A file photo of Sri Abhinava Gavishiddheshwar Mahaswami of Gavimath, Koppal,
Bengaluru: Koppal Gavi Mutt pontiff, who’s won accolades as water-conservation warrior and social-welfare sage, will inaugurate the 2026 edition of 10-day Mysuru Dasara festivities starting on Oct 11. Chief minister DK Shivakumar informed the legislative assembly Thursday Abhinava Gavishiddheshwar Mahaswami, 49, has accepted the govt’s invitation. The Dasara concludes on Oct 21 with a grand Vijayadashami parade. Abhinava Gavishiddheshwar Mahaswami is the 18th pontiff and assumed charge in 2002.
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He said, “I spoke to the seer on Thursday morning and requested him to declare the state festival open.