Rs. 13.77 crore for Dasara illumination, drone show

• Last year, CESC spent Rs. 9.75 crore
• Mysuru to glow brighter this year

Mysuru: One of the most striking attractions of Mysuru Dasara is the grand illumination across the city. Preparations for this year’s illumination have already begun and a budget of Rs. 13.77 crore has been earmarked.

The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) started trial illumination along Manasagangothri Open Air Theatre Road and Bogadi Road yesterday evening.   CESC is working on designs, replicas, arches and decorative light structures to ensure Mysuru once again dazzles.

CESC Managing Director M.S. Archana inspected the trial illumination and offered suggestions. Superintending Engineer Sunil Kumar and other officials and staff accompanied her.

This year, the illumination budget has been increased from Rs. 6 crore to Rs. 9.5 crore, an increase of Rs. 3.5 crore. The budget for the drone show has also been raised from Rs. 3.75 crore in 2025 to Rs. 4.27 crore this year, an increase of Rs. 52 lakh. Together, Rs. 13.77 crore has been earmarked for illumination and the drone show.

According to CESC tender documents and details updated on its website, illumination tenders worth Rs. 7,89,91,917 have been invited this year as part of the State Government’s plans to celebrate Dasara on a grand scale.

The illumination plan will largely follow last year’s pattern, with CESC proposing to increase the number of illuminated zones from 3,000 to 3,500 this year.

The Mysore Palace area will receive the largest allocation, with Rs. 1.62 crore earmarked for illumination. Lakshmipuram will be the second major area, with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 1.15 crore. Other key areas include Rama Vilas Road, Bannimantap and Mandi Mohalla.

The illumination will also be extended beyond the city centre to Hootagalli, Kadakola, Yelwal, Udayagiri, Roopanagar and Vidyaranyapuram, taking the festive glow to key outer and peripheral areas.

Dasara illumination will be enhanced this year with a spectacular electrical display and a grand drone show. Last year’s 3,000-drone show enthralled audiences and this year the scale has been increased to 3,500 drones. The city-wide illumination will also feature greater creativity and innovation, making both attractions standout highlights of this year’s Dasara celebrations.

— M.S. Archana, Managing Director, CESC