Mysuru Palace Switches to LED Lighting Ahead of Dasara

Rapid Summary

• Authorities are replacing faulty incandescent bulbs illuminating Mysuru Palace in planning for Dasara festivities.
• Approximately 1,00,000 incandescent bulbs light up the palace; 17,000-20,000 are replaced annually due to malfunctions.
• The palace uses 15-watt incandescent bulbs to achieve its signature golden hue at night. LED alternatives were tested but discarded due to aesthetic concerns regarding color and heritage preservation.
• Bulb replacement is done when the palace is illuminated at night to better identify blown-out spots. Workers use cranes for heights up to 170 ft during maintenance.
• Additional preparations include request of paint on the heritage structure and horticultural enhancement of palace lawns.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The meticulous upkeep of Mysuru Palace demonstrates a commitment to preserving not just a physical landmark but also its cultural significance ahead of Dasara-a key festival underlining Karnataka’s ancient and artistic identity. The choice to continue using incandescent bulbs despite the availability of energy-efficient LEDs reflects prioritization of heritage aesthetics over modern efficiency. While this approach safeguards tradition, it may invite discussions on balancing sustainability with architectural fidelity.

With bulb replacement requiring precise execution-using cranes at considerable heights-and specialized procurement through annual tenders, such maintenance underscores the logistical challenges involved in preserving India’s historic structures. Moreover, preparation efforts including garden enhancements contribute holistically toward accentuating the experience for tourists and participants during Dasara celebrations.

Image Credit: M.A. Sriram