Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday, 24 September 2026, announced that Sri Abhinava Gavisiddheshwara Mahaswamiji of the Koppal Gavimath will inaugurate this year's Mysuru Dasara, the state's premier annual festival celebrated as the Nada Habba (state festival). The announcement was made on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly during a discussion on the drought situation, with Shivakumar personally extending invitations to members of both Houses.

The Inauguration Announcement

Speaking in the Assembly, Shivakumar confirmed that he had already sent a formal invitation to the revered seer and spoken to him by phone on Thursday morning. Sri Abhinava Gavisiddheshwara Mahaswamiji accepted the invitation. 'This year's Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara will be inaugurated by the revered Sri Abhinava Gavisiddheshwara Mahaswamiji of Koppal Gavimath,' the Chief Minister said, urging all legislators to attend the celebrations next month.

Shivakumar's Day Across Karnataka

The Dasara announcement capped a busy day for the Chief Minister, who travelled across the state. Speaking at a farmers' felicitation programme in Chitradurga, Shivakumar said the government was actively working to address agrarian concerns and expand irrigation access in drought-affected regions. He highlighted the Bhadra Upper Bank Project, which channels Bhadra River water to Chitradurga, describing it as the fulfilment of a 60-year-old dream. He added that water would reach the entire dryland region before 2028.

Shivakumar also reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting Karnataka's share of river waters — including the Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, and Mahadayi — and noted that Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana had reached an agreement to conserve water in the Tungabhadra basin. Discussions are underway on constructing a parallel reservoir to prevent the loss of around 30 TMC of water due to siltation.

Kasturirangan Report and Farmers' Concerns

At Sirigere, the Chief Minister attended the 35th death anniversary of Sri Shivakumar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji of Taralabalu Jagadguru Math, praising the institution's contributions to education, social service, and the promotion of equality and human values. Referring to the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats, he said the government had convened a three-day special Assembly session to examine its implications for farmers and communities in the Western Ghats and Malnad regions. He also announced that an all-party delegation would approach the Centre to seek protections for farmers who have lived in forest-fringe areas for generations.

Farmers and the Five Guarantees

Shivakumar noted that beyond the state's five guarantee schemes, the government has announced dedicated support for small farmers, including assistance for agricultural activities and livelihood improvement. The Chief Minister presented these measures as part of a broader effort to stabilise farm incomes amid the ongoing drought in several districts.

With the Mysuru Dasara inauguration date set for next month, all attention now shifts to the Gavimath seer's participation in one of South India's most spectacular public festivals.