The iconic Mysuru Dasara festival in 2026 faces an uncertain future as a severe drought in Karnataka casts a shadow over the planned grand celebrations, particularly the proposed Kambala (buffalo race) event. The drought may force the state government to postpone or scale down the festivities, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Drought Impacts Kambala and Dasara Plans
The drought situation in Karnataka has raised concerns about the feasibility of hosting large-scale events, including the traditional Kambala, which was a key part of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's dream proposal for the 2026 Dasara. The Kambala, a traditional buffalo race held in the coastal and Malnad regions, requires significant water resources for the paddy fields where the race takes place. With reservoirs and groundwater levels critically low, organizers fear that holding the event could exacerbate water scarcity.
According to officials from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, the state has received 40% less rainfall than average during the monsoon season, leading to a severe drought in 18 of its 31 districts. This has prompted the government to prioritize water for drinking and agriculture over cultural events.
Chief Minister's Vision at Risk
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had envisioned the 2026 Dasara as a landmark celebration, with the inclusion of Kambala to showcase Karnataka's rural heritage. However, the drought may force a rethink. “The Chief Minister is keen on promoting Kambala as part of Dasara, but the ground reality of drought cannot be ignored. We are exploring alternatives, such as shifting the event to a later date or using water-saving techniques,” a senior government official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The Kambala event was expected to attract thousands of tourists and participants from across the state, boosting local economy. However, farmers and animal rights activists have also raised concerns about the welfare of buffaloes during a drought, as the animals may suffer from heat stress and lack of adequate water.
Historical Context and Economic Impact
Mysuru Dasara, a 10-day festival celebrated with grandeur since the Vijayanagara Empire, is a major tourist attraction and economic driver for the region. In 2025, the festival generated an estimated ₹500 crore in revenue from tourism and related activities. The inclusion of Kambala was expected to add another ₹50 crore, according to the Karnataka Tourism Department.
However, the drought threatens to derail these projections. The state government has already announced a 20% cut in the Dasara budget, from ₹100 crore to ₹80 crore, with further reductions possible if the drought persists. “We are closely monitoring the situation. If the drought continues, we may have to cancel the Kambala and focus on indoor events,” said a senior officer from the Mysuru District Administration.
Alternative Plans and Public Reaction
In response to the crisis, the government is considering several alternatives. One proposal is to hold the Kambala in a non-drought-affected district, such as Udupi or Dakshina Kannada, where water availability is relatively better. Another option is to use recycled water for the paddy fields, though this would require significant investment and time.
Public reaction has been mixed. While some residents support the government's cautious approach, others criticize the prioritization of cultural events over basic needs. “Dasara is our heritage, but people need water to survive. The government should focus on drought relief first,” said Mysuru resident and activist Ravi Kumar.
The final decision on the Kambala and the scale of Dasara celebrations is expected to be announced after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivakumar later this month.
