The inaugurators
Each year the festival is opened on Chamundi Hill by an invited inaugurator — a writer, scholar, artist or public figure chosen for their contribution to Karnataka’s life. The tradition honours the state’s culture as much as the goddess.
Inauguration on Chamundi Hill
On the first morning the inaugurator, the Chief Minister and the District Administration climb to the Chamundeshwari temple. After the puja the inaugurator showers flowers on the idol of the goddess to the sound of the temple drums, and Dasara is declared open. The event is broadcast live and is the ceremonial start of the eleven days.
- Chamundeshwari Temple, 9:30 AM on day 1
- Live on all channels and this site
- Followed by the first cultural evening at the Palace
Past inaugurators
A selection of recent inaugurators. The Dasara Committee announces each year’s inaugurator in September.
The list shows recent inaugurators confirmed from the festival’s published records. The 2026 inaugurator is announced by the Dasara High Power Committee in September.
