Draw of lots for Dasara Ahara Mela ends in chaos; officials suspend process following protest by applicants

The draw of lots to allot stalls for the Dasara Ahara Mela descended into chaos at the Jaganmohan Palace auditorium on Thursday, forcing officials to suspend the process midway.

The Dasara Ahara Mela, to be organised at the Maharaja’s College grounds as part of Mysuru Dasara 2026, has evoked an unprecedented response, with the organisers receiving around 680-700 applications.

Officials led by Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Additional Commissioner Veena, who is the Deputy Special Officer for the Dasara Ahara Mela, began the draw of lots in the presence of applicants who had gathered at the auditorium.

The officials proceeded with the lottery system despite opposition from the Mysuru Dasara Food Mela Vendors’ Association, which had urged the authorities to give preference to vendors who had participated in the food mela over the past 15 years.