Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara formally invited to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara

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Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru G. Lakshmikanth Reddy with Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji in Koppal on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, who is also the Special Officer for the Dasara festival, visited Gavimath in Koppal along with members of the Dasara Reception Committee on Sunday and formally invited Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara 2026.

The seer has been invited to inaugurate the festivities atop Chamundi Hills on October 11.

According to a release, Mr. Reddy and members of the Mysuru Dasara Reception Committee were accompanied by Koppal Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal and Koppal Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnit Negi.

Upon reaching Gavimath around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Mr. Reddy formally extended the invitation on behalf of the Dasara Reception Committee, requesting the Swamiji to attend the event and inaugurate the festivities.

The delegation of officials from Mysuru, including Mr. Reddy, Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO Yukesh Kumar, Chamundeshwari Hill Development Authority secretary M.J. Roopa, and deputy secretary M. Basavaraj, honoured the seer by presenting him with flowers and fruits.

During the visit, the seer invited the officials to partake of prasada at the Gavimath. Later, Mr. Reddy and Mr. Yukesh Kumar climbed the hill at the Gavimath and had darshan of the Karthru Gadde, the sacred seat associated with the founder of the mutt, the release said.

During the visit, the delegation expressed appreciation for the lush green surroundings and clean, serene environment of the Gavimath.

They also viewed photographs depicting the massive turnout and religious significance of the Gavisiddheshwara Jatra, which is popularly described as the Kumbh Mela of South India because of its enormous gathering of devotees, the statement said.

Mr. Itnal explained to his Mysuru counterpart the unique features of the Gavimath Jatra, during which lakhs of devotees participate and arrive carrying agricultural produce and food grains.

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