Mysuru Dasara is the perfect festival to make the royal city even more enchanting. Mysuru gets transformed for ten days every year with shining palaces, cultural events, traditional music, beautifully decorated elephants, food fests, and the remarkable process of Jumboo Savari.
The Mysuru Dasara festival will be celebrated from 11th October to 21st October 2026, with Vijayadashami falling on 21st October. The final procession called Jumboo Savari will take place on the last day of the festival.
If you are looking forward to visiting Mysuru during Dasara celebrations, you can get to know important details through this blog, including the dates of Mysuru Dasara in 2026, events, timings, places to visit, tickets, how to reach Mysuru, accommodation in Mysuru, what food to eat, and travel tips.
Table of Contents
Mysuru Dasara 2026 at a Glance
The official 2026 programme lists more than 100 programmes across 15-plus venues.
What is Mysuru Dasara?
Mysuru Dasara is the Nada Habba, or festival, of the state of Karnataka. It symbolizes the triumph of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura.
The Mysuru Dasara festival has a long history associated with the royals. It started way back in 1610 when Raja Wodeyar I celebrated the festival at Srirangapatna.
As the years passed by, the festival became a grand celebratory spectacle, and the Mysuru Dasara festival has evolved into a worldwide-recognized festival.
Going by what the festival offers, Mysuru Dasara is no longer limited to processions. You can find events like concerts, palace illumination, food and fun festivities, exhibitions, heritage walks, and religious events as part of the annual festival.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 dates and Important Events
The main Mysuru Dasara celebrations run from 11 October to 21 October 2026. Some related events begin earlier, and a few continue after Vijayadashami.
Here are the events worth planning your trip around.
1. Mysuru Dasara Inauguration – October 11, 2026
Mysuru Dasara officially opens on 11 October 2026 at Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill.
The 2026 programme lists the Chamundeshwari puja and inauguration at around 11:50 AM. This day also brings the opening of several major attractions, including the Flower Show, cultural programmes, art exhibition and the city’s famous festive illumination.
2. Mysuru Palace Illumination
Illumination of Mysuru Palace is a huge reason for people coming to the city of Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations.
The palace is illuminated in the evenings for the duration of the festival. In the 2026 programme for royal illuminations, the timing is between 7 PM and 10 PM, and the palace will stay illuminated till midnight on Vijayadashami.
Important Tips: If you want to get nice views and pictures, you have to arrive at the palace area before the lights come on. The place becomes increasingly crowded in the evening.
3. Jumboo Savari – Mysuru Dasara’s Main Procession
The Jumboo Savari is the highlight of Mysuru Dasara. In 2026, it will take place on Wednesday, 21 October.
The important timings are:
These are the official 2026 timings and may be subject to on-ground arrangements. The procession travels for about 5 km, from the Palace towards Bannimantap. The main attraction is the decorated elephant carrying Goddess Chamundeshwari in the famous golden howdah.
Where can you watch Jumboo Savari for free?
You do not necessarily need a ticket to see the procession. The entire public route is free. One of the recommended viewing areas is Sayyaji Rao Road between K.R. Circle and Bannimantap.
However, crowds become extremely heavy. The official Dasara guide advises free-route visitors to reach the area by around 1 PM if they want a good position.
My tip: If you are travelling with children, older people or anyone who cannot stand for several hours, consider a ticketed seating area instead of relying on the roadside viewing points.
4. Mysuru Dasara Gold Card and Tickets
Most Dasara activities are free, but a few experiences have ticketed seating or entry.
For 2026, the official ticket information lists four ticketed experiences:
- Mysuru Dasara Gold Card
- Jumboo Savari gallery seating
- Torchlight Parade seating
- Drone Show seating
The official Gold Card includes one-time entry to Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hill and Mysuru Zoo, along with a numbered seat for Jumboo Savari, Torchlight Parade access and a Drone Show date. The 2026 Gold Card starts at Rs. 6,500, while individual ticket categories start at Rs. 3,500 for Jumboo Savari, Rs. 1,500 for the Torchlight Parade and Rs. 1,000 for the Drone Show.
