Mysore Dasara Torchlight Parade 2026: Tickets, Timings, Venue & Complete Guide
The torchlight finale is one of Mysuru Dasara’s most atmospheric spectacles: ceremonial units, marching bands, cavalry, daredevil displays and a brightly lit parade ground after sunset. For travellers planning around the mysore dasara torchlight parade 2026, the key date is Wednesday, October 21, when the Vijayadashami procession reaches Bannimantap and the evening programme begins.
The official festival schedule also lists a first evening or rehearsal on October 20. That makes it worth checking the exact event printed on your booking before travelling. If you are planning the wider festival rather than only the torchlight event, this Mysore Dasara 2026 guide is useful for checking dates, major celebrations and other visitor information.
Date, Venue and What to Expect
The main event takes place at Bannimantap Parade Grounds in Mysuru. On October 21, the Jumboo Savari leaves the palace after the ceremonial Pushparchane scheduled for 4:10–4:35 PM and moves along the roughly five-kilometre route toward Bannimantap.
Visitors who want to plan both parts of Vijayadashami can check the detailed Mysore Dasara procession timings before deciding where to watch the daytime procession and how early to reach Bannimantap.
Once darkness settles in, the focus shifts to the parade ground. Visitors can expect military-style formations, bands, mounted units, motorcycle stunts and a fireworks finale. The 2026 programme also places a drone show at the Panjina Kavayathu ground at 8 PM on October 20 and 21.
If you have seen travel listings using the phrase “torchlight parade Mysore,” they generally refer to this Bannimantap evening spectacle rather than the daytime palace procession.
Tickets for mysore dasara torchlight parade 2026
The official Dasara ticket page lists the October 21 Torchlight Parade from ₹1,500 per person. The ticketed enclosure uses free seating rather than assigned seat numbers, so arriving early still matters. Gates are listed as open from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with the programme beginning afterward.
Booking is handled through TicketGenie, which the festival website identifies as its authorised ticketing partner. After payment, buyers receive a redemption voucher that must be exchanged for a physical ticket before the event; visitors should also carry photo identification.
For travellers comparing access options across the festival, this broader guide to Mysore Dasara tickets also covers key booking information and festival planning.
People searching “torchlight parade tickets Mysore” should avoid unofficial agents or resale claims. The current official FAQ also lists an October 20 rehearsal ticket from ₹1,500, so confirm whether you are buying for the rehearsal or the Vijayadashami night.
Evening Timings and Schedule
For the main night, the practical torchlight parade timings are straightforward: ticketed gates are scheduled to close at 6:30 PM, the parade begins at about 7 PM, the drone show is listed for 8 PM, and the programme typically runs toward a fireworks finish around 9 PM.
Do not plan to arrive at 7 PM simply because that is the advertised start. Security screening, traffic restrictions and crowds around Bannimantap can slow entry. If you have a paid enclosure ticket, aim to be near the venue before the gate-closing window.
The Panjina Kavayathu 2026 programme on October 20 is also scheduled from 7 PM, offering a useful alternative for visitors who want the spectacle without combining it with the busiest Vijayadashami procession day.
Getting to Bannimantap and Planning Your Visit
The Bannimantap torchlight parade is easiest to manage if you treat transport as part of the event plan. The official festival information directs visitors toward designated parking hubs and festival shuttles rather than trying to drive directly to the ground.
Travellers coming from Bengaluru may prefer an organised Mysore Dasara package from Bangalore if they do not want to manage festival traffic, parking and the late return journey independently.
If you are watching the Jumboo Savari first, remember that the procession itself moves slowly from Mysuru Palace toward Bannimantap. A paid Bannimantap enclosure can be convenient because you can stay positioned for the arrival and the evening programme instead of crossing the city again.
Those planning a full-day visit should also review the Mysore Dasara procession route and schedule in advance. This helps you choose a viewing point that will not leave you stranded far from your evening entry gate.
Carry only essentials: your physical ticket, photo ID, water, a charged phone and any medication you need. Families with children or older relatives should build in extra time for entry, toilets and the post-event crowd.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Check the official Dasara website again on the day of your visit, especially for gate instructions, parking notices and programme changes. Keep your booking voucher accessible until you have completed ticket redemption.
Expect heavy demand for transport after the finale. If you are staying in central Mysuru, agreeing on a pickup point away from the immediate venue exit can save time.
Visitors travelling from Bengaluru who prefer not to drive can also consider a pre-arranged Mysore Dasara bus tour, particularly if transport and same-day return logistics are their main concern.
Visitors who prefer to avoid the densest crowds can consider the October 20 programme, provided their ticket clearly matches that date.
Conclusion
The mysore dasara torchlight parade 2026 is best enjoyed with a little planning rather than a last-minute dash to Bannimantap. The main Vijayadashami programme is scheduled for October 21, with gates for the ticketed enclosure listed from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM and the evening spectacle beginning around 7 PM. Tickets start from ₹1,500 through the authorised booking channel, while the official schedule also lists an October 20 rehearsal or first evening. Keep your physical ticket and photo ID ready, use designated parking and shuttle options where possible, and arrive early enough to clear security without rushing. If you are combining the event with the Jumboo Savari, build extra travel time into your plan because central Mysuru becomes exceptionally busy. With those details sorted, you can focus on the bands, cavalry, stunts, lights and fireworks that make this finale memorable.
FAQs
1. What date is the main Torchlight Parade in Mysuru in 2026?
The main Vijayadashami-night parade is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Bannimantap Parade Grounds. The official programme also lists an October 20 first evening or rehearsal, so visitors should check the date printed on their ticket before arrival.
2. How much does a Torchlight Parade ticket cost?
The official 2026 ticket page lists entry to the paid Torchlight Parade enclosure from ₹1,500 per person. Seating inside that enclosure is free seating, not numbered. Gold Card holders have separate access benefits, subject to the conditions printed on their card.
3. Where can I book official tickets?
For the mysore dasara torchlight parade 2026, the festival website directs buyers to TicketGenie, its authorised booking partner. Buyers receive a redemption voucher after payment and must exchange it for a physical ticket before entry while carrying valid photo identification.
4. What time should I reach Bannimantap?
For paid enclosure access, arriving well before 6 PM is sensible because the official gate window runs from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Early arrival gives you more time for security checks, queues and finding a comfortable place before the programme starts.
5. Is the Torchlight Parade free to watch?
The festival provides public viewing areas at Bannimantap as well as paid enclosures. A ticket mainly secures access to a designated enclosure. Availability and access arrangements can change with crowd-control plans, so confirm the latest official instructions before setting out for the venue.