Quick answer: Mysore (Mysuru) Dasara 2026 runs from Sunday 11 October to Wednesday 21 October 2026. The festival opens atop Chamundi Hill on 11 October in the auspicious Dhanur Lagna, and the Jamboo Savari elephant procession takes place on Vijayadashami, Wednesday 21 October, with the Chief Minister's floral tribute to Goddess Chamundeshwari fixed for 4:10–4:35pm in the Meena Lagna. Many national calendars list Dussehra on 20 October, but Mysuru's schedule follows the Mysuru panchanga. With Abhimanyu now retired, a new elephant will carry the 750-kg Golden Howdah this year.

Mysore Dasara 2026 is Karnataka's Nada Habba, the state festival, and one of India's grandest celebrations of Navaratri and Vijayadashami. For 11 days, the city of palaces fills with pujas to Goddess Chamundeshwari, evening concerts in front of an illuminated Mysore Palace, youth shows, exhibitions and sports, before the Jamboo Savari carries the goddess through the streets on a caparisoned elephant.

This guide covers everything you need to plan Mysore Dasara 2026: the confirmed dates and ceremonial timings, a day-by-day schedule, the 2026 elephant squad, the Jamboo Savari route, Gold Card and ticket tips, Yuva Dasara and other events, holidays, and practical travel advice. For the meaning and rituals of the festival, read our complete Dussehra 2026 guide.

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Editor's note: Details were checked against official announcements and news reports on 17 September 2026. The district administration releases the full programme and ticket details closer to the festival, and we will update this page when it does.

Mysore Dasara 2026 at a glance

  • Festival dates: Sunday 11 October to Wednesday 21 October 2026.
  • Inauguration: Sunday 11 October atop Chamundi Hill, in the auspicious Dhanur Lagna, reported for 11:50am.
  • Jamboo Savari: Wednesday 21 October. The Chief Minister performs the Nandi Dhwaja Puja and then offers flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Golden Howdah between 4:10 and 4:35pm.
  • Route: About 4.8 km along the Raja Marga, from Mysore Palace to the Bannimantap Torchlight Parade Ground.
  • Torchlight Parade: Wednesday 21 October, in the evening at Bannimantap.
  • Karnataka holidays: Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja on Tuesday 20 October, and Vijayadashami on Wednesday 21 October.
  • Elephants: A squad of about a dozen elephants. Abhimanyu has retired, and Mahendra, Dhananjaya and Prashantha are training to carry the Golden Howdah.
  • Air and drone shows: Both are planned, with dates still to be announced.
  • Yuva Dasara: Actor and choreographer Prabhu Deva will inaugurate it, at a ground near Uttanahalli off the Mysuru–Nanjangud Road.
  • Tickets: Gold Cards and tickets are sold only on the official portal, mysoredasara.gov.in. The Gold Card cost ₹6,500 in 2025.

Mysore Dasara 2026 dates: why Jamboo Savari is on 21 October

Many national calendars place Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October 2026, but Mysore Dasara's Vijayadashami, and the Jamboo Savari, fall on Wednesday 21 October. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the 2026 schedule was finalised with the guidance of scholars and the Mysuru panchanga.

The difference comes from how calendars pick the day. The Dashami tithi runs from 12:50pm IST on 20 October to 2:11pm IST on 21 October. Calendars that follow the afternoon (Aparahna) rule, such as Drik Panchang, choose 20 October. On 21 October, Dashami is the tithi running at sunrise, and the Mysuru panchanga places Vijayadashami that day. Karnataka's 2026 holiday list follows the same pattern, with Mahanavami on 20 October and Vijayadashami on 21 October.

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That also makes Mysore Dasara 2026 an 11-day festival: Navaratri runs from 11 to 20 October, and Vijayadashami follows on the 11th day.