Important: Buy tickets only through the authorised channel listed by the official Mysuru Dasara committee. Avoid random sellers and unofficial social media links.
5. Panjina Kavayathu – Torchlight Parade
The Panjina Kavayathu, or Torchlight Parade, takes place at Bannimantap.
Expect military and police bands, cavalry displays, performances and a large closing spectacle. The programmed also includes a drone show at 8 PM on the relevant evenings.
The 21 October show is especially significant because it follows the main Jumboo Savari.
6. Mysuru Dasara Drone Show
The drone show is one of the newer attractions for visitors looking for something beyond the traditional celebrations.
The venue is the Panjina Kavayathu ground at Bannimantap.
If you do not want to deal with the huge Vijayadashami crowd, 17 or 18 October may be more comfortable dates for experiencing the drone show.
7. Mysuru Dasara Kambala – 18 and 19 October
A particularly interesting addition to the 2026 celebrations is Kambala, the traditional buffalo race associated with coastal Karnataka.
Mysuru Dasara Kambala will be held on 18 and 19 October 2026, from 9 AM. The event will take place at the Kambala track near VTU College in Mysuru. Spectator entry is listed as free.
If you have already seen the usual palace and procession attractions, this is a good event to add to your itinerary.
8. Aahara Mela – Mysuru Dasara Food Festival
Food is an important part of any Mysuru trip, and Dasara makes it even better.
Aahara Mela will run from 11 October to 25 October 2026 at Maharaja’s College Ground. The food festival is scheduled from 11 AM to 10 PM. It is a good place to try different Karnataka dishes and other Indian cuisines in one location.
Foods to try in Mysuru
While in the city, look out for:
- Mysore masala dosa
- Mysore pak
- Idli and vada
- Bisibele bath
- Ragi mudde
- Vangi bath
- Maddur vada
- South Indian filter coffee
- Traditional Karnataka meals
Travel tip: Mysore pak is one of the easiest food souvenirs to carry home.
9. Dasara Flower Show
Dasara Flower Show 2026 will be held at Kuppanna Park from 11 to 21 October. It is scheduled to remain open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
If you enjoy photography, gardens or family-friendly attractions, keep at least an hour for this stop.
10. Heritage Dasara
If you want to see Mysuru beyond the usual tourist attractions, take part in the Heritage Dasara programmes.
All three begin at 7 AM from the Town Hall/Rangacharlu Memorial Hall area. This is a nice option for travellers interested in Mysuru’s royal-era buildings, old streets and architectural history.
11. Mahila & Makkala Dasara
Families travelling with children can look at the Mahila & Makkala Dasara, scheduled from 13 to 16 October.
The programme includes rangoli, folk performances, children’s competitions, games, cultural programmes and other activities.
12. Raitha Dasara
The Raitha Dasara, or farmer-focused Dasara, takes place from 16 to 18 October. It includes a farmers’ procession, agricultural exhibition, milk-yielding competition and pet animal show.
It is a different side of the festival and can be interesting for visitors who want to experience more than the royal celebrations.
Things to Know Before the Festival
How to reach Mysuru for Dasara 2026?
By Air
The nearest major airport for most travellers is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Mysuru also has its own airport, but flight availability is more limited.
If you are flying into Bengaluru, you can continue to Mysuru by road, bus or train.
By Train
Train is one of the most convenient ways to reach Mysuru from Bengaluru and several other South Indian cities. Because Dasara attracts a huge number of visitors, you should book your train tickets as early as possible.
There are also additional train services announced for the 2026 Dasara period. South Western Railway is running special unreserved services between Mysuru, Bengaluru and Chamarajanagar from 16 to 22 October 2026 to handle the festival rush.
By Road
Mysuru is well connected by road to Bengaluru and other Karnataka cities. You can hire a private car on rent from a trusted service provider for a comfortable and flexible travel experience.
Buses are available from Bengaluru, including regular KSRTC services. However, expect traffic restrictions and delays around the main procession days.
