Mysuru Dasara is one of Karnataka’s most prominent cultural festivals, bringing together royal traditions, religious ceremonies, cultural performances, sports, food events and grand public celebrations. The festival is closely associated with Mysuru’s royal heritage and culminates on Vijayadashami.
In 2026, Mysuru Dasara celebrations will take place from October 11 to October 21, with the grand finale featuring the famous Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade.
What Is Mysuru Dasara?
Mysuru Dasara is a 10-day celebration associated with the victory of good over evil. According to the traditional legend, Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated the demon Mahishasura on Vijayadashami.
The festival has a strong connection with the royal history of Mysuru. During Dasara, the city is decorated with lights, cultural venues host performances, and several traditional and modern events take place across Mysuru.
The festival is also known as Nadahabba, or the state festival of Karnataka.
When Is Mysuru Dasara 2026?
The main Mysuru Dasara celebrations in 2026 are scheduled from Sunday, October 11, to Wednesday, October 21.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Mysuru Dasara begins | October 11, 2026 |
| Cultural and public events | October 11–21, 2026 |
| Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja | October 20, 2026 |
| Vijayadashami | October 21, 2026 |
| Jamboo Savari | October 21, 2026 |
| Torchlight Parade | October 21, 2026 |
The detailed 2026 programme includes activities at different venues throughout the city.
What Makes Mysuru Dasara Celebrations Special?
Mysuru Dasara combines religious traditions with art, culture, entertainment and public events. Some of the major attractions include:
- Mysuru Palace illumination
- Jamboo Savari
- Torchlight Parade
- Cultural programmes
- Food festivals
- Sports competitions
- Yoga events
- Heritage activities
- Flower and fruit shows
- Agricultural programmes
- Drone shows
- Art and handicraft exhibitions
This variety makes the festival more than a single religious celebration. It becomes a city-wide cultural event during the Dasara season.
Mysuru Palace Illumination
The illuminated Mysuru Palace is one of the most recognizable sights during Dasara.
The palace and several important parts of the city are decorated with thousands of lights during the festival. The 2026 programme lists palace illumination on multiple evenings throughout the celebration.
Visitors can also find illumination around important roads and heritage areas, adding to the festive atmosphere of Mysuru.
Jamboo Savari on Vijayadashami
Jamboo Savari is the grand procession associated with the final day of Mysuru Dasara.
In 2026, it is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21. According to the published programme, the procession is scheduled to leave the palace at 4:35 PM and proceed towards Bannimantap.
A major part of the procession is the ceremonial presentation of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah carried by the lead elephant.
Before the procession, the programme includes Nandi Dhwaja Puja and a floral offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Torchlight Parade
The Torchlight Parade, known as Panjina Kavayathu, is another major attraction of Mysuru Dasara.
The 2026 programme lists the first evening of the Torchlight Parade on October 20 at Bannimantap Ground, followed by the closing programme on October 21.
The event adds a dramatic evening spectacle to the final phase of the celebrations.
Cultural Programmes During Mysuru Dasara
Culture is an important part of the festival. Various programmes are scheduled throughout the Dasara period.
The 2026 programme includes:
- Classical and folk performances
- Poetry gatherings
- Children’s cultural activities
- Art competitions
- Drama
- Music and dance
- Humour and short-verse programmes
- Handicraft exhibitions
- Animation film shows
The Palace stage is also listed as a venue for cultural programmes during the festival.
Mahila and Makkala Dasara
Mysuru Dasara also includes activities focused on women and children.
The 2026 programme features Mahila & Makkala Dasara, with activities such as rangoli competitions, cultural performances, awareness programmes, children’s competitions and other community events.
These events give local communities an opportunity to participate in the wider Dasara celebrations.
Heritage Dasara
Visitors interested in Mysuru’s history can take part in Heritage Dasara activities.
The 2026 schedule includes:
- Heritage walks
- Heritage cycling
- Traditional tonga rides
These activities offer a different way to experience the city’s historic character during the festival.
Raitha Dasara
Agriculture also has a place in the Mysuru Dasara programme.
