Mysuru Dasara 2026 will be celebrated from October 11 to October 21, 2026, culminating in the grand Jumboo Savari on Wednesday, October 21. The official Mysuru Dasara schedule confirms the royal procession will leave Amba Vilas Palace at 4:35 PM and proceed towards Bannimantap.
Mysuru Dasara is Karnataka’s celebrated Nada Habba, combining royal traditions, religious ceremonies, cultural programmes, palace illumination, sporting events and the famous elephant-led procession. The 2026 schedule gives visitors several days to experience different parts of the festival rather than only the final procession.
Mysuru Dasara 2026: Key Dates
| Event | Date | Key timing |
|---|---|---|
| Dasara inauguration | October 11 | Morning |
| Saraswati Puja | October 16 | Festival programme |
| Mahanavami / Ayudha Puja | October 20 | 9:00 AM at Palace |
| Vijayadashami | October 21 | Main finale |
| Nandi Dhwaja Puja | October 21 | 1:36–1:56 PM |
| Jumboo Savari | October 21 | 4:35 PM departure |
| Torchlight Parade | October 21 | 7:00 PM |
When Is Mysuru Dasara 2026?
The official Mysuru Dasara programme runs from October 11 to October 21, 2026. The final day is Vijayadashami, when the famous Jumboo Savari takes place. The official FAQ confirms that the 2026 Jumboo Savari is on October 21.
When Is the Mysuru Dasara Jumboo Savari 2026?
The Jumboo Savari is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. According to the official schedule, Nandi Dhwaja Puja is scheduled for 1:36–1:56 PM at Amba Vilas Palace, followed by Pushparchane to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah from 4:10–4:35 PM. The grand procession then leaves the Palace at 4:35 PM for Bannimantap.
Jumboo Savari Route 2026
The official route runs from Amba Vilas Palace towards Bannimantap. The official FAQ identifies Sayyaji Rao Road, particularly the stretch between K R Circle and Bannimantap, as a major free viewing area. The complete procession route is about 5 kilometres.
Visitors should arrive well before the procession because popular roadside viewing locations can become extremely crowded. The official FAQ recommends reaching the route around 1 PM for a front position and notes limited shade along the road.
Is Mysuru Dasara Procession Free?
Yes. The official Mysuru Dasara FAQ says the 5-kilometre procession route is free. Paid tickets are available for numbered gallery seating at selected locations, including the Palace forecourt and Bannimantap.
What Is Special About the Golden Howdah?
One of the defining sights of Jumboo Savari is Goddess Chamundeshwari being carried in the golden howdah on the lead elephant. The official Mysuru Dasara FAQ says the howdah has about 80 kilograms of gold on a teak frame and weighs approximately 750 kilograms overall.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 on October 20
October 20 is Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja in the official Mysuru Dasara programme. The schedule lists Ayudha Puja, Gaja-Ashva Puja, Hayagriva Puja and related palace rituals at 9:00 AM. In the evening, the first Panjina Kavayathu or Torchlight Parade programme is scheduled at Bannimantap, along with palace illumination and a drone show.
Mysuru Dasara Palace Illumination
The illuminated Amba Vilas Palace is one of the festival’s most popular attractions. The official 2026 programme lists palace illumination from 7:00 PM during the festival period. On the final day, illumination continues until midnight according to the official site.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 Torchlight Parade
The Panjina Kavayathu, or Torchlight Parade, is scheduled at Bannimantap on October 20 and October 21. On the final evening, the official schedule lists the closing parade from 7:00 PM, following the arrival of the Jumboo Savari. A drone show is also listed for 8:00 PM.
Where Should You Watch Jumboo Savari?
| Location | Best for |
|---|---|
| Palace forecourt | Watching the ceremonial departure |
| Sayyaji Rao Road | Free roadside viewing |
| K R Circle area | Popular central viewing zone |
| Bannimantap | Procession arrival and Torchlight Parade |
The official FAQ specifically identifies the Sayyaji Rao Road stretch between K R Circle and Bannimantap as a free viewing option. Premium gallery tickets are available for visitors who prefer designated seating.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 Travel Tips
- Reach the procession area early on October 21.