Event

Date

Details

Gajapayana and Gajapooje

Wednesday 26 August

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The first batch of Dasara elephants began their journey from Veeranahosahalli, in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve

Elephants enter Mysore Palace

Friday 28 August

The first batch of nine elephants moved into the palace premises

Yuva Sambhrama (listed)

28 September to 5 October

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Student cultural shows at the Open Air Theatre, Manasagangothri

Mahalaya Amavasya

Saturday 10 October

Karnataka general holiday

Dasara inauguration

Sunday 11 October

Chamundi Hill, in the Dhanur Lagna

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Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja

Tuesday 20 October

Karnataka general holiday

Vijayadashami, Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade

Wednesday 21 October

Floral tribute 4:10–4:35pm; Karnataka general holiday

Mysore Dasara 2026 day-by-day schedule

The district administration publishes the full day-wise programme, with venues and performers, closer to the festival. This outline shows the confirmed fixtures and what to expect each day.

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Jump to a day: Day 1 · Day 2 · Day 3 · Day 4 · Day 5 · Day 6 · Day 7 · Day 8 · Day 9 · Day 10 · Day 11

Day 1: Sunday 11 October, inauguration on Chamundi Hill

Mysore Dasara 2026 is formally inaugurated with a puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hill in the auspicious Dhanur Lagna, reported for 11:50am. Navaratri begins the same day, the palace illumination and evening cultural programmes typically start, and the Dasara exhibition season opens around this time. The state government names the chief guest who inaugurates the festival; in 2025, it was International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq.

Day 2: Monday 12 October, Navaratri begins in earnest

Pujas continue at the Chamundeshwari temple and in the palace, and evening cultural programmes fill the stage in front of Mysore Palace. It's a good day to visit Chamundi Hill before the weekend crowds.

Day 3: Tuesday 13 October, palace evenings

Evening programmes are usually held through the week at the palace and at venues such as Kalamandira, Jaganmohan Palace and Kuppanna Park. Plan to be at the palace grounds by early evening to see the illumination switch on.

Day 4: Wednesday 14 October, city tour day

Use a weekday to see the Mysore Palace by day, the Jaganmohan Palace art gallery, St Philomena's Church and the Dasara exhibition at Doddakere Maidan, opposite the palace.

Day 5: Thursday 15 October, Panchami

Navaratri pujas continue. Weekday evenings at the palace are usually less crowded than weekends, which makes this a good night for families.

Day 6: Friday 16 October, weekend crowds begin

The first big weekend of Mysore Dasara 2026 starts. Expect heavy traffic into the city from Friday evening, and book hotels and transport well in advance.

Day 7: Saturday 17 October, Saptami

Saptami rituals continue, and the weekend brings the busiest palace evenings and exhibition crowds. Watch for announcements of the air show and drone show, which the government is planning for Dasara 2026.

Day 8: Sunday 18 October, Saptami continues

By modern tithi timings, the Saptami tithi is running at sunrise in Mysuru on both 17 and 18 October, which helps explain why this year's Navaratri runs 10 days. Weekends are also when many sub-festival events are scheduled, so check the official programme.

Day 9: Monday 19 October, Durgashtami

Durgashtami pujas are held at temples across the city. Final Jamboo Savari rehearsals usually take place in front of the palace in the days before Vijayadashami.

Day 10: Tuesday 20 October, Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja

Mahanavami is a Karnataka general holiday. Homes, offices and workshops perform Ayudha Puja, honouring tools, vehicles and instruments. Many national calendars treat this as Dussehra, and families who follow them hold their Vijayadashami puja today.

Day 11: Wednesday 21 October, Vijayadashami and Jamboo Savari

Vijayadashami is also a general holiday. The Chief Minister performs the Nandi Dhwaja Puja at the palace, then offers flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari seated in the Golden Howdah between 4:10 and 4:35pm, in the Meena Lagna. The Jamboo Savari then sets off along the Raja Marga to Bannimantap, and the festival ends with the Torchlight Parade that evening.

Jamboo Savari 2026: time, route and how to watch

The Jamboo Savari is the grand finale of Mysore Dasara: a procession of elephants, cultural troupes, tableaux and bands, led by the elephant carrying the 750-kg Golden Howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

  • Date and muhurat: Wednesday 21 October 2026. The floral tribute is scheduled between 4:10 and 4:35pm, after the Nandi Dhwaja Puja.
  • Route: About 4.8 km along the Raja Marga, from Mysore Palace to the Torchlight Parade Ground at Bannimantap.
  • Watching inside the palace: Seated enclosures in front of the palace need a Gold Card or a palace ticket, sold on mysoredasara.gov.in.
  • Watching on the route: Thousands line the Raja Marga. Arrive several hours early, carry water and a hat, and follow police instructions.
  • Sunset: The sun sets in Mysuru at about 6:02pm on 21 October, so the procession runs into the evening before the Torchlight Parade.

