Mysuru: Urban development minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Friday announced plans to transform Dasara exhibition into a global attraction, and an all-year-round amusement park.Speaking to reporters after visiting the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, the minister said the 2026 Dasara Exhibition will begin with the Dasara festivities and remain open for 90 days until Jan 8, 2027, with the option of extending its duration based on public response. Yathindra said that the exhibition has seen as significant rise in the number of visitors, with the annual footfall increasing from 8 to 9 lakh, to over 15 lakh, reflecting improved management and better facilities.To further enhance the exhibition, 32 permanent stalls and a modern weatherproof food court is being built at a cost of Rs 4 crore, while permanent stalls at the Siddaramaiah exhibition yard have reduced recurring expenditure on temporary structures. He said attractions such as the musical fountain, laser show, boating facilities and Rajiv Gandhi Dragon Pond fire show will continue. Internal roads, drinking water facilities and other infrastructure within the exhibition premises have also been upgraded.Despite drought concerns, the Dasara high-level committee, chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar, has decided to celebrate Dasara on a grand scale.Yathindra said the proposal to include Kambala during Mysuru Dasara has received broad support, with the chief minister expected to take the final decision. He added that road works would be completed before Dasara, special grants would be sought for the exhibition, and the proposal for a permanent Dasara Authority would also be examined.
