Yuva Dasara kicks off with Arjun Janya’s concert in Mysuru

Yuva Dasara – the much-awaited music and dance extravaganza – got off to a dazzling start on September 23 evening with a high-energy concert by Sandalwood’s popular music composer Arjun Janya at Uttanahalli on the outskirts of Mysuru.

A massive crowd thronged the venue to soak in the performances, with the organisers making elaborate arrangements. To ease congestion, the district administration had shifted the event from the city centre to the outskirts in 2024, a move continued this year as well.

Mysuru district In-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa inaugurated the event at the ground near Sri Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari temple. Describing Dasara as a festival that unites communities, spreads harmony, and reflects cultural traditions, he urged the youth to immerse themselves in folk and cultural arts, foster leadership, and strengthen national integration and constitutional values.

MLA G.T. Deve Gowda appealed to youngsters to enjoy the event peacefully and cooperate with police and officials.

The evening turned into a musical feast as Arjun Janya and his team set the stage ablaze with a drum band and numbers like Banda Nodhu Pailwaan. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa singers Sunil and Jas Karan swayed the crowd with Nenne Monne Varegu Ella, while Indu Nagaraj charmed with Aralada Kiru Mallige and Ayithe Madi Mailege. Aishwarya Rangarajan and troupe energised the stage with a dance to the viral hit Hoo Vina Bana.

Rangayya and his Sa Re Ga Ma Pa team brought nostalgia with classics like Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku and Bombe Helutaithe Neene Rajkumara.

Later, Bengaluru’s Lagori band electrified the crowd with folk-fusion tracks, including Soojugada Sooju Mallige, Sapta Sagaraache Ello, and Belageddu Yara Mukha Nodedu, sending the young audience into a joyous frenzy of music and dance.