Dasara 2025 in Mysuru: Drone Show Creates Guinness-Record Tiger!

Mysuru Dasara, often called the “Nadahabba” or state festival of Karnataka, has always been about culture, tradition, and grandeur. The city is known for its illuminated streets, cultural performances, and the iconic Jamboo Savari procession. This year, however, the festival added a spectacular new chapter technology driven artistry in the form of a record-breaking drone show by Botlab Dynamics. On the evening of September 28, 2025, thousands of spectators gathered at the Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap. As the lights dimmed, nearly 3,000 drones rose into the air, choreographed with precision, painting the night sky with breathtaking visuals. At the heart of it was the image of a tiger the national animal of India which earned Mysuru and Karnataka a place in the Guinness World Records.Breaking Records with the Tiger in the SkyThe highlight of the drone show was the formation of a massive tiger in the sky, created with 2,983 drones. This surpassed the earlier record of 1,985 drones used to form a tiger. According to Munigopal Raju, Managing Director of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), the decision to scale up from 1,500 drones in 2024 to 3,000 this year was not just about grandeur but also about making history. “During the process, we also learned that we could set a Guinness record if we display our national animal (tiger) using 3,000 drones, as nobody had achieved the feat so far,” said Mr. Raju. More Than Just a Tiger: A Visual FeastWhile the tiger stole the headlines, the show offered much more. Over the course of the performance, the drones created around 10–12 vibrant images in the sky carefully chosen due to their limited backup power. Spectators gasped and applauded as the skies transformed into stunning visuals, from the solar system and a detailed world map to an Indian soldier standing proud, along with graceful formations of a peacock, dolphin, and eagle. Mythology came alive with Lord Krishna dancing on a serpent, while ‘Mother Cauvery’ symbolized the river’s lifeline. The map of Karnataka appeared alongside images of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar, followed by visuals highlighting the state’s five guarantee schemes. Adding to the cultural spirit were the Ambari elephant, central to the Dasara festivities, and finally, the divine presence of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru. This unique blend of mythology, culture, and governance made the show not just entertaining but also deeply symbolic, leaving the audience with a sense of awe and pride.The Team Behind the MagicThe success of such a grand show was not the work of one organization alone. Mr. Raju acknowledged the role of nearly 100 employees of a private drone company, along with about 200 staff members of CESC, who worked tirelessly to execute the event. From planning the flight paths to synchronizing the lighting patterns, every step required accuracy, coordination, and long hours of practice. The achievement, therefore, was a shared victory a  proof to teamwork and innovation.Music, Lights, and EmotionBefore the drones took off, the crowd was treated to a musical performance by playback singer Kunal Ganjawala and his team. Their lively songs built anticipation and set the mood for what was to come. As the first set of drones lit up and began forming shapes, people were seen clapping, cheering, and even recording on their phones. Families, children, and tourists stood side by side, sharing a collective moment of wonder. For many, it wasn’t just a visual spectacle but also an emotional connection seeing culture, technology, and identity merge in the sky. Beyond the drone show, Mysuru was once again decked up in dazzling lights this Dasara. Streets, palaces, and junctions glittered with intricate lighting patterns. Pride and BelongingFor the people of Mysuru and Karnataka, the record-breaking drone show was more than just entertainment. It was about pride, belonging, and global recognition. Watching the tiger, India’s national animal, form in the sky reminded many of their cultural identity and natural heritage. The images of ‘Mother Cauvery’ and Goddess Chamundeshwari deepened the emotional connection, tying modern technology back to tradition and spirituality. The Mysuru Dasara drone show of 2025 will be remembered as the year when tradition met technology in the most spectacular way. With 2,983 drones forming a majestic tiger and a series of cultural images, the show earned global recognition and touched hearts at the same time. It was not just about breaking a Guinness record; it was about creating memories, celebrating heritage, and reminding everyone that the spirit of Mysuru Dasara is as timeless as it is innovative.