Festivals of Karnataka

An enchanting land with abundance of scenic beauty and rich flora and fauna, Karnataka is located in the south western part of India. Wonders of modern engineering and display and pomp of glorious traditions marks the beauty of the state. The state cabinet of Karnataka gives topmost priority to tourism development of the state. They have also come up with a number of plans to support this priority sector. Karnataka’s manifold attractions interest tourists to a great extent. The attractions include various places to visit, as well as the various festivities of the state serve as great tourist attractions.

The different religious and linguistic ethnicities along with the history they carry have immensely contributed to the cultural heritage of the state. The traditional folk arts of the state cover an entire range of dance, music, drama, storytelling and lot more. Contemporary theatre culture is also an extremely vibrant aspect of the state of Karnataka.

True to the colourful heritage of Karnataka, there is an array of festivities that people enjoy to add life and colour to their lives.

Popular Festivals of Karnataka

Mysore Dasara

Mysore Dasara is known as the state festival of Karnataka. It is also called the Nada Habba festival. Popularly known as Navaratri, Mysore Dasara lasts for almost ten days. The last day is marked by Vijaya Dashami. The festival denotes the victory of good and truth over the evil. This festival is celebrated in the month of September or October.

Groundnut Festival

This festival is popularly known as Kadalekai Parishe among the inhabitants of Karnataka. It is the annual groundnut fair that takes place in the Karthik month according to the Hindu calendar, on the last Monday. This festival is usually celebrated near the Dodda Ganesha Temple which is near the Bull Temple at Basavanagudi in Bangalore. People get into the festive mood from the day before the main occasion, thronging to stall to sell or buy groundnuts. Various food items are also a major attraction during this fair.

Ayudha Pooja

Ayudha pooja celebrated in Karnataka, is an essential part of the Navaratri festival. The meaning of this festival in simple words is, Worship of Implements. The festival usually falls on the ninth day, also known as Navami of the bright half of the 15 days cycle of the Moon. This happens during the month of September or October. As suggested by the name, weapons and tools are worshipped during this festival.

Dasara Doll Festival

This festival is celebrated in Karnataka in a unique way. People celebrate through an exhibition of different dolls and figurines that are arranged as per the customs and traditions.

Ganesha Chaturthi

Celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, this festival takes place during the lunar month of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, on the fourth day of the waxing moon period. The day falls somewhere between August and September. It lasts for almost 10 days.