Every year, Mysore lights up for one of Karnataka’s biggest celebrations, the Mysore Dasara festival. For ten days, the city comes alive with illuminated streets, cultural performances, grand processions and celebrations around the magnificent Mysore Palace.
With decorated elephants, traditional music and thousands of people lining the streets, it is a sight that captures the spirit of Mysore. Whether you are visiting for the royal celebrations, the cultural events, or simply to experience the city at its most vibrant, Mysore Palace Dasara is a festival worth seeing.
If you are planning to visit, this redBus travel guide will keep you updated about important dates, events, travel options, and make your Mysore Dasara trip much easier.
Mysore Dasara 2026: Dates & Timings
If you are searching for the Mysore Dasara 2026 date, remember that 21 October is the main Vijayadashami day and the date of Jamboo Savari. The festival will be celebrated over 11 days, beginning on Sunday, 11 October and ending on Wednesday, 21 October.
| Event | Date | Details |
| Dasara Opening | 11 October 2026 | Inauguration and special prayers at Chamundi Hill |
| Cultural Programmes | 11–20 October 2026 | Music, dance, cultural shows and other activities |
| Ayudha Puja | 20 October 2026 | Traditional worship of tools, vehicles and instruments |
| Vijayadashami | 21 October 2026 | Main day of the festival |
| Jamboo Savari | 21 October 2026 | Grand procession from the palace towards Bannimantap |
| Torchlight Parade | 21 October 2026 | Evening programme at Bannimantap |
Why is Mysore Dussehra Celebrated?
Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil. In this region, the festival is closely associated with Goddess Chamundeshwari and the legend of her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Chamundi Hill is therefore an important part of the celebrations. The festival traditionally begins with prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the temple on the hill. The religious side of the festival then blends with royal traditions, cultural events and public celebrations across the city.
The celebration also has a strong connection with the former Wadiyar royal family. Over the years, royal customs became an important part of the public festival, giving it the grand style that visitors see today.
Main Events: Day-by-Day Activities
Different events take place throughout the 11-day celebration. Here are more details on the day-to-day activities:
- Day 1: Opening Ceremony
The celebrations begin on 11 October at Chamundi Hill. Special prayers are offered to Goddess Chamundeshwari. A cultural programme is also scheduled at the palace grounds. This sets the tone for the days that follow, with the city gradually becoming busier and more festive.
- Days 2 To 8: Cultural Celebrations
The middle days are filled with music, dance, folk performances and other cultural activities. Programmes are organised at places such as the palace grounds, Kalamandira, Jaganmohan Palace and other cultural venues.
- Day 9: Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is an important religious day during the festival. Devotees offer prayers and take part in special rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga. Cultural activities and public programmes also continue during this period.
- Day 10: Ayudha Puja
The tenth day, 20 October, is associated with Ayudha Puja. Tools, vehicles, machinery and other objects used for work are traditionally cleaned and worshipped on this day.
- Day 11: Vijayadashami
21 October is the biggest day of the celebrations. It brings the famous Jamboo Savari procession, followed by the Torchlight Parade in the evening. For travellers, this is the day that requires the most planning. Roads around the procession route may be restricted, large crowds gather early and regular sightseeing can become difficult.
The Main Highlight: Jamboo Savari
Jamboo Savari is one of the most recognisable cultural events in Karnataka. On this day, the procession starts from the palace premises and moves towards Bannimantap. The main attraction is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, which is carried in a golden howdah on a decorated elephant.
The Mysore Dasara elephant is not simply part of the decoration. The elephants involved in the procession undergo preparation and training before the event. Their health and behaviour are also considered before they are included in the final procession.
The procession also features cultural groups, musicians, police bands, tableaux and decorated animals. Together, these create a long and colourful parade that brings together Karnataka’s traditions and history.
The golden howdah, popularly known as the Mysore ambari, is one of the most important symbols of the procession. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in it during the main ceremony.
Ticket Information & Entry Fees
Entry rules depend on the event. Many cultural programmes may be open to the public, while special seating and certain major events may require tickets or passes.
For your reference, in 2025, the Dasara Gold Card cost ₹6,500 and included access to selected attractions such as Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo and Chamundi Hill, along with reserved viewing for major events. A Jamboo Savari ticket cost ₹3,500, while the Torchlight Parade ticket was ₹1,500.
The 2026 ticket prices and Gold Card details have not yet been disclosed. Therefore, it is advisable to keep an eye on the official Mysore Dasara website. Remember that prices and inclusions can change each year.
How to Reach Mysore
There are several ways to reach the city, depending on where you are travelling from.
- By Air
Mysuru Airport is around 10 km from the city and is the closest airport. The other is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
- By Train
Mysore is well connected by rail with Bengaluru and several other cities. The railway station is also close to many popular tourist attractions, making trains a convenient option for visitors.
- By Bus
Buses are another practical option, particularly for travellers coming from Bengaluru and other Karnataka cities. KSRTC operates city and long-distance bus services, while private operators also connect the city with different destinations. Mysore bus stand is well-maintained and functional.
Tips for Travellers
A little planning can make your festival trip smoother.
- Book Early: Hotels and transport can get crowded and expensive closer to Vijayadashami.
- Arrive Before the Main Day: If Jamboo Savari is your priority, reach the city by 20 October.
- Keep Extra Travel Time: Crowds and traffic restrictions can make local travel slower than usual.
- Check Event Timings: Cultural programmes may have different venues and schedules, so check the latest updates.
- Carry Essentials: Keep water, a charged phone and comfortable footwear when attending crowded events.
- Stay Flexible: Festival schedules, traffic rules and event arrangements may change.
FAQs
- When is Mysore Dasara in 2026?
The Mysore Dasara 2026 celebrations will take place from 11 October to 21 October. The final day, 21 October, is Vijayadashami and will feature the main procession.
2. What is the best time to visit for the celebrations?
If you want to experience the biggest events, visit around 20 and 21 October. For a quieter experience with cultural programmes and sightseeing, consider visiting earlier during the festival.
3. Is Jamboo Savari free to watch?
Public viewing arrangements may be available, but some reserved viewing areas can require tickets or passes. Entry rules and availability should be checked closer to the event.
4. How many days are enough for a Mysore Dasara trip?
Two to three days is a practical duration for most visi
5. What is the best way to get around the city during the festival?
Local buses, autos and taxis can be useful, but road restrictions may affect routes during major events. On Jamboo Savari day, be prepared to walk some distance to reach permitted viewing areas.
6. Is it worth visiting Mysore before Vijayadashami?
Yes. Visiting earlier lets you enjoy cultural programmes, palace illumination, local attractions and other events with less pressure than the final day. It also gives you more flexibility because traffic usually becomes heavy later in the festival.
7. Why should I choose redBus to book my tickets?
redBus makes it easier to compare buses, operators, timings, boarding points and seats in one place. It also offers features such as live bus tracking, flexible booking options, customer support and selected cancellation benefits. This can be useful during the busy festival season when transport demand is high.
