Mysuru to dazzle during Dasara with 146 km of illumination, 3,500 drones

Mysuru is set to glitter with a grand illumination spanning nearly 146 km of roads, transforming the city into a dazzling spectacle and welcoming tourists during the 2026 Dasara festivities.

The grand illumination will light up the city covering 199 roads, 123 circles and 80 installations, for 21 days starting October 11. The illumination will conclude on October 31.

Minister for Tourism and Energy K.J. George said the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has taken all steps to ensure the grand illmination of the city. Officials have been instructed to accord the highest priority to safety, uninterrupted power supply and systematic management, he added.

Adding to the attraction this year, a special drone show featuring 3,500 LED drones will be held on four days – on October 17, 18, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m.

One of the major highlights will be an attempt to create a “Guinness World Record” by simultaneously using 3,500 drones to create a giant image of India’s national bird, the peacock, in the night sky, according to Mr. George.

“Mysuru Dasara is not merely a cultural festival; it is one of Karnataka’s biggest platforms to showcase our heritage and tourism to audiences from across India and the world. This year, the illumination is being planned on a much larger and more attractive scale. Along with the illuminated roads, circles and installations, the drone show will offer visitors a distinctive experience,” the Minister said in a release.

Visitors coming for Dasara should be able to experience not only the cultural programmes during the day but also the spectacular illumination of Mysuru at night. A temporary power load of 3,106 kVA is being arranged for Dasara illumination, with an estimated consumption of 2,60,920 units of electricity. The estimated expenditure for the illumination works has been fixed at ₹2.5 crore, he said.

During his last meeting in Mysuru with CESC officials, the Energy Minister directed officials to make the illumination planned for Mysuru Dasara 2026 more attractive and innovative than last year. He directed officials that it should be designed differently. As lakhs of tourists are expected to visit Mysuru during Dasara, the illumination should appeal to the public, he told the meeting.

Arrangements are being made to meet the additional power demand arising from the illumination and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the festivities. Also, steps have been taken for continuous monitoring to ensure that there are no issues during the celebrations.