Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar chairing a preparatory meeting on the celebrations of ‘Nada Habba Dasara-2026’ at Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru on Friday.
| Photo Credit: ANI
The Karnataka government has decided to celebrate the 2026 Mysuru Dasara as an 11-day festival with grandeur while introducing new programmes that showcase the State’s cultural heritage, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Friday.
Speaking after a preparatory meeting at Vidhana Soudha, Mr. Shivakumar said Gajapooja would be held on August 26, the Dasara inauguration on October 11, and the Jumboo Savari, along with Nandi Pooja, on October 21.
An executive committee will be constituted shortly to oversee the arrangements. The government will also approach the Centre for permission to organise an air show as part of the festivities. The committee will recommend the dignitary to inaugurate the festival, with the final decision to be taken by the Chief Minister.
No scaling down
Rejecting calls to scale down the celebrations due to drought-like conditions, Mr. Shivakumar said Mysuru Dasara is Karnataka’s cultural pride, and there was “no question” of holding a subdued festival.
“Saving a small amount of money should not come at the cost of our cultural heritage,” he said, pointing out that this year’s celebrations would combine tradition with innovative cultural programmes in keeping with the festival’s international stature.
Illumination
Mr. Shivakumar said the government would continue with the illumination of Mysuru city, a feature of the celebrations in recent years. He also attributed the rise in tourist footfall to the State’s Shakti free bus travel scheme for women and said performances by leading artists would be part of this year’s programme.
Appealing against politicising the formation of the Dasara committee, he said the government would work in consultation with elected representatives and stakeholders.
He said that suggestions to showcase Karnataka’s diverse traditions through cultural events and sports would be considered before finalising the festival programme.
Drought concerns
On drought concerns, Mr. Shivakumar said rainfall over the past week had eased the drinking water situation in several parts of the State. He expressed confidence that there would be no shortage of drinking water this year and said the government would examine farmers’ demands within the existing legal framework.
Published – July 10, 2026 08:15 pm IST
