Chief Minister orders officials to make Mysuru flex-free during Dasara

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar presides over a meeting to review preparations for the ensuing Dasara festivities at the Zilla Panchayat hall in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday directed the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and the city police to ensure that Mysuru remains free of flexible posters and promotional materials during Dasara celebrations, except for official Dasara publicity.

Mr. Shivakumar, who reviewed the arrangements for Mysuru Dasara-2026 here at the Zilla Panchayat, said that the MCC and the police have been instructed to start clearing unauthorized flexible materials from Monday.

He said ambassadors from various countries have been invited for Dasara celebrations and heads of various religions have been invited to attend the inauguration atop Chamundi Hill on October 11. Religious heads from different parts of the state will be hosted by the Suttur Mutt, which has taken the responsibility of their hospitality. The Chief Minister said that Sri Gavisiddeshwara Swami of Gavimath in Koppal has been invited to inaugurate the function.

“Dasara is our pride. All steps have been taken to make it a grand event,” he said, adding that ministers have been given the responsibility of overseeing events on specific days to ensure discipline in the organization and avoid inconvenience to visitors. The list of ministers and the duties assigned to them will be published soon, he said.

Mr. Shivakumar directed the district administration to take the Mysuru royal family into confidence while organizing the festivities and to show due respect to its members by seeking their suggestions and advice. “Politics should not enter into celebrations,” he said. He said the medal winners from Karnataka in the Asian Games would be invited to participate in the Yuva Dasara.

A painting representing the Tibetan community settled in Karnataka, especially Bylakuppe, will take part in the Dasara procession this year. A special tableau from Dakshina Kannada will also be presented, he said.

The Chief Minister directed the CESC to ensure that the 21-day Dasara lighting remains the main highlight of the festivities. He also instructed officials to make proper arrangements for gold card and ticket holders, including clearly indicating the seat numbers to avoid confusion.

Mr. Shivakumar said that multiple folk and cultural teams conducting similar programs should not be allowed to appear separately in the parade. Instead, they should be grouped into larger units to avoid repetition.

He directed the district administration to ensure that tourists are not molested and molested during the festivities. Hotel tariffs and rates at other establishments would be monitored to prevent visitors from being cheated, he added.

Flex-free

The chief minister’s directive to rid Mysuru of unauthorized flexible posters and promotional materials assumes significance as the city prepares to host thousands of visitors during Dasara.

He directed the MCC and the police to remove all flexible materials except official Dasara advertisements and ensure that no unauthorized promotional materials, including those bearing his own photographs, are allowed in the city during the festivities.

Published – October 4, 2026 0:27 AM IST