No scaling down Dasara festivities despite drought, says Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar

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The first batch of Dasara elephants arrived in Mysuru Palace on August 28, 2026. | Photo Credit: M A Sriram

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar categorically ruled out any move to scale down the Mysuru Dasara festivities this year on the grounds of drought , saying the celebrations play a crucial role in promoting tourism and benefiting the hospitality industry in Karnataka.

“There is no question of scaling down the festivities. Dasara attracts tourists, and supports the tourism and hospitality industries. Stakeholders must join hands with the government of Karnataka, and support the district administration in making the celebrations more attractive. The industry benefits from Dasara and should support the government,” he told reporters in Mysuru in August 29.

Mr. Shivakumar said the government of Karnataka is planning several measures to make the Dasara procession more attractive and give a new dimension to the celebrations. A meeting would be convened soon to discuss the proposals, he said.

The Chief Minister said he had requested the army and the air force to participate in the procession. He had also asked Film Chamber president and actor Jayamala to bring film personalities to the procession in a tableau.

Mr. Shivakumar said efforts would be made to eliminate duplication in the presentation of folk arts in the procession. “There should not be multiple teams presenting the same folk art. Members of the same art form should participate as a group rather than in groups of 10 or 20. This will help avoid repetition,” he said, adding that he had already conveyed this to the Deputy Commissioner and the Department of Kannada and Culture.

On the proposal to include Kambala in the Dasara festivities, Mr. Shivakumar said a final decision would be taken soon.

He rejected objections that organising Kambala would harm the environment or result in wastage of water. “It is not right to say that the environment will be damaged by organising Kambala or that water will be wasted. No tree will be cut and a large quantity of water will not be used,” he said.

Asked about the chief guest for the inauguration of the Dasara festivities atop Chamundi Hill, Mr. Shivakumar said the government would discuss the matter and announce the name shortly.

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