Inauguration

Chief Guests

Each year the festival is inaugurated on Chamundi Hill by an eminent personality chosen for their contribution to the life of Karnataka.

The inauguration

Mysuru Dasara is formally inaugurated on the first day of Sharannavaratri at the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill. The Dasara Committee invites an eminent person to perform the inauguration, in recognition of their contribution to the public, literary or cultural life of Karnataka.

The inaugurator offers flowers to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari at the muhurta fixed by the Palace panchanga, in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister and the District Administration. For 2026 the muhurta is 11:50 AM to 12:13 PM on 11 October (Dhanur lagna). The ceremony is telecast live.

The inaugurator for 2026 will be listed here once the Dasara Committee's announcement is published.