The Aahara Mela is a popular part of Mysuru Dasara, bringing food stalls and regional flavours together in one place. The 2026 edition is scheduled at Maharaja’s College Ground from October 11 to October 25, so visitors can continue exploring the food festival even after the main Dasara procession on October 21.
Aahara Mela 2026 dates and timings
According to the official Mysuru Dasara programme, the mela is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM during its announced run. The venue is Maharaja’s College Ground, a central location that can become busy during evenings and festival weekends. Check current local traffic arrangements before travelling, particularly if you plan to combine the mela with palace illumination.
What food can you expect?
The festival is designed to showcase a wide variety of cuisines. The official event description lists food from across Karnataka and other Indian regions, including South and North Karnataka cooking, Kashmiri, Punjabi, North-Eastern, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil and Marathi dishes. International options such as Chinese, Tibetan, Italian, French and African-inspired food are also mentioned in the programme information. A millet and organic-food section adds another option for visitors interested in traditional grains and ingredients.
Actual stalls and menus may vary by day, vendor and availability. Treat the published cuisine list as a guide rather than a guarantee that every dish will be available at every stall. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, ask the vendor about ingredients and preparation methods before ordering.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon can be a useful time to arrive before the main dinner rush, although individual stall queues vary. Families may prefer to visit earlier in the evening, while visitors attending the palace illumination should allow enough time to travel between venues. The palace lights are scheduled from 7 PM to 10 PM during the festival, so plan your route rather than trying to fit every attraction into a short window.
Practical tips for visitors
Carry a reusable water bottle where permitted, dispose of waste in marked bins and avoid leaving food packaging on the ground. Festival crowds can be dense, so agree on a meeting point if visiting in a group. Keep an eye on children and personal belongings, and follow venue staff instructions.
Use designated parking and check local traffic advisories before driving to Maharaja’s College Ground. Public transport or a short walk from an authorised parking area may be easier during peak periods.
Is entry free?
The official Dasara website identifies the Aahara Mela as a public festival attraction, but visitors should check the latest event notice for any entry conditions and remember that food purchases are separate. Do not rely on outdated price lists from earlier years.
For updates, consult the official Mysuru Dasara website or call the festival helpline 1077. With its extended dates and broad food selection, Aahara Mela is a convenient stop for visitors exploring Mysuru during Dasara.
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