Mysuru Dasara to be 11-day celebration this year

Bengaluru: Mysuru Dasara is set to run for 11 days this year — a rare extension driven by celestial alignment and cultural planning — with the inaugural ceremony on Sept 22 and the grand Jamboo Savari taking place on Oct 2, coinciding with Vijayadashami and Gandhi Jayanti.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Vidhana Soudha Friday, chief minister Siddaramaiah said, "Mysuru Dasara in 2025 will be celebrated for 11 days, due to a unique astronomical occurrence — the Panchami tithi (fifth lunar day) will appear on two consecutive days, Sept 26 and 27, a rare alignment that hasn't occurred in nearly four centuries."

Though traditionally a nine or 10-day celebration, Dasara's length has varied in the past because of lunar calendar shifts. "The calendar (Panchanga) followed by the Mysore Palace for all festivals, including Dasara, is based on the lunar calendar. Variations in duration of the festival arise from astronomical factors — specifically the movement of the moon and the sun — which determine the alignment of the lunar days/dates.

Also, thanks to abundant rainfall, full reservoirs, and strong harvest prospects, Siddaramaiah said the govt is preparing for a bigger and culturally vibrant Dasara, while also putting strong emphasis on security and public order. "Dasara must not become an excuse for unnecessary spending. It is a celebration rooted in rich historical, religious, and cultural traditions. Our focus should be on conveying this legacy to the people while ensuring their safety," he said.

His statement gains significance in the backdrop of the stampede near Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which left 11 people dead.

With over 10 lakh visitors expected, including international tourists, the CM said crowd control and security are top priorities this year. He directed that the number of public seats in front of Mysore Palace be reduced to avoid congestion. "Preparations must begin early. Important routes, including those leading to Chamundi Hills and KRS dam, must be repaired. Adequate toilets, parking spaces, and basic amenities must be ensured," Siddaramaiah said.

A highlight of this year's festivities will be a grand drone show, in addition to exhibitions and tableaux from govt departments. Since Vijayadashami coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, Gandhian values will also be integrated into the tableaux themes.

Last year, the state had sanctioned Rs 40 crore for the Dasara festivities. While a specific allocation is yet to be announced, Siddaramaiah said there will be no shortage of funds. He, however, indicated the govt-sponsored Dasara will be restricted to Mysuru district and won't cover neighbouring districts.