Mysore, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : The historic 417th edition of the renowned 11-day Nada Habba (State Festival) Mysore Dasara began on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The inaugural ceremony took place atop the Chamundi Hills, led by the innovative Gavisiddheshwar Swamiji from the Gavissiddheshwara Math in Koppal, who performed traditional rituals to mark the occasion.
In a solemn ceremony filled with Vedic chants, Swamiji offered flowers to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, signaling the start of this grand annual festival that showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and royal glory. Among the attendees were Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, his wife Usha, ministers, legislators, and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shivakumar described Mysore Dasara as a confluence of strength, knowledge, culture, and equality. He stated that strength leads to achievement, knowledge fosters development, culture promotes equality, and equality paves the way for peace.
“Dussehra is not merely a religious festival; it symbolizes Karnataka’s cultural identity, harmony, and self-respect,” he remarked. He noted that over the next 11 days, people from across the country will have the opportunity to experience India’s culture and heritage through Mysore.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Dasara has evolved from a royal celebration to a festival for the people, reflecting the journey from monarchy to democracy. He pointed out that this tradition, initiated by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, was furthered by the Wadiyar kings of Mysore, who made it a platform for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
Shivakumar emphasized that education is the means to remove the thorns of ignorance, while Dasara represents the removal of the thorns of injustice through righteousness. He added that seeing God in temples is devotion, but recognizing divinity in humanity is true humanity.
He also referenced historical traditions associated with Dasara, mentioning how Vijayanagara rulers used to bring buffaloes during the festival. This year, that cultural memory is being revived through the traditional buffalo race, Kambala, despite some criticism.
The festival has become a significant platform for Karnataka’s traditional art forms, including Dollu Kunita, Tamate, Nagari, Veeragase, Kolata, and Yakshagana. Thousands of performers, singers, and musicians showcase their talents, furthering the state’s cultural legacy.
“Dussehra is a festival of colors for children, a stage for artists, an opportunity for traders, and an unforgettable experience for tourists,” he added.
Shivakumar acknowledged the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in developing the ‘Brand Mysore,’ mentioning the city’s silk, sandal soap, paintings, Mysore Pak, and the Kannanbadi Dam, which have all played crucial roles in establishing its national identity.
He remarked that Mysore’s cultural identity has been shaped by generations of rulers, artists, craftsmen, musicians, educators, and traders. The city’s greatest strength lies not just in its palace but in the trust and affection its people have for it. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing social equality through its guarantee schemes.
He mentioned the Griha Lakshmi scheme, which provides women with a financial aid of ₹2,000, noting that it has been 1,139 days since this initiative was dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Shivakumar emphasized that the government continuously implements welfare schemes aimed at bringing positive changes to people’s lives. He praised Gavisiddheshwar Swamiji for his service to society, calling him a model for the nation, and highlighted the Math’s role in promoting peace and harmony among all communities.
He also referred to Swamiji’s water conservation campaign, stressing the urgent need for protecting water resources in the state. “Wasting water is akin to bleeding the lifeblood of future generations,” he said, urging people across the state to commit to water conservation.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the vital role of religious institutions in education, social service, and preserving cultural traditions, expressing respect for religious leaders and their contributions to society. He also thanked Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for ensuring the participation of the armed forces in the Dasara celebrations.
In reference to poet Kuvempu’s vision of universal humanity, Shivakumar stated that humanity should rise above religious and social divisions to become a foundation for world peace.
Earlier, Shivakumar inaugurated the Dasara fruit and flower exhibition at the Glass House in Kuppanna Park, paying tribute to a replica of the Constitution. He also viewed the floral decorations at Vidhana Soudha.
The event saw the presence of ministers, including Ramalinga Reddy, Eshwar Khandre, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, Puttaranga Shetty, as well as MPs, legislators, council members, senior officials, and representatives from various boards.
Leave a Comment