The Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha Festival was inaugurated in Mysuru today with distinguished guests celebrating Karnataka’s rich heritage in Carnatic music, Kannada culture, and the Dasa tradition. The festival, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has positioned Mysuru as a center for cultural tourism, highlighting Karnataka’s unique contributions to India’s musical and cultural legacy.

Union Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman expressed her joy at being part of the event, praising Mysuru as a "nerve center" for Karnataka’s arts and culture. She emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikas (development) and Virasat (heritage), stating that Karnataka’s cultural enrichment must go hand-in-hand with economic growth. In her address, Smt. Sitharaman highlighted the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which aims to foster unity among India’s diverse cultures. She acknowledged the Dasa tradition, particularly Purandaradasa’s foundational role in Carnatic music, and urged Kannadigas worldwide to connect with the festival digitally, celebrating Mysuru’s music and sandalwood heritage.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism Shri Suresh Gopi honored Mysuru’s cultural significance, describing India’s “soft power” as rooted in its music and arts, which resonate deeply with travelers. He praised the Ministry of Tourism’s integration of musical events into tourism offerings, envisioning similar festivals across India to enhance cultural tourism. Concluding, Shri Gopi commended the festival as a platform to inspire and unite audiences through Karnataka’s musical legacy.

Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister of Social Welfare and Mysuru District In-Charge, celebrated Karnataka's long-standing musical heritage, tracing Carnatic music’s origins back to the Vijayanagara era. He emphasized Karnataka’s unity in diversity, where languages, traditions, and cuisines coalesce to form a vibrant cultural identity. Dr. Mahadevappa highlighted the role of festivals like Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha in promoting social harmony and mutual respect, praising the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts in making Mysuru a cultural tourism hub.

MP of Mysuru, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, expressed gratitude for the festival, underscoring Mysuru’s historical significance. He highlighted the Wadiyar family’s contributions to music, particularly Jayachamaraja Wadiyar’s Carnatic compositions, and paid homage to Purandara Dasa, the "Sangeeta Pitamaha." His address reinforced Mysuru’s role as a center for Carnatic music and acknowledged Karnataka's Haridasas for their foundational influence.

  

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Shri Suman Billa welcomed attendees, underscoring Mysuru’s selection under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme as a cultural and tourism hub. He highlighted the festival’s celebration of Karnataka’s G.I.-tagged crafts, textiles, and cuisine, which reflect the state’s rich heritage. Billa thanked the Karnataka Tourism Department, various ministries, and Sangeet Natak Akademi for their support in organizing the festival, aiming to elevate Mysuru’s cultural prominence and celebrate Karnataka’s diverse traditions.

The Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha Festival will continue over the next three days, offering inspiring Kannada compositions, showcases of G.I.-tagged crafts, and Karnataka’s authentic culinary experiences. The event is expected to strengthen Mysuru’s reputation as a cultural destination, drawing visitors from across India and beyond to experience the essence of Karnataka’s music, art, and heritage.

The Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha is live streamed at

https://www.youtube.com/live/oFDn-3TsLTg?feature=shared

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari/

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