Mysuru’s spectacular Dasara festival reached an unprecedented high this year with a drone show that not only mesmerized thousands but also etched its name into the Guinness World Records. On September 28 evening, the Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap became the canvas for an incredible aerial artwork: a majestic tiger crafted from a dazzling array of 2,983 drones.
This magnificent tiger display was a highlight, signifying a significant achievement in drone technology and artistic presentation.
Munigopal Raju, Managing Director of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), the organization behind this technological marvel, shared insights into its creation. Following the success of a similar show in 2024, a strategic decision was made to nearly double the drone count from 1,500 to a staggering 3,000 for this year’s festival.
The CESC leadership realized that deploying 3,000 drones to form an image of India’s national animal could secure a Guinness World Record, a feat previously unmatched. To ensure authenticity, the corporation meticulously followed all necessary protocols, bringing in a team from London to officially certify the record. This rigorous process involved aeronautical engineers, auditors, and legal experts, ensuring the record’s validity.
The comprehensive groundwork laid by CESC was aimed at making every aspect of this year’s Dasara truly unforgettable, from the grand illumination of Mysuru’s streets and junctions to the captivating drone performances. The previous record for a tiger artwork using drones stood at 1,985. Mysuru’s stunning 2,983-drone formation effortlessly surpassed this, setting a new benchmark.
The September 28 drone show served as the first trial, with a second planned for September 29, leading up to the main public spectacles on October 1 and 2. As 3,000 drones ascended into the night sky, their synchronized lights painted a series of breathtaking images above Bannimantap’s Torchlight Parade Grounds. Spectators were left awestruck, erupting in cheers for the dazzling display.
Beyond the record-setting tiger, the show featured a diverse range of captivating images. These included celestial bodies like the solar system, a sprawling world map, and symbols of national pride such as the Indian soldier, a graceful peacock, a playful dolphin, and a soaring eagle. Cultural narratives came alive with an image of Lord Krishna dancing on a serpent, a tribute to ‘Mother Cauvery,’ and a map of Karnataka proudly showcasing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar, alongside the state’s five guarantee schemes. The iconic Ambari elephant and Goddess Chamundeshwari also made their luminous appearance.
Mr. Raju emphasized the careful selection of these images, noting the limited power backup in the drones, which allows for only 10-12 distinct formations per show. He also extended credit for this world record achievement to the dedicated teams involved: approximately 100 employees from a private company specializing in drone shows and about 200 CESC staff members, whose collaborative efforts made the vision a reality.
Adding to the evening’s festive atmosphere, renowned playback singer Kunal Ganjawala and his team delivered an entertaining musical performance, setting the stage for the drone spectacular.
