Mysuru welcomed 2026 in style with fireworks that lit up the sky above the illuminated palace. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
The people of Mysore welcomed the New Year with a grand celebration at the Mysuru Palace, where spectacular fireworks lit up the sky, leaving thousands of people gathered inside and outside the palace grounds clamoring for more.
The New Year celebrations at the palace became one of the signature events of the city and attracted crowds not only from Mysuru but also from neighboring towns. What started a few years ago has now become a major annual attraction as the city welcomes the New Year in a festive spirit.
An iconic landmark, the Mysuru Palace does not need to attract visitors. This year too, the Palace Council organized a flower show (Maagi Utsava) which attracted large crowds and contributed to a record number of tourists in the city towards the end of December. Hotels reported close to 100% occupancy and tourism industry stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the increase, with most tourist spots witnessing a major surge. The New Year celebration coincided with the Utsava.
On New Year’s Eve, the palace was lit up with a performance by the famous Police Band, which captivated the audience for almost an hour. As the clock struck midnight, a spectacular fireworks display using ”eco-friendly green cookies” unfolded for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The non-stop display turned the sky above the palace into a vibrant spectacle and drew loud cheers as the crowd welcomed the year 2026.
Many visitors entered the palace premises to witness the celebrations from Varaha Gate. Due to the massive turnout, there was a strong police presence. Extensive arrangements were made to make the celebrations smooth and incident-free. Additional forces have been deployed to increase safety and security, local vendors have been cleared from sensitive zones and only one access point has been opened for visitors.
Fire trucks and ambulances were deployed as a precaution and the public was urged to follow the guidelines issued by the authorities to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Crowds were seen snapping selfies with the illuminated palace as a backdrop as the midnight sky glowed brightly with impressive fireworks to usher in the New Year.
Published – 1 Jan 2026 19:37 IST
