Mysuru (Karnataka) [India], October 20 (ANI): Mahanavami celebrations are underway at Mysuru Palace as part of the Naada Habba Dasara Mahotsava 2026. Patta elephant Srikantha, Nishane horse Ekalavya and Khasa weapons were taken to Kote Someshwara Temple, where a special puja was performed in the presence of royal family members and palace staff.
The rituals form part of the traditional celebrations at Mysuru Palace during the annual Mysuru Dasara festival.
Mysuru Dasara, popularly known as Nada Habba or Karnataka’s State Festival, is one of India’s most renowned royal celebrations. Dating back over 400 years to the reign of Raja Wadiyar I in 1610, the festival commemorates Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
During the 11-day festivities, Mysuru comes alive with illuminated streets, royal ceremonies, cultural performances, music, dance, exhibitions and air shows, along with the iconic Jamboo Savari procession.
The festival began on October 11 and will culminate with Vijayadashami celebrations and the Jamboo Savari procession on October 21, following Ayudha Puja on Tuesday.
Further, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar invited people from across the state and visitors from different parts of the world to participate in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, highlighting the festival's significance as a symbol of Karnataka's art, culture, traditions and heritage.
He described Mysuru Dasara as the pride of the land of Karuna and a celebration of Kannadigas, extending a heartfelt invitation to people to be part of the state festival.
In a post on X, Karnataka CM wrote, "Mysore Dasara… The Pride of the Land of Karuna, the Celebration of Kannadigas. To the state festival of Mysore Dasara, which is a confluence of the art, culture, traditions, and splendor of our soil, we extend a heartfelt invitation to all Kannadigas across the state as well as to travelers arriving from countries near and far."
ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ… ಕರುನಾಡಿನ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ, ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ ನಮ್ಮ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಕಲೆ, ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ, ಪರಂಪರೆ ಮತ್ತು ವೈಭವದ ಸಂಗಮವಾಗಿರುವ ನಾಡಹಬ್ಬ ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾಗೆ, ನಾಡಿನ ಸಮಸ್ತ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಗೂ ಹಾಗೂ ದೇಶ-ವಿದೇಶಗಳಿಂದ ಆಗಮಿಸುವ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರಿಗೂ ಆತ್ಮೀಯ ಆಹ್ವಾನ. ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಜಂಬೂಸವಾರಿಯ ಗಾಂಭೀರ್ಯದಿಂದ ಜಾನಪದ ಕಲೆಯ ಸೊಗಡಿನವರೆಗೆ, ಸಂಗೀತದ ನಾದದಿಂದ ವೈವಿಧ್ಯಮಯ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳವರೆಗೆ ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಯಲ್ಲೂ ಸಂಭ್ರಮವೇ ಮನೆ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಶ್ರೀಮಂತ ಪರಂಪರೆಯ ಸಂಭ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರೂ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿ, ನಾಡಹಬ್ಬದ ವೈಭವವನ್ನು ಕಣ್ತುಂಬಿಕೊಳ್ಳಿ.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) October 20, 2026
"From the grandeur of the historic Jamboo Savari procession to the vibrancy of folk arts, from the melody of music to the diverse cultural programs, celebration has made its home in every step of Mysuru. Let everyone partake in the joy of our rich heritage, and fill your eyes with the splendour of the state festival," the post read. (ANI)
