Karnataka to Invite Southern CMs to Mysuru Dasara Starting October 11

BENGALURU — Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has decided to invite the chief ministers of all southern states, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, to attend this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations. The decision was taken during a review meeting held in Bengaluru on Thursday to oversee preparations for the state festival.

The Dasara festivities are scheduled to begin with an official inauguration on October 11 and will conclude on October 21. Following the review, Shivakumar directed officials to immediately dispatch formal invitation letters to the chief ministers across the southern states, asking the district administration to make all necessary logistical arrangements if visiting dignitaries attend the inauguration, the closing ceremony, or other festival events.

Addressing officials during the review, Shivakumar instructed the administration to organise the celebrations in a different manner to ensure the annual event is grand and unique, stating that the state government aims to give a new shape to Mysuru Dasara and make it more attractive to visitors.

Several special events were evaluated during the meeting, including a proposal to host an air show during the festivities. Shivakumar stated that he would discuss the air show proposal directly with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Officials were also instructed to formally request ceremonial tableaux from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy for the parade, while ensuring priority seating is reserved for visitors who purchase tickets.

The administration also deliberated on plans to host a drone show, a vintage car race, and a flea market during the ten-day festival, alongside sending invitations to international representatives and foreign officials.

The high-level review meeting was attended by Minister for Urban Development and Mysuru district in-charge Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Mysuru district in-charge secretary Selvakumar, Kannada and Culture Department Secretary Manjushree, and Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, among other senior officials.