The elephants of Mysore Dasara 2026

The 2026 squad marks a turning point: Abhimanyu, who carried the Golden Howdah six times from 2020, has retired after turning 60. Known for helping in more than 300 elephant captures and more than 80 tiger captures, he was given a traditional farewell at the start of the Gajapayana. Officials said no final decision had been taken on bringing him back as the ceremonial Nishane elephant.

  • The squad: The Forest Department's list of 12 elephants includes Dhananjaya, Ekalavya, Mahendra, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Roopa, Chaitra and Srikantha, with Bheema and Harsha on standby.
  • The first batch: Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Srikanta, Lakshmi and Kaveri began their journey on 26 August and entered the palace on 28 August.
  • Who will carry the Golden Howdah? Mahendra, Dhananjaya and Prashantha are being trained for the role. Mahendra, 42 and in his fifth Dasara, has carried a 500-kg sandbag along the full 4.8-km route. Reports have described both Dhananjaya and Prashantha, at 54 the senior-most tusker after Abhimanyu, as front-runners, and officials say the choice will be made after training.

Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap

The Torchlight Parade on the evening of Vijayadashami closes Mysore Dasara at the Bannimantap Parade Ground, where the Jamboo Savari ends. The programme traditionally features the torchlight display, mounted police and band performances. Entry is by Gold Card or ticket, and in 2024 a Torchlight Parade ticket cost ₹1,000.

Mysore Palace lighting and cultural programmes

  • Palace illumination: Mysore Palace is lit up with nearly 100,000 bulbs every evening during Dasara, the festival's most photographed sight.
  • Cultural stage: Music and dance programmes are held on a stage in front of the palace through the festival.
  • Other venues: Programmes are also held at Kalamandira, Jaganmohan Palace, Kuppanna Park and Maharaja's College grounds.
  • City lights: The main roads and heritage buildings across Mysuru are illuminated for the festival season.

Yuva Dasara, air show, drone show and other events

  • Yuva Dasara: Prabhu Deva will inaugurate this year's Yuva Dasara, the youth music and entertainment programme, at a 100-acre ground near Uttanahalli, off the Mysuru–Nanjangud Road. Dates and performers are still being finalised.
  • Yuva Sambhrama: Listed for 28 September to 5 October at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri, with free entry.
  • Air show: The Chief Minister has discussed an air show with the Union Defence Minister and sought participation from the Army, Air Force and Navy.
  • Drone show: A drone show is planned after the 2025 edition, which included a trial show with 3,000 drones. The venue and dates have not been finalised.
  • Dasara exhibition: Held at Doddakere Maidan, opposite Mysore Palace, on its own schedule.
  • Guests: The government plans to invite the chief ministers of South Indian states and foreign ambassadors.

Mysore Dasara 2026 tickets and Gold Card

  • Buy only from the official portal. Gold Cards and tickets are sold online at mysoredasara.gov.in. Many private websites use similar names, so check the address before you pay.
  • Gold Card: In 2025, the Gold Card cost ₹6,500 and gave access to the Jamboo Savari at the palace, the Torchlight Parade and the drone show from dedicated enclosures, plus one-time entry to several attractions. 2026 prices will be announced with the ticket sale.
  • Other tickets: In 2024, a ticket to watch the Jamboo Savari at the palace cost ₹3,500 and a Torchlight Parade ticket cost ₹1,000.
  • Book fast: In 2023, Gold Cards and tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale.

Vijayadashami puja timings for Mysuru and Bengaluru

If your family follows the Mysuru panchanga, Vijayadashami is Wednesday 21 October, and the state's Jamboo Savari muhurat is 4:10–4:35pm. If you follow a calendar that uses the afternoon rule, such as Drik Panchang, Vijayadashami is Tuesday 20 October.

