Karnataka seer Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji inaugurates historic Mysuru Dasara 2026
Mysuru: The historic 417th edition of Mysuru Dasara, Karnataka’s renowned 11-day Nada Habba, was inaugurated by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of the Gavisiddeshwara Math in Koppal at Chamundi Hills on Sunday, marking the beginning of the grand annual celebrations showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and royal legacy.
The seer inaugurated the festivities by offering flowers to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari during the auspicious Dhanur Lagna, amid the chanting of Vedic hymns.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, his wife Usha, Ministers, legislators, elected representatives and senior officials attended the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar described Mysuru Dasara as a confluence of strength, knowledge, culture and equality, saying that strength leads to achievement, knowledge to development, culture to equality and equality to peace.
“Dasara is not merely a religious celebration. It represents Karnataka’s cultural identity, harmony and self-respect,” he said, adding that the festival offered an opportunity for people across the country to experience India’s traditions and heritage through Mysuru over the next 11 days.
The Chief Minister said Dasara had evolved from a royal celebration into a festival of the people, reflecting the transition from monarchy to democracy.
The tradition initiated by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire was continued by the Mysuru Wadiyars, who preserved its cultural significance and developed it into a platform for promoting art and culture.
“Removing the thorn of ignorance with the thorn of knowledge is education, while removing the thorn of unrighteousness with the thorn of righteousness is Dasara. Seeing God in a temple is devotion, but seeing God in human beings is humanity,” Shivakumar added.
Recalling the historical traditions associated with the festival, the Chief Minister said the Vijayanagara rulers had a practice of bringing buffaloes to Dasara.
This year, the cultural memory of that tradition was being carried forward through Kambala, the traditional buffalo race, despite criticism.
He said Dasara had become a major platform for Karnataka’s traditional art forms, including Dollu Kunitha, Tamate, Nagari, Veeragase, Kolata and Yakshagana.
The celebrations provide opportunities for thousands of theatre artists, singers and musicians to showcase their talent and preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
“Dasara is a festival of colours for children, a platform for artists, an opportunity for traders and an unforgettable experience for tourists,” the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister highlighted the contribution of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar to the development of Brand Mysuru, citing Mysuru silk, Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysuru paintings, Mysore Pak and the Kannambadi dam as landmarks that had helped establish the city’s reputation beyond Karnataka.
He said Mysuru’s cultural identity had been shaped by generations of rulers, artists, craftsmen, musicians, teachers and traders.
The city’s greatest asset was not limited to its palaces but also included the trust and affection people associated with its name.
Shivakumar said the state government was committed to advancing social equality through its guarantee schemes.
Referring to the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provides Rs 2,000 to eligible women beneficiaries, the Chief Minister said 1,139 days had passed since the amount was first offered at the feet of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
He added that the state government had continued its efforts to implement the welfare schemes without interruption, with the objective of bringing meaningful changes to people’s lives.
Praising Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji, Shivakumar described his social service as a model for the country and the Gavisiddeshwara Math as an institution promoting peace among all communities.
“The Swamiji is not merely the head of a math but a Swamiji of the people,” he said, highlighting the institution’s contributions to social welfare and community development.
The Chief Minister also referred to the seer’s campaign for water conservation, saying the message of Jaladeekshe was particularly relevant at a time when the state needed to protect its water resources.
“Wasting water is like draining the lifeblood of future generations,” he said, calling for a statewide commitment to conserving water.
Shivakumar emphasised the role of religious institutions in education, social service and preserving cultural traditions.
He said that he held religious heads in high regard and valued their contribution to society.
He also thanked the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for accepting his request to facilitate the participation of contingents from the three armed services in the Dasara celebrations.
Quoting poet Kuvempu’s philosophy of universal humanism, the Chief Minister said humanity should transcend religious and social divisions and become the foundation for world peace.
Earlier, Shivakumar inaugurated the Dasara fruit and flower exhibition at the Glass House in Kuppanna Park by offering floral tributes to a replica of the Constitution.
He also viewed a floral installation of Vidhana Soudha.
Ministers Ramalinga Reddy, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Puttaranga Shetty, MP Sunil Bose, legislators, Members of the Legislative Council, senior officials and representatives of various boards attended the events.
