Mysuru is all set to dazzle with its iconic Dasara festival, featuring an impressive lineup of events spread across various locations in the city over the next eleven days.
Attendees can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultural programs at esteemed venues like the Mysuru Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Kalamandira, Kirurangamandira, Town Hall, Ganabharathi, Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha, Dufferin Clock Tower (Chikkagadiyara), Ramagovinda Rangamandira, and even the Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud.
The grand cultural celebration at the Mysuru Palace kicks off on Monday. The Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, will present the prestigious Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award to renowned Hindustani vocalist M. Venkatesh Kumar during a special ceremony from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Following this, the first Dasara concert will captivate audiences with Ghazal and classical fusion by the celebrated Padmashree awardee Hariharan and his talented team, performing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The palace stage will welcome a host of other distinguished artists throughout the festival. On September 23, Abhishekh Raghuram and his ensemble will perform. A mesmerizing violin trio featuring Mysore Manjunath, Sumanth Manjunath, and Malavi will grace the stage on September 24. Sitar enthusiasts can look forward to a recital by Mohsin Khan and his group on September 25, while the Police Band promises to entertain on September 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Further musical delights include a Sitar fusion performance by Niladri Kumar and team on September 27 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., followed by a musical ensemble titled “Strings of Sarigama” from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the same day.
September 28 will feature a concert by popular playback singer Vijayprakash and his team from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by the breathtaking Kuchipudi performance “Navadurga” by Padmashree Dr. Padmaja Reddy and her team from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On September 29, a captivating dance fusion or “jugalbandhi” will be presented, showcasing Kathak by Sri Hari and Srimathi Chetan alongside Bharatnatyam by artists from Ananya Kalaniketana, Bengaluru, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Beyond the stage, the Dasara Flower Show at Kuppanna Park is a must-see. Visitors will marvel at a spectacular thematic floral arrangement centered around “Operation Sindhoor.” Highlights will include a magnificent statue of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar crafted entirely from flowers, as well as a floral depiction of an elephant adorned with the traditional howdah.
For the younger generation, Yuva Dasara will run from September 23 to 27 at the grounds near Uttanahalli, adjacent to the Outer Ring Road. These vibrant evenings will feature concerts by renowned playback singers and groups such as Arjun Janya, Pritam, Jubin Nautiyal, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Asees Kaur, performing from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Intellectual and creative minds can gather at the Dasara Poets’ Conclave, held at B.M. Shri auditorium, Manasagangotri, from September 23 to 27. Other exciting events include Heritage Cycling on September 25, a Heritage Walk on September 26, and a charming Heritage Tonga Ride for couples in traditional attire on September 27. Meanwhile, Mahila Dasara, celebrating women, will take place from September 23 to 26 at J.K. Grounds.