City

Vijay Muhurat (Tue 20 Oct)

Aparahna puja time (Tue 20 Oct)

Mysuru

2:06pm to 2:54pm

1:19pm to 3:41pm

Bengaluru

2:02pm to 2:50pm

1:15pm to 3:37pm

For daily tithi details, check today's panchangam.

Travel tips for Mysore Dasara 2026

  • Getting there: Mysuru is linked to Bengaluru by the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway and frequent trains, and Mysore Airport has limited flights.
  • Where to stay: Hotels fill up weeks in advance, especially for the weekend of 17–18 October and the Jamboo Savari. Book early, or stay in Srirangapatna or Bengaluru and travel in.
  • Traffic on 21 October: Roads along the Jamboo Savari route close for the procession. Use public transport, park at designated grounds and walk the last stretch.
  • Weather: October can bring evening showers, so carry an umbrella or light raincoat along with water and sun protection.
  • Crowds: Keep children close, agree on a meeting point, and keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

Other famous Dasara celebrations in Karnataka

Mysuru's is the best known, but Karnataka celebrates Dasara in many ways. Srirangapatna, the old capital near Mysuru, holds its own Dasara, where Mahendra has carried the wooden howdah. Madikeri in Kodagu is known for its night-long procession of illuminated mantapas, and Mangaluru's Dasara draws large crowds to its processions.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mysore Dasara 2026?

Mysore Dasara 2026 runs from Sunday 11 October to Wednesday 21 October 2026. It opens atop Chamundi Hill on 11 October and ends with the Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade on Vijayadashami, 21 October.

When is Jamboo Savari 2026?

Jamboo Savari 2026 is on Wednesday 21 October 2026. The Chief Minister's floral tribute to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Golden Howdah is scheduled between 4:10 and 4:35pm, in the Meena Lagna.

Why is Mysore Dasara's Vijayadashami on 21 October when other calendars say 20 October?

Mysuru's schedule follows the Mysuru panchanga, which places Vijayadashami on 21 October, when Dashami is the tithi at sunrise. Calendars that use the afternoon rule, such as Drik Panchang, list 20 October. Karnataka's 2026 holiday list has Mahanavami on 20 October and Vijayadashami on 21 October.

What time is the Mysore Dasara 2026 inauguration?

The inauguration is on Sunday 11 October 2026 atop Chamundi Hill, in the auspicious Dhanur Lagna, and has been reported for 11:50am.

Which elephant will carry the Golden Howdah in 2026?

A final decision had not been announced by mid-September. With Abhimanyu retired after carrying the Golden Howdah six times, Mahendra, Dhananjaya and Prashantha are being trained for the role.

Which elephants are part of Mysore Dasara 2026?

The Forest Department's squad includes Dhananjaya, Ekalavya, Mahendra, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Roopa, Chaitra and Srikantha, with Bheema and Harsha on standby.

How much is the Mysore Dasara Gold Card?

The Gold Card cost ₹6,500 in 2025. The 2026 price will be announced when sales open on the official portal, mysoredasara.gov.in, and past sales have sold out within minutes.

Is there an air show at Mysore Dasara 2026?

An air show is planned. The Chief Minister has discussed it with the Union Defence Minister and sought participation from the Army, Air Force and Navy, but dates have not been announced yet.

Who will inaugurate Yuva Dasara 2026?

Actor and choreographer Prabhu Deva has agreed to inaugurate Yuva Dasara 2026, which will be held at a ground near Uttanahalli, off the Mysuru–Nanjangud Road.

Is Dasara a holiday in Karnataka in 2026?

Yes. Karnataka's 2026 holiday list includes Mahalaya Amavasya on Saturday 10 October, Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja on Tuesday 20 October, and Vijayadashami on Wednesday 21 October.

Where does the Jamboo Savari procession go?

The procession travels about 4.8 km along the Raja Marga, from Mysore Palace to the Torchlight Parade Ground at Bannimantap, where the Torchlight Parade takes place that evening.

Sources and verification

Complete Dussehra 2026 guide network

Planning Dussehra & Vijayadashami 2026 elsewhere? Every guide has the local Vijay Muhurat, Navratri and Durga Puja dates, and confirmed events: