Karnataka orders removal of flex signage from Mysuru for Dasara.

The Karnataka government has issued a directive to municipal and police officials in Mysuru to ensure that the city remains completely free of flex signage and other temporary advertising structures throughout the ten‑day Dasara festival, the state’s chief minister announced on Monday. The order, issued through a circular from the Chief Minister’s Office, comes as part of a broader effort to preserve the historic ambience of the city’s heritage sites, particularly the sprawling grounds of the Mysuru Palace, which serve as the focal point for the celebrations. Authorities have been instructed to remove any existing flex boards, hoardings or pop‑up stalls by the end of the current week and to enforce a strict no‑advertising policy for the duration of the festivities, which begin on 10 October and conclude on 19 October.The directive arrives ahead of a series of high‑profile events that will see representatives from more than a dozen foreign embassies and consulates in India invited to attend the inaugural ceremonies..

Diplomatic missions from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and several Gulf states have confirmed their participation, reflecting the growing international interest in Dasura’s cultural showcase. The chief minister’s office said the presence of foreign dignitaries underscores Mysuru’s status as a global heritage destination and is intended to promote tourism, cultural exchange and investment opportunities in the state.In addition to foreign ambassadors, the government has extended invitations to senior religious leaders from across India, including the heads of prominent Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist organisations. The move is aimed at highlighting the inclusive nature of the celebrations, which traditionally feature a mix of ritual performances, processions and cultural exhibitions..

“Dasara is a festival that brings people together, irrespective of faith or background,” the chief minister remarked during a press briefing. “We want this year’s celebrations to be a testament to our pluralistic ethos, and the participation of religious heads will send a powerful message of unity.”The city’s municipal corporation has been tasked with coordinating the removal of flex displays across key precincts, notably the main thoroughfares leading to the palace complex, the bustling Devaraja Market, and the commercial corridors around the railway station. Officials are required to submit daily progress reports to the district collector, who will in turn brief the chief minister’s office..

Violations will attract fines of up to ₹50,000 per instance, and repeat offenders could face suspension of business licences. The police department has also been instructed to increase patrols near the palace grounds and to monitor crowd densities, ensuring that the influx of visitors does not lead to congestion or safety hazards.Civic groups and local business owners have expressed mixed reactions to the flex‑free mandate. While heritage advocates have welcomed the move as a step towards preserving the city’s aesthetic integrity, some traders fear a loss of revenue that typically accompanies the high footfall during Dasara..

“Our stalls rely on the visibility that temporary signage provides,” said a vendor from the Karanji Lake area. “If the city goes completely blank, we may miss out on a significant portion of our earnings.” In response, the state tourism department announced a temporary grant scheme to compensate small businesses that are directly impacted by the advertising ban, with applications to be processed on a priority basis.Security preparations are being intensified in light of the expected presence of foreign delegations and high‑ranking domestic officials. The Karnataka State Police has deployed additional personnel, including rapid response teams and bomb detection units, at entry points to the city and around the palace venue..

A joint operation with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will oversee the security of the diplomatic corps, while the Intelligence Bureau has been tasked with monitoring potential threats. The chief minister emphasized that “the safety of our guests and citizens is paramount, and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a secure environment.”Cultural programming for the festival has been expanded to include a series of performances that will be broadcast live to international audiences. The state’s Department of Cultural Affairs has partnered with Doordarshan and several private broadcasters to stream the main events, including the traditional torchlight procession, the royal durbar, and the musical dance extravaganza at the palace’s open courtyard..

Additionally, a curated exhibition showcasing Mysuru’s craftsmanship—such as silk weaving, sandalwood carving and Mysore paintings—will be hosted at the Regional Museum of Art and History, with guided tours offered in multiple languages for overseas visitors.Environmental concerns have also been addressed in the planning stages. The government has mandated that all temporary structures, including stage sets and seating arrangements, be constructed from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Waste management teams will be stationed at key points to ensure prompt collection and segregation of litter, aiming to achieve a “zero‑waste” target for the festival..

The Karnataka Pollution Control Board will conduct regular audits of air and noise levels, especially during the night‑time fireworks display, to mitigate any adverse impact on residents and wildlife in the adjacent Chamundi Hills.The chief minister concluded the briefing by reiterating the administration’s vision for a “clean, vibrant and globally resonant” Dasara. He highlighted that the flex‑free initiative, diplomatic participation, and inclusive religious representation are integral components of a broader strategy to position Mysuru as a leading cultural hub in South Asia. “We are not only preserving our heritage but also projecting it onto the world stage,” he said..

“This festival is an invitation to the world to experience the richness of Karnataka’s traditions while witnessing our commitment to sustainable, secure and harmonious celebrations.”As preparations enter their final phase, residents and visitors alike are poised to experience a Dasara unlike any previous iteration. The combined efforts of municipal authorities, law enforcement, cultural curators and community stakeholders aim to deliver an event that honors centuries‑old customs while embracing contemporary global standards. With foreign ambassadors set to arrive, religious leaders to partake in inaugural rites, and a cityscape cleared of commercial clutter, Mysuru’s upcoming Dasara promises to be a showcase of heritage, hospitality and harmony, reflecting both the timeless spirit of the festival and the modern aspirations of Karnataka’s leadership..