Fairs and Festivals in Karnataka

Karnataka is located in the South west part of the country. Karnataka festivals are well known in the country due to the significance attached to them. The capital of Karnataka is Bangalore which is one of the most developed agglomerations in the country. The Kannadigas attach a lot of importance to these festivals. Let us see more about the main festival of Karnataka in this article. What compels people more is that they are deeply steeped in traditional values. Apart from the native Kannadigas, this place is home to different tribes like the Tuluvas, Kodavas etc. but what defines them most are the various festivals celebrated all year around. Due to massive urbanization, globalization and the economical sources, common festivals such as the New Year’s Eve and Christmas are also celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Hampi Festival
It is during the month of January that Hampi architectural ruins spring back to life and bring people together to celebrate the grand extravaganza, Hampi Festival. Hampi, a spectacular town was once the capital of the glorious Vijayanagar Empire. "Vijay Utsav" alias the Hampi festival is commemorated from the times of Vijayanagar reign. The festival is organized and hosted with enthusiasm and zeal by the Karnataka tourism. Main attraction of the festival is Kannadigas dance, drama, fireworks, puppet shows, spectacular parades, and musical instruments like drums and pipes, the same way it used to be in the colonial era. Through dance, music, drama and processions, organizers try to bring back the charm of the bygone era. Hampi festival is commemorated for three days. In the initial two days, dance and musical events take place. The third day of the festival is dedicated to a spectacular Jumbo Savari or an elephant march. During the third day, one can see elephants carrying howdahs, passing through the main streets of Hampi. Designed puppet shows and firework display are the other things that are put together for the festival.

Ugadi Festival
Also known as Gudi Padwa, marks the start of the new year as per the Hindu calender. According to the legends, this is the day that Bramha initiated the creation of the universe. The festival is celebrated with fervour and many preparations. Homes and temples are decorated and a special meal is cooked. Many people believe this to be an auspicious day to purchase a new asset or start a venture.

Karaga Festival
Karaga is a folk dance performed as a tribute to Draupadi. The ritual is an old festival conducted in Bangalore. The legend says that in the last portion of Mahabharata, Draupadi took the form of Shakti goddess and created soldiers called the veerakumaras to deal with a demon called Tripusara. As Draupadi couldn’t stay for a long time, hence she promised to visit her devotees every first full moon as per the Hindu Calendar. During this festival of Karnataka rich meals are served. A Karaga carrier, a male dressed up as female all covered in flowers walk to meet the Veerakumaras in the Holy deity form. The mystery inside the Karaga is still not known, yet the carrier balances it well. At the end of the festival, the Karaga returns to the temple.

Pattadakal Dance Festival
The Pattadakal dance festival is organised every year on a very large scale by the Karnataka Government in the month of January to honour and celebrate of all its famous temples. The Pattadakal village is situated 20 km from Badami in Karnataka. It is a world heritage centre and famously known for its many well-constructed temples as it was the second capital of the chalukya kings. Most of these temples at the Pattadakal village are devoted to Lord Shiva with beautiful structure and carvings on them. The largest of the all the temples are Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna. This festival sees many different and beautiful dancers from not only Karnataka but the whole country. Another major attraction of the Pattadakal festival is the craft mela that is organised here like nowhere else.