Mysuru’s Dasara 2026 illumination will cover 146 km of roads and public spaces over 21 days, with the Karnataka government estimating a cost of ₹2.5 crore and electricity consumption of 2,60,920 units during the festival period.
Energy and Tourism Minister KJ George said the illumination would be installed across 199 roads, 123 circles and 80 installations in Mysuru and nearby scenic locations. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has been assigned a temporary additional power load of 3,106 kVA to operate the lighting arrangements.
The illumination is scheduled to remain in place from October 11 to 31. According to the minister, the expanded display is intended to extend the Dasara visitor experience beyond daytime cultural programmes and strengthen the city’s nighttime attractions during the festival.
Officials have been instructed to prioritise safety, uninterrupted electricity supply and systematic management of the illumination work, George said. The plans come as drought conditions have placed renewed attention on power management in Karnataka, although the supplied announcement does not specify any restrictions or compensatory energy measures linked to the Dasara display.
Mysuru will also host a drone show involving 3,500 LED-equipped drones on October 17, 18, 20 and 21 at 8 pm. George said the show would attempt to create a giant formation of a peacock, India’s national bird, using all the drones simultaneously, with the stated aim of setting a Guinness World Record.
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is introducing special visitor services alongside the illumination programme. These include Ambari double-decker bus rides and seven tour packages covering Mysuru and destinations such as Ooty, Belur–Halebidu–Shravanabelagola, Kodagu, Shivanasamudra and Nanjangud.
The Ambari buses will operate hourly from 10 am to 5 pm at ₹250 per person. Special illumination rides will be available at 6.30 pm, 8 pm and 9.30 pm, with tickets priced at ₹250 for the lower deck and ₹500 for the upper deck. The route will cover prominent stretches around Mysuru Palace and Sayyaji Rao Road.
The arrangements place CESC and KSTDC at the centre of Dasara’s operational planning, with one agency responsible for the temporary power and lighting system and the other managing additional visitor mobility and tourism services. The illumination schedule, drone-show dates and bus operations will determine how the city manages large evening crowds during the 21-day festival period.
