Mysuru awaits grand Dasara as preparations gather pace

The Mysuru district administration has released Dasara invitation copies to the media after formally inviting dignitaries to the annual festivities, which is slated to commence on September 22.

Author and International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, who has been chosen to inaugurate this year’s ‘Nada Habba’ celebrations atop the Chamundi Hills, was formally invited to do the honours at her residence in Hassan on Wednesday. The invitation was extended by Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy and his team.

On Thursday, the same team visited Bengaluru and extended Dasara invitations to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister in charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa, and other leaders.

The inauguration atop the Chamundi Hills will be held between 10.10 a.m. and 10.40 a.m. on September 22 in the presence of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other dignitaries. The inaugural ceremony will mark the beginning of several Dasara events, including a wrestling competition, a flower show, and the illumination of the city.

At 5 p.m., the Chief Minister will inaugurate the Dasara cultural programmes on the palace premises and will also present the Sangeetha Vidwan Award on the occasion.

On October 2, the day of the Vijayadashami, the Nandi Dhwaja Puja will be performed between 1 p.m. and 1.18 p.m. by the Chief Minister on the Mysuru palace premises. This traditional ritual precedes the grand Jamboo Savari procession, which the Chief Minister will flag off. The procession will feature caparisoned elephants, cultural and folk troupes, and tableaux depicting Karnataka’s rich heritage and traditions. The cynosure of all eyes will be the golden ambari with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed in it, which will be carried by elephant Abhimanyu.

The day’s events will conclude with the spectacular Torchlight Parade at the Bannimantap Grounds, to be inaugurated by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, in the presence of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

Although the main festivities begin on September 22, related programmes will start earlier. The Yuva Sambhrama will be held on September 10 at the Open Air Theatre at 4 p.m. On September 13, the Dasara Film Festival will begin at the Mall of Mysore at 11 a.m.

From September 22 onwards, Mysuru will host a variety of Dasara events such as the flower festival, food festival, wrestling competition, art camp, book festival, yoga Dasara, Dasara sports events, Dasara illumination, and other exhibitions. Rangoli festival, poets’ meet, and the mahila Dasarawill be held on September 23, while a Heritage Cycle Ride will take place on September 25. On September 26, a heritage walk, Raitha Dasara, Pratibha Poets’ Meet, and an agriculture exhibition will be organised as part of the festivities. A State-level Dasara yogasana competition, and an air show are among the events scheduled for September 27. A pet show, a trial of the drone show, and other events will be held on September 28. The main drone show will be held on September 29 at the Bannimantap Grounds.

Dasara 2025 is expected to once again draw thousands of tourists to Mysuru, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of cultural and traditional celebrations. The State government has reiterated to conduct Dasara in a grand manner with Mysuru being one of the key tourist hubs in the State.

Like every year, one of the key highlights of the celebrations is the grand illumination of the city, and the CESC has already taken up the work of installing lights with innovative designs to attract visitors.