Mysuru: Known for being Karnataka's traditional ‘Nada Habba’ (State Festival), Mysuru Dasara is a festival, but it is more than that; it is a cultural experience that draws lakhs of people from all over India and the world. From October 11 to October 21, 2026, this year's Dasara will certainly be a great mixture of royal rituals, cultural displays, and religious ceremonies for us to enjoy.
Visiting with the Mysuru Dasara Gold Card is a great way to enjoy the festival from a premium viewing position in the capital city with special VIP status for tourists.
What is the Mysuru Dasara Gold Card?
The Mysuru Dasara Festival Committee issues a limited number of about 2,000 Gold Cards every year. These premium passes are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are one of the most sought-after festival passes.
The Gold Card provides VIP access to the two biggest attractions of Mysuru Dasara—the Jamboo Savari and the Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayatthu)—and entry to some major tourist attractions in Mysuru during the festival period.
What is the benefit of a Gold Card?
Visitors to the Gold Card have various exclusive privileges, such as:
- VIP seating for the world-famous Jamboo Savari near Mysore Palace.
- Direct entry to the Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap on October 21.
- Free entry to many of Mysuru’s top tourist attractions from October 11 to October 21, without having to buy separate tickets.
- Save time and money by not waiting in long lines at popular tourist destinations.
- Easy and hassle-free to access during one of Karnataka’s busiest tourism seasons.
Major Dasara Events
This festival is highlighted by Vijayadashami on October 21, 2026.
According to the official schedule:
- 1:00 PM -1:18 PM: Karnataka Chief Minister will perform the traditional Nandi Dhwaja Pooja during the auspicious Dhanur Lagna.
- 4:42 PM to 5:06 PM: Floral tributes will be offered to Goddess Chamundeshwari, whose idol is placed inside the magnificent 750-kg Golden Howdah, marking the ceremonial beginning of the Jamboo Savari.
The celebrations conclude with the spectacular Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayatthu) at Bannimantap from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. A full rehearsal of the parade is scheduled for October 20.
Complete Festival Schedule
The 11-day celebration begins on October 11 with the inauguration at Chamundi Hill, with special prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari and the official opening ceremony at Mysore Palace in the evening.
Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga:
October 12: Brahmacharini Puja
October 13: Chandraghanta Puja
October 14: Kushmanda Puja
October 15: Skanda Mata Puja
October 16: Katyayani Puja
October 17: Siddhidatri Puja
October 18: Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja, and special Mahishasura Samhara rituals
October 19: Durgashtami
October 20: Mahanavami, Ayudha Puja, Gaja-Ashwa Puja, Hayagriva Puja, and the final rehearsal of the Torchlight Parade
October 21: Vijayadashami, Jamboo Savari, and Torchlight Parade
Mysuru will host cultural performances, folk arts, music concerts, exhibitions, food festivals, wrestling competitions, youth events, heritage walks, and the spectacular illumination of the Mysore Palace throughout the festival.
Skyway International Travels Special Offer
To make the festival easier for visitors to attend, Skyway International Travels, which has been promoting Mysuru Dasara tourism for over 30 years, has announced exclusive Dasara travel packages.
Tourists booking a minimum three-night package or hotel stay through the company can purchase from its allocation of 200 Gold Cards at cost price, subject to availability.
Interested travelers can find out about the package details on Skyway's Dasara tour page and contact the company for reservations and assistance.
Important Information for Visitors
As Mysuru experiences a huge amount of tourists during Dasara, it is recommended that tourists book their accommodation and Gold Cards well in advance. People who have paid for festival packages should reconfirm their reservations with festival organisers at least 15 days before travel.
Travellers should also remember that Gold Cards and festival packages are generally non-refundable, and planning is essential.
Experience Karnataka's Grandest Festival
Mysuru Dasara is not only a festival, but it’s also a living portrayal of Karnataka’s royal heritage, spirituality, art, and culture. The Gold Card is an easy way to see the grand Jamboo Savari, enjoy the Torchlight Parade, or explore the city’s historic attractions.
Mysuru is well-prepared once again for a Dasara to come in 2026.
