Mysuru to ring in New Year with fireworks against illuminated palace backdrop

The illuminated Mysuru palace will form the backdrop for the fireworks that will light up the midnight sky to usher in the New Year.

This is in continuation of the tradition since 2017 and draws thousands of residents and tourists to the heritage precinct to savour the transition from the old to the new.

The fireworks will last 15 minutes and be the visual focus of the city’s New Year celebrations — a spectacle that matches the grandeur of similar displays in the backdrop of iconic structures elsewhere in the world.

The celebrations coincide with the ongoing Maghi Mela, also known as the winter festival, which began on December 21. As part of the festival, the palace has been illuminated in the evenings daily since then. Visitors have also been treated to a flower show and elaborate floral arrangements on the palace premises, adding to the festive ambience.

Subramanya, deputy director of the Mysuru Palace Board, said a series of cultural programmes have been held for the last nine days and have been a great hit with both tourists and locals. On December 31, the highlight of the evening will be a musical performance by the Mysuru Police Band, which will render English and Carnatic numbers. It is scheduled to commence from 11 p.m. to midnight.

The cultural programme will provide the ceremonial build-up and countdown to the fireworks that will begin at midnight to ring in the New Year.

The one-minute display will entail the use of ‘’green crackers’’, said Mr. Subramanya, and there will be a visual spectacle of light but devoid of any sound.

In the wake of the recent helium cylinder blast near the palace that claimed three lives, authorities have put in place enhanced security and safety measures.

Police deployment has been intensified in and around the palace area, local vendors have been cleared from sensitive zones, and access points are being closely monitored. A fire engine and ambulances will be stationed on site as a precautionary measure.

Police Commissioner Seema Latkar has issued guidelines and protocols for the public, which has been urged to adhere to these and ensure that the celebrations are peaceful and incident-free.