Mysuru's 'Green Deepavali' Festival Bans Plastics, Promotes Sustainability

In the lead-up to Deepavali, the Chamarajanagar district administration in Mysuru is set to host a five-day 'Green Deepavali' festival at MM Hills, adjacent to the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The event, which will take place from October 18th to October 22nd, 2025, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

The festival will feature a range of traditional rituals, including Enne Majanna Seve, Halaravi Utsav, Amavasya Puja, Maharathotsav, and Teppotsava. A highlight of the celebrations will be the Halaravi Utsav, where 101 tribal Bedagampana girls wearing green sarees will carry traditional 'kalasa' on their heads in a 7-km procession after collecting sacred water from Halaravi Halla, located deep within the MM Hills sanctuary.

To ensure the protection of the environment, the district administration has implemented several measures. Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and the use of plastic have been banned, and shopkeepers have been directed to use eco-friendly alternatives instead of plastic plates, cups, and covers. Special teams have also been formed to ensure that the wildlife is not disturbed during the festivities.

The premises of the temple and car street have been spruced up, and the 16-km trekking route to the summit of the hills has been cleared of weeds to provide a safe path for the devotees. The district administration has also made arrangements for drinking water, accommodation, mass feeding, and other facilities to cater to the large influx of visitors.