Mysuru Dasara expo grounds to get year-long amusement: Yathindra
Mysuru district in-charge Minister and Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Friday said the Karnataka Exhibition Authority is planning to transform the Dasara Exhibition grounds
Mysuru district in-charge Minister and Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Friday said the Karnataka Exhibition Authority is planning to transform the Dasara Exhibition grounds into a year-round amusement park of international standards to make the place more attractive. Addressing a press conference on the 2026 Mysuru Dasara Exhibition, he said the exhibition would be open for 90 days, from the commencement of Dasara until January 8, 2027, with the option of extending the duration based on public response. The Minister said visitor footfall had increased significantly from 8-9 lakh in previous years to over 15 lakh. To enhance visitor experience, the Authority is constructing 32 permanent stalls and a permanent food court with modern weather-proof shelters at a cost of ₹4 crore. Permanent stalls have already been developed at the Exhibition Grounds to reduce the recurring expenditure on temporary structures.
Popular attractions such as the musical fountain, laser show, boating, and the Rajiv Gandhi Dragon Pond featuring a fire-breathing dragon are to continue this year, while roads and drinking water facilities inside the exhibition grounds have been upgraded. Yathindra said the government has been requested to earmark a dedicated venue on the outskirts of Mysuru for rallies, concerts and other large public events to ease traffic congestion in the city centre. Drought and simple Dasara Despite suggestions from various quarters to celebrate Dasara in a simple manner due to drought conditions, the Dasara High-Power Committee, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has decided to celebrate the festival with its customary grandeur, he said. Kambala row On the proposal to organise Kambala during the Mysuru Dasara, the Minister said most members of the High-Power Committee had expressed support for showcasing the coastal sport to people.
The final decision, however, will be taken by the Chief Minister. He said officials have been directed to complete road repair and new road works in Mysuru well before the festival begins. Dasara grant The Minister added that the government would seek special financial assistance from the Chief Minister for the Dasara Exhibition, considering its growing popularity and the need for infrastructure development. The demand for constituting a permanent Dasara Authority would also be examined by the State government. On civic issues, he said GBA elections are likely to be held in November, while the Rural Development Minister has indicated that gram panchayat elections could also be conducted this year. The delay in Mysuru City Corporation elections was due to the proposal for Greater Mysuru and the ongoing Census process, but the government would soon discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and party leaders before taking a decision.
The BriefWire