Mysuru Dasara 2026
11 – 21 October 2026 — ten days of royal processions, a palace lit with nearly 100,000 bulbs, and Karnataka's biggest cultural celebration, centred on Mysuru Palace.
Quick facts
Inaugurated atop Chamundi Hill on 11 Oct; concludes with Vijayadashami on 21 Oct.
A ~4.8 km procession along Raja Marga from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap. The Chief Minister's floral tribute typically falls between 4:10–4:35pm.
Follows right after the Jumbo Savari's arrival; ticketed, with VIP seating tiers.
Mahanavami (20 Oct) and Vijayadashami (21 Oct) are declared holidays across Karnataka.
Mysuru Palace illumination
Through all ten days, Mysuru Palace is lit with close to 100,000 bulbs every evening — see RutMe's Mysuru Palace guide for current opening hours, entry fees and everything else for the visit itself. Nightly cultural programmes run on a stage set up in front of the palace throughout the festival, and the Golden Throne in the Durbar Hall — not normally on display — is shown only during these ten days.
Tickets
Jumbo Savari and Torchlight Parade seating — including VIP/Gold Card tiers — is sold through the official Mysuru Dasara portal. Seating and pricing are announced closer to the date each year and have sold out within minutes in past editions, so it's worth checking as soon as sales open. Most other Dasara events — the exhibition, cultural programmes, and the palace illumination itself — are free to attend.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mysuru Dasara in 2026?
Mysuru Dasara 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October to Wednesday, 21 October — ten days, inaugurated atop Chamundi Hill and closing with Vijayadashami and the Jumbo Savari procession.
What is the Jumbo Savari and when does it happen?
The Jumbo Savari (Jamboo Savari) is Mysuru Dasara's signature elephant procession, carrying the Goddess Chamundeshwari's idol on a golden howdah from Mysuru Palace along Raja Marga to the Bannimantap grounds — about 4.8 km. It takes place on Vijayadashami, 21 October 2026, in the afternoon.
What is the Torchlight Parade?
The Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayatthu) is the evening finale at Bannimantap Grounds, right after the Jumbo Savari procession arrives. It's ticketed, with VIP/Gold Card seating tiers announced closer to the date.
Is Mysuru Palace illuminated during Dasara?
Yes — Mysuru Palace is lit with close to 100,000 bulbs every evening throughout all ten days of Dasara, with nightly cultural programmes staged in front of the palace.
Are 20 and 21 October 2026 public holidays in Karnataka?
Yes — Mahanavami (20 October) and Vijayadashami (21 October) are both declared general holidays across Karnataka.
How do I book Jumbo Savari or Torchlight Parade seating?
Seating for the Jumbo Savari and Torchlight Parade is sold through the official Mysuru Dasara portal (mysoredasara.gov.in). Popular seating tiers have sold out within minutes in past years, so it's worth checking as soon as sales open.
Planning your Dasara trip to Mysuru?
See timings and entry fees on the Mysuru Palace page, or browse stays and restaurants nearby.
Dates and timings are announced by the Kannada & Culture Department / DTPC each year and can shift slightly — this page reflects the officially announced 2026 schedule. Always confirm exact seating times and routes on the official portal before travelling.