Mysuru Dasara 2026 Kicks Off with Rituals on Chamundi Hills

At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the historic Chamundi Hills swelled with devotion as the 11‑day Mysuru Dasara festivities were officially launched. Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swami, the seer of Gavi Mutt in Koppal, stepped forward, lit the traditional oil lamp and showered the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari with fresh flowers. The deity sat majestically in a silver‑clad chariot, itself draped in blossoms, perched within the temple complex.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, flanked by a slew of dignitaries, joined the seer on the hilltop. Their presence marked not just a ceremonial opening but also a symbolic hand‑over of the ancient royal festival to the people of Karnataka. For the first time, more than 200 seers and religious heads gathered for the inauguration, underscoring the event’s spiritual gravitas.

When the seer addressed the crowd, he reminded everyone that Dasara, once the exclusive domain of the Wadiyar royalty, has morphed into a celebration of the land and its people. He humbly confessed he felt “unworthy” to light the lamp, yet prayed that the flame kindled by past greats would keep burning bright. His wishes were simple: good rains, a bountiful harvest, and happiness for every household.

He went on to speak about values over caste, echoing the 12th‑century saint Basavanna’s mantra that “work is worship.” According to him, Dasara now stands at the crossroads of past, present and future – a confluence that should be built on ethics, compassion, and a shared love for humanity.

The inauguration set the stage for a packed calendar: a lavish flower show, city‑wide illumination of streets and the iconic Mysuru Palace, a Dasara sports meet, cultural performances against the illuminated palace backdrop, a food festival brimming with regional delicacies, a book fair for the literary crowd, and traditional wrestling bouts that harken back to age‑old customs.

In his concluding words, the seer paid tribute to the Wadiyar dynasty, noting that the very essence of Mysuru Dasara is inseparable from the royal lineage that nurtured the city’s heritage. As the lamp’s glow flickered against the night sky, it seemed to carry forward a centuries‑old promise – a promise of unity, prosperity, and the enduring spirit of Mysuru.