# Mysuru Dasara 2026 celebrations and sports initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-cultural-and-developmental-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-24T05:59:38.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 6. The 416th Mysuru Dasara festival officially commenced on October 11 with religious rituals at the Chamundeshwari Temple led by Abhinava Gavishiddeshwara Mahaswamiji. Ceremonies included the inauguration of a ‘Festival of Democracy’ themed flower show at Kuppanna Park, while royal scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar participated in traditional rituals at the Mysuru Palace. Leading up to the festival, the Karnataka government implemented significant organizational changes, assigning 22 ministers to oversee various segments and dividing administrative duties among 18 sub-committees. Preparations included the ‘Yuva Sambhrama’ programme, featuring student cultural performances, and formal invitations to state dignitaries. To promote ‘South unity’, the state also invited Chief Ministers from other South Indian states. Parallel to the religious and cultural festivities, the state-level Dasara Sports Meet was inaugurated. During the event, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced new support initiatives for athletes, including a 2% job reservation for sportspersons across all government departments, increased prize money, and enhanced sports infrastructure. The meet features 26 sporting disciplines. Additionally, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar inaugurated a 90-day Dasara Exhibition featuring 153 commercial stalls, 40 food stalls, and 45 amusement rides, including displays from the Indian Air Force, Navy, Army, and ISRO. Following the ceremonies, royal scion Yaduveer Wadiyar called for a clear protocol regarding the Nandi Dhwaja worship ritual. This request followed a controversy where police briefly prevented senior Dalit ministers from attending the puja; Wadiyar suggested that the presence of the Chief Minister and limited officials would suffice to avoid unnecessary crowds. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Yaduveer Wadiyar calls for protocol at Mysuru Dasara rituals Mysuru royal scion and BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar has requested a formal protocol for the Nandi Dhwaja ritual following controversy over official attendance at the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yaduveer-wadiyar-calls-for-protocol-at-mysuru-dasara-rituals ### 2026-10-11: Mysuru Dasara celebrations launch with sports initiatives and exhibition Mysuru's Dasara celebrations have launched, featuring a state-level sports meet with new government job reservations for athletes and a 90-day exhibition showcasing military and space agencies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysuru-dasara-celebrations-launch-with-sports-initiatives-and-exhibition ### 2026-10-11: Mysuru Dasara 2026 festival begins with royal rituals The 416th Mysuru Dasara festival has launched in Karnataka with religious rituals at Chamundi Hills and the commencement of the royal family's private Durbar at Mysuru Palace. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysuru-dasara-festival-begins-with-royal-and-religious-ceremonies ### 2026-09-29: Mysuru Dasara 2026 celebrations begin with Yuva Sambhrama The Mysuru Dasara 2026 celebrations have begun with the launch of the Yuva Sambhrama programme and formal invitations being extended to state dignitaries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysuru-dasara-2026-celebrations-begin-with-yuva-sambhrama ### 2026-09-28: Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji has accepted an invitation from the Karnataka government to inaugurate the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival, a major cultural event scheduled for October. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abhinava-gavisiddeshwara-mahaswamiji-to-inaugurate-mysuru-dasara ### 2026-09-24: Mysuru Dasara: 22 ministers assigned to oversee festival celebrations Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar has assigned 22 ministers to oversee the Mysuru Dasara festival this October, which will be inaugurated by Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysuru-dasara-22-ministers-assigned-to-oversee-festival-celebrations --- Cite as: Mysuru Dasara 2026 celebrations and sports initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-cultural-and-developmental-initiatives