The annual Nada Habba Dasara festival is set to begin in Mysuru, drawing visitors from around the world. The celebration commenced with a traditional puja at Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, where writer Nadoja Hampa Nagarajaiah paid respects to Goddess Chamundeshwari with floral tributes. This nine-day extravaganza will culminate in the grand Vijayadashami procession starting from Mysore Palace on October 12. Nadoja Hampa Nagarajaiah, also known as Hampanna, inaugurated the festival and fondly recalled the childhood delight of playing with dolls. He emphasized that Dasara showcases Karnataka’s cultural diversity and is celebrated by people across the state.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a member of the Mysuru royal family and Member of Parliament, conducted the annual private darbar at Mysore Palace over the nine days of Navratri. A range of cultural events is lined up for Mysuru Dasara, including Yuva Dasara featuring Ilaiyaraaja and A R Rahman for the first time in Mysuru, a food fair, a flower exhibition, and a book fair. This year's film festival pays tribute to the late actor-filmmaker Dwarakish.