Raitha Dasara includes agricultural exhibitions, farmer-focused programmes, bullock-cart activities, farm machinery displays and competitions. The 2026 schedule also includes a milk-yield competition and a pet animals show.
The event connects the festival with Karnataka’s farming traditions and rural communities.
Yoga Dasara
Yoga is another feature of the Mysuru Dasara programme.
The 2026 schedule includes Yoga Dasara activities, including a state-level Yogasana competition. A Rural Yoga Dasara programme is also listed in the schedule.
Food and Flower Events
Food and floral displays add another dimension to the celebrations.
The 2026 programme lists an Aahara Mela, giving visitors an opportunity to experience different foods during the festival period.
A Dasara Fruit & Flower Show is also scheduled at Kuppanna Park. The programme states that the show will remain open during the festival period.
Drone Shows During Mysuru Dasara
Drone shows are included in the 2026 Dasara programme as an additional modern attraction.
The schedule lists drone shows at the Panjina Kavayathu ground in Bannimantap on several evenings, including October 17, 18, 20 and 21.
This combination of traditional ceremonies and modern technology reflects the changing character of the festival.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 Important Events
| Date | Major Events |
|---|---|
| October 11 | Dasara inauguration, Aahara Mela, flower show, palace illumination |
| October 13 | Mahila & Makkala Dasara, Yoga Dasara and cultural events |
| October 15 | Heritage Walk and women’s cultural activities |
| October 16 | Raitha Dasara and Heritage Cycle Ride |
| October 17 | Yoga competition and drone show |
| October 18 | Kambala, Rural Yoga and drone show |
| October 19 | Kambala and Yoga Charana |
| October 20 | Ayudha Puja and Torchlight Parade |
| October 21 | Jamboo Savari, Vijayadashami and Torchlight Parade |
Dates and event details are based on the published 2026 Dasara programme and can be subject to official changes.
Why Visit Mysuru During Dasara?
Mysuru becomes particularly lively during the festival. Visitors can experience the illuminated palace, traditional ceremonies, cultural performances, local food and major public events within the same trip.
For travellers interested in heritage and culture, the festival also provides opportunities to experience historical parts of Mysuru through heritage walks and related activities.
How to Plan Your Mysuru Dasara Visit?
If you are planning to attend Mysuru Dasara, consider the following:
- Check the latest official event schedule before travelling.
- Plan accommodation well in advance.
- Decide which major events you want to attend.
- Allow additional travel time because popular events can attract large crowds.
- Check venue-specific entry rules and timings.
- Keep the Vijayadashami procession date in your itinerary if Jamboo Savari is your main interest.
- Follow official announcements for any programme or timing changes.
One important point: mysoredasara.org states that it is not the official government Dasara events website and identifies itself as a travel website operated by Skyway International Travels. It directs visitors to mysoredasara.gov.in for official event tickets, participation and registration information.
Also Read: Essay on Durga Puja in English 100, 150, 200, 250 Words
FAQ’s
When is Mysuru Dasara 2026?
Mysuru Dasara 2026 is scheduled from October 11 to October 21, with Vijayadashami on October 21.
What is the main attraction of Mysuru Dasara?
Jamboo Savari is one of the major attractions and takes place on Vijayadashami.
Where does Jamboo Savari start?
The 2026 programme states that Jamboo Savari will leave from Mysuru Palace and proceed towards Bannimantap.
When is Jamboo Savari 2026?
Jamboo Savari is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
What is the Torchlight Parade?
The Torchlight Parade, or Panjina Kavayathu, is a major evening event held at Bannimantap during the final days of Dasara.
Is Mysuru Palace illuminated during Dasara?
Yes. Palace illumination is scheduled on multiple evenings during the 2026 Dasara celebrations.
Is Mysuru Dasara only a religious festival?
No. Along with religious ceremonies, the celebrations include cultural programmes, sports, yoga, food events, heritage activities, exhibitions and public entertainment.
Conclusion
Mysuru Dasara celebrations bring together the city’s royal heritage, religious traditions and contemporary cultural activities. From the illuminated Mysuru Palace and cultural programmes to Jamboo Savari and the Torchlight Parade, the festival offers a wide range of experiences.