- Carry water, especially if standing outdoors for several hours.
- Wear comfortable footwear because viewing may involve considerable walking.
- Use designated parking and shuttle arrangements where available.
- Check traffic diversions before travelling into central Mysuru.
- Keep children close in dense crowds.
- For ticketed seating, use the official Dasara booking information rather than unofficial sellers.
- Check the official schedule again before travelling because event timings can be updated.
Simple One-Day Mysuru Dasara Plan
- Morning: Reach Mysuru early and explore the Palace area before the main crowds build.
- 1:00 PM: Move towards a preferred free viewing section or your ticketed gallery.
- 1:36 PM: Nandi Dhwaja Puja begins at the Palace according to the official schedule.
- 4:10 PM: Watch the Pushparchane ceremony before the procession departure.
- 4:35 PM: Watch the Jumboo Savari leave the Palace.
- Evening: Follow the procession toward Bannimantap only if crowd and traffic conditions permit.
- 7:00 PM: Watch the closing Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap.
- Afterward: Allow extra time for the crowd to disperse before travelling back.
For the broader festival calendar, readers can also follow CareerSphere’s Durga Puja 2026 dates guide and Navratri 2026 fasting food guide.
Free Viewing or Ticketed Seating?
Visitors do not need a ticket to watch the procession from the public route. The official FAQ says the entire 5-kilometre route is free. Tickets are intended for numbered gallery seating at selected locations, including the Palace departure area and Bannimantap arrival area.
Mysuru Dasara 2026 Schedule: Quick Guide
| Date | What to look for |
|---|---|
| October 11 | Dasara inauguration and start of festival |
| October 16 | Saraswati Puja |
| October 17 | Mahishasura Samhara-related programme |
| October 19 | Durga Puja / Ashtami programmes |
| October 20 | Ayudha Puja, palace rituals, Torchlight Parade and drone show |
| October 21 | Vijayadashami, Jumboo Savari and final Torchlight Parade |
Why Mysuru Dasara Is Different From General Dussehra
Across India, Vijayadashami is generally associated with the victory of good over evil, but regional celebrations differ. Mysuru’s Dasara has a distinctive royal and Chamundeshwari tradition, with the state festival culminating in the Jumboo Savari. In 2026, the Mysuru Dasara finale is on October 21, while the general Indian Dussehra date is October 20.
For readers looking for the wider festival calendar, see CareerSphere’s Dussehra 2026 date and Vijayadashami guide and Navratri 2026 colours guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mysuru Dasara 2026?
Mysuru Dasara 2026 runs from October 11 to October 21, with Vijayadashami on October 21.
When is Jumboo Savari 2026?
The Jumboo Savari is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The official schedule says the procession leaves Amba Vilas Palace at 4:35 PM.
Where does Jumboo Savari start?
The grand procession starts at Amba Vilas Palace and proceeds towards Bannimantap.
Is Mysuru Dasara procession free?
Yes. The public route is free to watch. Paid gallery seating is available for visitors who want designated seats.
What time is the Torchlight Parade?
The official 2026 schedule lists the closing Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap at 7:00 PM on October 21.
What happens on October 20 in Mysuru?
October 20 features Mahanavami and Ayudha Puja, palace rituals, the first evening Torchlight Parade, palace illumination and a drone show.
Final Mysuru Dasara 2026 Dates
Mysuru Dasara: October 11–21, 2026. Ayudha Puja: October 20. Vijayadashami and Jumboo Savari: October 21. The Jumboo Savari leaves Amba Vilas Palace at 4:35 PM and proceeds towards Bannimantap.
Event timings, crowd-control measures, routes and ticket arrangements can change. Check the official Mysuru Dasara schedule immediately before travelling.
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