Bengaluru: Mysuru’s nights are set to blaze with festive brilliance as the city prepares for Dasara 2026, with 146 km of illumination transforming its streets and landmarks into a spectacular visual canvas. Yet, as lakhs of visitors prepare to soak in the city’s glittering celebrations, the elaborate lighting plans come amid drought conditions that have placed power management in Karnataka under renewed focus.Energy and Tourism Minister KJ George said on Friday that the illumination of Mysuru city and its scenic spots would be a key attraction of Dasara this year. The grand lighting arrangement, spanning 146 km of roads, will cover 199 roads, 123 circles and 80 installations. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has been assigned a temporary additional power load of 3,106 kVA, with estimated electricity consumption of 2,60,920 units throughout the festivities. The illumination works are expected to cost ₹250 lakh.“This year, the illumination is being planned on a much larger and more attractive scale. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) will oversee the illumination work, covering 199 roads, 123 circles and 80 installations and adding to the splendour of a city synonymous with Dasara’s spectacular nighttime celebrations. Visitors coming for Dasara should be able to experience not only the cultural programmes during the day but also the spectacular illumination of Mysuru at night. Officials have been instructed to accord the highest priority to safety, uninterrupted power supply and systematic management,” the minister said.
A file photo of KR Circle in Mysuru illuminated during the Dasara festivities.
The illumination will remain in place for 21 days, from October 11 to 31, offering visitors an extended opportunity to experience Mysuru’s festive charm after sunset. The dazzling display is expected to be a major attraction for the lakhs of visitors who flock to the city every year to witness the grandeur of the Nada Habba.Adding a futuristic dimension to the traditional festivities, Mysuru will also host a special drone show featuring 3,500 LED-equipped drones on October 17, 18, 20 and 21 at 8 pm. “A major highlight of the drone show will be an attempt to create a giant formation of the peacock, India’s national bird, using all 3,500 drones simultaneously, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record,” the minister said.Ambari Double-Decker RidesAs Mysuru gears up for the grand spectacle of Dasara, tourists can now explore the heritage city and its surrounding attractions in style, with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) rolling out special ‘Ambari’ double-decker bus rides and seven exclusive tour packages to enrich the festive experience. The KSTDC has introduced special travel arrangements for tourists visiting Mysuru during Dasara, including ‘Ambari’ double-decker bus rides and seven special tour packages.
A file photo of the KSTDC-operated double-decker ‘Ambari’ bus during the Dasara festivities in Mysuru.
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, 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.KSTDC has also rolled out seven tour packages covering Mysuru sightseeing, Ooty, Belur–Halebidu–Shravanabelagola, Kodagu, Shivanasamudra and Nanjangud, among other destinations.
