Karnataka’s famous Mysuru Dasara is going to come back to life in 2026 with a bang as the state government has released the list of the state government's schedule for the 11-day festival. Mysuru Dasara is known as the state festival (Nada Habba) of Karnataka, India. Renowned Mysuru Dasara attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists from all over India and the world every year. There will be even more beautiful rituals, artistic events, music and dance, and light shows, and new sights with the traditional rituals, cultural activities, dazzling illumination, and new things coming to life for the festival will be in place for the first time this year with this year’s event.
The festival will start on 11th October, 2026, with the traditional inauguration at the sacred Chamundi Hills. The Karnataka Government approved the Chief Minister to choose the chief guest who would inaugurate the celebrations.
Official Mysuru Dasara 2026 schedule
The government announced the following key dates for the festival:
- October 11: Mysuru Dasara grand opening at Chamundi Hills.
- October 18: Mahanavami and Durgashtami rituals in Mysuru Palace.
- October 19: Ayudha Puja in Karnataka.
- October 21: Vijayadashami Jamboo Savari, the end of the festival.
On Vijayadashami, the ceremonial Nandi Dhwaja Puja will be performed at 4:10 PM during the auspicious Meena Lagna. Thereafter, the famous Golden Howdah (Golden Ambari) carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari will lead the magnificent Jamboo Savari procession through the streets of Mysuru, one of India’s most anticipated cultural events.
Gajapayana to begin on July 26
The countdown to Dasara officially begins with Gajapayana, the ceremonial arrival of the Dasara elephants.
This year, the elephants will arrive in Mysuru on July 26, marking the beginning of Dasara preparations. The majestic elephants, brought from Karnataka's forest camps, get a traditional welcome before beginning their training for the grand procession.
The arrival of the elephant squad has become one of the most cherished pre-Dasara traditions and signals the festive mood across the city.
Kambala will make a historic debut
One of the major points under consideration for Mysuru Dasara 2026 is the possible inclusion of Kambala, Karnataka’s famous buffalo racing tradition from the coastal districts.
If approved, it would be the first time in the history of Mysuru Dasara that Kambala will be visible as part of the official festival celebrations. In this way, Karnataka's rich cultural heritage will be brought to light on one platform and in one place.
The initiative has attracted significant interest from cultural enthusiasts and tourism stakeholders.
Government Reviews Preparations
The preparations for the festival are going on under the supervision of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, public representatives of the Mysuru region and senior government officials.
Several important decisions were made in a high-level review meeting to make sure the festival was carried out very smoothly.
The authorities have been instructed to focus on:
- Strengthening security in Mysuru city and key tourist centres.
- Cleaning around the Mysuru Palace and other core locations.
- Upgrading roads, drinking water facilities, transportation, and other civic infrastructure.
- Organising innovative cultural and tourism programs to enhance the visitor experience.
The government expects a significant increase in tourist arrivals during the festival period.
City of Lights Returns
One of the most beautiful features of Mysuru Dasara is the spectacular lighting of Mysuru Palace and all the city’s major roads, circles, and heritage buildings.
Every evening in Navaratri, millions of lights turn Mysuru into a spectacular “City of Lights” with photographers, tourists, and culture lovers from all over the world.
The festival itself will include classical music and dance performances, literary events, film festivals, flower and fruit exhibitions, wrestling competitions, and several cultural events that highlight Karnataka’s rich culture.
A Festival Beyond Celebration
Mysuru Dasara is more than a festival— it is a celebration of Karnataka’s history, culture, and royal heritage. From the grandeur of the Jamboo Savari to the possibility of introducing Kambala, the 2026 edition will be a new benchmark for tourism and cultural celebration.
As October nears, Mysuru is once again preparing to welcome visitors from around the world for one of India’s most iconic and colourful festivals.
