India is a land of vibrant and beautiful festivals. Each state has its own set of unique festivals depicting culture, people, and history. And today, we will delve deeper to know the famous festivals in Karnataka that tell stories of Kannadigas culture, history, art and more.
Among many things that Karnataka is known for, including silk, national parks, heritage destinations, artistic hill stations, pilgrimage sites, majestic waterfalls, and a 320 km long coastline dotted with unflawed beaches, your tour is incomplete without beautiful festivals that mark unparallel treasure trove of the cultural heritage of the state.
Karnataka lies at the convergence point of the Eastern and Western Ghats at Nilgiri Hill Complex, making it a sight to behold. The state of natural beauty, rich history and zealous festivals makes it a dream destination for travellers. Festivals in Karnataka depict the uniqueness and beautiful cultural unity in diversity, which should be on your vacation priority list.
If you want to experience the real Karnataka, the people, and the culture, this editorial will help with the right information to make your tour plan organised and memorable. Without much further ado, let’s begin our 15 Karnataka’s famous festivals that you can plan around for an experience of a lifetime.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the main festivals of Karnataka and a perfect example of cultural and religious harmony. Lord Ganesh is believed to be fond of delicacies, with modak and karanji being his favourites. The festival includes four main rituals: Prana Pratishtha, Shodashopachara, Uttar Puja, and Ganpati Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi is about worshipping God Ganesha, son of Goddess Parvati and Mahadev. This famous festival in Karnataka began as a public festival during our freedom struggle and was inaugurated by one of the greatest freedom fighters, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, at Belagavi (1906).
Celebrate new beginnings on the day of Ugadi, a prominent festival in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It displays a cultural extravaganza, a festival of delicacies such as Moong Dal Payasam, Bevu Bella, and Holige. It is believed to be the start of the Kali Yuga when Lord Krishna left the mortal world.
Ugadi comprises two Sanskrit words, Yuga and Adi, literally translating into new beginnings. It is the start of the natural cycle for agriculture, and people believe it's auspicious to start a new venture with new hope, enthusiasm, and utmost jubilation.
Also Read - Best Tourist Places To Visit In Karnataka
Hampi Festival, also known as Vijaya Utsav, dates back to the times of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. The main attractions of this main festival of Karnataka are dance, music, art performances, jumbo safari, outdoor adventure sports, cultural shows, exhibitions, and lots more.
Experience these ruins coming alive with music and celebrations during the Hampi Festival. Every year lakhs of tourists arrive to experience these spectacular cultural festivals that go back to the 14th century.
Although Dasara is celebrated across India, Mysore Dasara is unique and makes it a main festival of Karnataka. The festival began in 1610, and it will soon be celebrating its 413th anniversary. It is the celebration of the slaying of the demon Mahisasura by Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga). This 10-day festival is world-famous for decoration at Mysore Palace, the grand procession of Goddess Durga with an idol made of pure gold weighs about 750 kg.
This state festival of Karnataka is also known as Kannada Day or Kannada Rajyotsava, or Karnataka Formation Day. The government of Karnataka celebrates this annual festival on 1st November since its formation in 1956, based in Kannada-speaking areas of Southern India.
Karnataka Day is the main festival of Karnataka, and Kannadigas celebrate it wherever they are across the world. The event proceedings include Rajyotsava awards, announcements, presentations, community festivals, book releases in the Kannada language, concerts, and more.
Makar Sankranti is one of the main festivals in Karnataka. It celebrates the harvest season and the sun's movement from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. People in Karnataka and other parts of India clean their homes, wear new dresses and pray to God.
Social activities on Makar Sankranti involve kite flying, singing, dancing, bonfires, rangoli, and more.
Another festival in Karnataka reflects the rich cultural heritage of the state. Sri Vithappa Fair is a 200-year-old tradition held in Vithappa Village to honour and worship Vithappa God. This three-day festival includes puja and processions and has immense cultural and religious significance.
Vairamudi Utsav is one of the main festivals in Karnataka for its religious and cultural significance. It is an annual festival also known as Vairamudi Brahmotsava. When God Vishnu, the deity of the hill shrine, is decorated with the renowned diamond-bejewelled crown embedded with exquisite gems.
Mahamastakabhisheka is a famous festival in Karnataka among the Jain community. The festival is held once every 12 years, and proceedings include the abhishek ceremony of a monolithic idol (57 ft high) of the Jain icon Lord Gomateshwara Bahubali. The last Mahamastakabhisheka or anointing took place from 17th to 25th February 2018.
Tula Sankramana or Kaveri Sankramana is a sacred festival in Karnataka where lakhs of devotees congregate to take a holy bath at Talakaveri and Bhagamandala. These culturally vibrant festivals in Karnataka symbolise unity in the diversity of India beautifully.
Kambala is a unique and famous festival in Karnataka. It is an annual buffalo race to please gods for a good harvest, usually organised in muddy water, predominantly in agrarian belts of Karnataka. Kambala associations are responsible for organising around 45 Kambala events throughout the season. If you are travelling to Karnataka, take advantage of this exciting festival.
Karaga festival is one of the oldest and most unique festivals in Karnataka, dedicated to Draupadi Amma. People in the State worship Draupadi in the form of Adi Shakti. According to the beliefs, after the Great Mahabharatha, Draupadi created several Veerakumaras to defeat Timirasura.
Later, when Veerakumaras requested Draupadi Amma to stay, she promised to return every year to bless them.
Vara Mahalakshmi Puja is one of the main festivals in Karnataka, performed by married Hindu women in Karnataka and pockets of Southern parts of India. The festival begins with a Ganesh puja and seeks the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and happiness. The Kalasa for Mahalakshmi puja is decorated with new cloth, grains, dry fruits, coins, notes, sweets, and savouries.
Gowri festival is another famous festival in Karnataka for its religious and cultural values. People decorate temples with banana stems and mango leaves. Women and men decorate homes, cook delicious meals, and women wear new dresses and make-up to perform the Gowri Habba puja.
It is a prominent dance festival in Karnataka. It is a three-day event including traditional dance and music performances, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, and more. The village Pattadakal has more than ten temples, Jain shrines, manuscripts and more. It is a significant historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of Karnataka. The Pattadakal dance festival is an initiative to keep that heritage alive and thriving.
Festivals in Karnataka are indeed a spectacle to behold for a lifetime. These state festivals of Karnataka highlight architectural marvels, historical monuments, cultural heritage, and much more. Which of these festivals have you attended or wished to attend? Let us know.
Visit Adotrip.com to book customised packages to explore Karnataka, its culture, people, art, history, and architecture through vibrant festivals. Our curated tour packages ensure fun and comfort. You can explore premium services to avail of amazing deals and discounts. Book flights, hotels, buses, and trains with us and explore Karnataka at its best.
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Also Read - Famous Festival of India
Q. What are the popular festivals in Karnataka?
A. Some of the most popular festivals in Karnataka are-
Q. Are there any unique festivals in Karnataka that visitors should attend?
A. Some of the unique festivals in Karnataka are-
Q. What is the best time of the year to visit Karnataka for its festivals?
A. October to February is considered the best time to experience the main festivals in Karnataka. You can attend Mysore Dasara, Karnataka Day, and other major festivals while enjoying the pleasant winter weather.
--- Published By Adotrip
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