Where to stay in Mysuru during Dasara?
The best area depends on your priorities.
Near Mysuru Palace
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Dasara procession
- Palace illumination
- Walking around central Mysuru
The downside is that these areas can become very crowded and expensive during Dasara.
Around Kuvempunagar/Vijayanagar
Good for travellers looking for a slightly quieter stay while remaining connected to the city.
Near the railway station
This area is convenient if you are arriving or leaving by train and want to stay close to the station.
Outer Mysuru
Can offer more hotel choices, but remember that travel times can increase significantly during festival days.
Booking tip: Do not wait until the last few days for a hotel if you are visiting between 19 and 21 October.
What is the weather like in Mysuru in October?
October is generally a pleasant time to visit Mysuru compared with the hotter months, but rain is still possible.
For Dasara sightseeing, carry:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small umbrella or rain jacket
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Cap or hat
- Light cotton clothes
- A light layer for cooler evenings
- Phone power bank
For the free Jumboo Savari route, a hat and water are particularly useful because you may spend several hours waiting outdoors. The official visitor information also recommends carrying water and a hat because shade is limited along parts of the route.
Mysuru Dasara Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book accommodation early : The biggest mistake is leaving hotels until the last minute.
- Do not plan too many attractions on 21 October : Vijayadashami is about experiencing the festival, not rushing from one tourist attraction to another.
- Reach the procession area early : For a free roadside spot, arriving around 1 PM is advisable according to the official Dasara guidance.
- Wear comfortable footwear : You may walk much more than expected.
- Keep your belongings secure : Large crowds mean you should be extra careful with phones, wallets and bags.
- Carry identification : If you have a ticketed seat or Gold Card, carry the required ticket and photo ID.
- Keep children close : The procession attracts very large crowds. Decide on a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
- Use public transport where practical : Road closures and parking restrictions can make driving close to major festival venues difficult.
- Check the programme before leaving your hotel : Events, access arrangements and crowd controls can change.
- Save the official helpline contact information : The official Mysuru Dasara information lists 1077 as the 24×7 helpline.
Is Mysuru Dasara free?
Many of the main Dasara experiences are free.
The public can watch the procession from the roadside, enjoy the palace illumination, attend many cultural programmes and visit several festival attractions without buying a ticket.
However, numbered seating for Jumboo Savari, Torchlight Parade seating, certain Drone Show seating and the Gold Card are paid experiences.
So you can enjoy Mysuru Dasara on a budget, but a ticket can make the experience more comfortable if you want guaranteed seating.
What should you buy in Mysuru?
A Dasara trip is a good excuse to shop for traditional Mysuru products.
Look for:
- Mysore silk sarees
- Sandalwood products
- Mysore paintings
- Incense
- Traditional handicrafts
- Mysore pak
- Local spices and food products
Buy sandalwood and other regulated products only from legitimate sellers and keep your bill.
Best Time to Visit Mysuru Dasara
There are three options to visit Mysuru Dasara depending on your travel style:
- For the biggest experience: Visit anytime between 20 and 21 October for the Torchlight Parade and Jumboo Savari.
- For fewer crowds: Visit during the middle of the festival, especially around 13 to 18 October.
- For food and extended festival activities: Visit between 11 and 25 October, when the Aahara Mela continues beyond Vijayadashami.
Is Mysuru Dasara 2026 Worth The Trip?
Definitely, but you would need to plan your trip differently than for a regular Mysuru trip.
Mysuru during Dasara becomes noisier, busier and more crowded, but all the royal heritage is on display to the max. The lit-up palace, adorned elephants, cultural programmes, traditional festivities, and the Jumboo Savari on October 21, 2026, contribute to making this one of the most unforgettable festival experiences in Karnataka.
I would suggest taking three days for first-time visitors, one of which should be devoted solely to sightseeing while another one is for visiting festival events. To get the real flavor of celebrations, you would need to stay till October 20.
To get the latest information about the events, tickets, and visiting details, check the official Mysuru Dasara 2026 site before travelling, especially based on your travel dates.
