Mysuru officials invited the head of Gavimath to open the festival atop Chamundi Hills on October 11.
Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, the special officer for Dasara, formally invited Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara 2026. The ceremony is scheduled for October 11 atop Chamundi Hills. Reddy visited Gavimath in Koppal on Sunday with the reception committee, Koppal Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal and Zilla Panchayat chief executive Varnit Negi.
The delegation presented flowers and fruit to the seer, who invited the officials to share prasada. Reddy and Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO Yukesh Kumar later visited Karthru Gadde, the sacred seat associated with the mutt’s founder. Officials also viewed photographs of the Gavisiddheshwara Jatra, popularly called the Kumbh Mela of South India for its large crowds. Koppal officials said lakhs of devotees attend, carrying agricultural produce and food grains.