K.J. George welcomed the latest achievement and credited the collective efforts of CESC officials and technical staff.
Thousands gather for the Dasara spectacle
Bannimantap Grounds, known for hosting Mysuru Dasara’s traditional torchlight parade, became the centre of attention as spectators gathered to watch the drone performance.
The display was among the major attractions planned for this year’s celebrations, which have included cultural programmes, exhibitions and sporting events.
The use of thousands of drones required detailed coordination to ensure that the devices moved in precise formations and displayed the intended images. The peacock design demonstrated how drone technology can combine lighting, software and synchronised flight to create large aerial visuals.
The performance also highlighted Mysuru’s growing role as a venue for large public spectacles during the annual festival.
Mysuru Dasara expands its cultural attractions
Mysuru Dasara is traditionally associated with the royal procession, palace illumination, cultural performances and the torchlight parade at Bannimantap. In recent years, the festival has also incorporated technology-led attractions to broaden its appeal to residents and tourists.
The 2026 celebrations have featured the introduction of coastal Karnataka’s traditional Kambala buffalo race, alongside the record-setting drone show.
These additions bring together cultural traditions from different regions of Karnataka while offering visitors a wider range of events.
The Guinness recognition for the aerial peacock formation has given this year’s Dasara celebrations another international highlight. It also continues CESC’s efforts to use drone technology to create record-setting displays during the state’s flagship cultural festival.