Mysuru Dasara 2026 festival begins with royal rituals

The 416th Mysuru Dasara festival has officially commenced in Karnataka, marked by traditional religious rituals and cultural celebrations. The festivities began at Chamundi Hills, where Sri Abhinava Garvisiddeshwara Swamiji performed floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari during an auspicious period. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attended the ceremonies, which included the inauguration of a flower show at Kuppanna Park themed ‘Festival of Democracy’.

At the Mysuru Palace, the private Durbar of the royal family began. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the scion of the royal family and local MP, participated in traditional rituals and ascended the gem-studded golden throne while dressed in royal attire.

The festival features a diverse schedule of events, including traditional wrestling (Kushti), a food festival (Mysore Aahara Mela), and a Kambala buffalo race, which is being organized for the first time as part of the Dasara celebrations. Despite ongoing drought concerns in the state, the city of Mysuru has been prepared with extensive lighting and decorations for the 11-day event.