The historic city of Mysuru witnessed an extraordinary fusion of tradition and technology during this year's Dasara festivities, creating a spectacle that captured national imagination. A breathtaking drone display at Bannimantap grounds transformed the night sky into a canvas of moving art, setting a new benchmark for public celebrations across India.
A Record-Breaking Formation in the Sky
On September 28, during a trial run at the Torchlight Parade Ground, 2,983 drones soared into the Mysuru sky with perfect synchronization. The fleet came together to form a massive representation of India's national animal - the tiger - in a display of such scale and precision that it earned an official Guinness World Record entry. This remarkable achievement broke all previous records for synchronized drone formations.
According to Munigopal Raju, Managing Director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), the project was intentionally scaled up from previous years. "We decided to increase the number of drones from 1,500 used last year to 3,000 for 2025," he revealed. The team recognized the potential for a world record while planning the formation, particularly since nobody had previously attempted to create a tiger using such a massive drone fleet.
Meticulous Planning Behind the Spectacle
The record attempt followed rigorous international protocols to ensure official recognition. A team of experts including certification officials from London, aeronautical engineers, auditors, and legal advocates monitored every aspect of the operation. "All necessary procedures were followed so the achievement could be formally certified," noted Raju.
The coordination involved nearly 100 employees from a private company working alongside approximately 200 CESC staff members. Careful planning ensured that Mysuru's traditional street illumination complemented the high-tech drone display, creating a comprehensive visual experience for visitors.
Beyond the Tiger: A Celestial Gallery
The September 28 trial was the first of two rehearsals, with the second occurring on September 29. The main public shows were scheduled for October 1 and 2. While the tiger formation captured headlines, the drones created multiple stunning visuals throughout the performance.
Due to technical constraints limiting displays to 10-12 images per show, organizers carefully selected the most impactful visuals. The aerial gallery included representations of the solar system, world map, peacock, dolphin, eagle, Lord Krishna dancing on a serpent, Mother Cauvery, Karnataka maps featuring Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar, the Ambari elephant, and Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, playback singer Kunal Ganjawala and his team delivered a musical performance before the drones illuminated the sky. This record-setting achievement has become one of the most discussed highlights of Mysuru Dasara, adding a contemporary technological dimension to the city's centuries-old celebration traditions while putting Mysuru firmly on the global map for innovative public events.
