6 Most Popular Karnataka Festivals You Can’t Miss (with Dates)
Karnataka is located in the southwest of the country. Karnataka festivals are widely known in the country for their importance. The capital of Karnataka is Bangalore, one of the most developed urban agglomerations in the country. Kannadigas takes these festivals very seriously. Let us know more about the major festivals in Karnataka in this article.
What appeals even more to people is that they are deeply immersed in traditional values. Apart from the native Canadigas people, this place is also home to different tribes such as Tuluans, Cordavas, but what defines them most are the various festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Common holidays such as New Year’s Eve and Christmas are also enthusiastically celebrated due to massive urbanization, globalization and economic sources.
The most famous festivals in Karnataka:
The traditional festivals celebrated here connect people more with their culture.
1. Dasara, Karnataka:
This is one of the most important festivals in Karnataka. Also known as Navratri or Durgotsav, Dusshera is a 10-day vibrant festival celebrating the victory of good over evil with Ravana. One of the most prominent mythical villains, with 10 heads, made of hay and other flammable substances. The statue was several feet tall and contained cookies. It is said that the burning of the statue signified his death, and the hero Rama prevailed. This is celebrated in a very grand and grand manner. People are dressed in their best costumes and cook jaw-dropping dishes.
- significance: Celebrating the victory of good over evil i.e. Ravana (villain)
- Main Attractions: The idol of Ram and Ravana, lit Ravana’s effigy, celebrated Rama’s victory, and made many delicious foods.
- when: Usually around October
- Where: Especially in Mysore
- Holiday dates: October 15, 2021
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2. Pattadakal Dance Festival:
The year begins with the Pattadakal Dance Festival in January. Patadakar, a city in Karnataka, is the origin of the beginning of this festival organized by the Karnataka government. This is celebrated in a very grand manner, with beliefs and traditions attached. As one of the important festivals in Karnataka, this festival celebrates the heritage of temples, arts and culture.
- significance: This festival celebrates the long legacy of beautifully carved temples that depict the rich South Indian culture, their wonderfully carved temples and their legacy. Most striking is the architectural marvel of these temples during this festival.
- Main Attractions: The main attraction of this festival is the dance performed against the backdrop of the famous temple.
- when: Usually held in January or February
- Where: Held in Patadakar, Karnataka
- date: January 1, 2021
3. Ganesh Chaturthi:
Another well-known festival that is widely celebrated in Karnataka is Ganesh Chaturthi. The elephant gods are worshipped and made offerings, then taken away and immersed in water, followed by a mass procession. This is celebrated as the worship of Lord Ganesh, regarded as the god of beginnings.
- significance: Celebrate as Lord Ganesh’s birthday.
- Main Attractions: Ganesh’s parade and immersion after 10 days of festivities
- when: Usually around the end of September or August
- Where: everywhere in the state
- Holiday dates: September 10, 2021
[Read: Top Temples in Karnataka]
4. Makar Sankranti Festival in Karnataka:
Another such festival is Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival that prays to the sun god for peace and prosperity. Prepare various sweets and distribute to loved ones. It is regarded as the state festival of Karnataka and is celebrated with great ceremony. Celebrations are held widely across the state.
- significance: Considered a harvest festival, it is marked with Sankranti and celebrated with pomp and brilliance. This is a celebration of the harvest of the year, which takes place at that time of the year when the crops are harvested. This is done to celebrate the harvest and to pray for the upcoming crop.
- Main Attractions: Cow and bull decoration, and Pongal sweets
- when: Every year around mid-January
- Where: Big celebrations can be seen anywhere in the state, especially in rural areas.
- Holiday dates: January 14, 2021
5. Hoysala Mahotsava:
March is a festive month to celebrate festivals such as Hoysala Mahotsava and Karaga. The former celebrates the culture of the locals by organizing dance festivals at the temples of Belur and Halebid. Dancers come from all over the country to perform.
- significance: This is done to celebrate the rich history and culture of the area.
- Main Attractions: Hosayala temple, richly decorated. This cultural feast is not to be missed.
- when: Usually celebrated in March
- Where: Belur and Halebid in Karnataka
- date: Not yet announced
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6. Hampi Festival:
This is one of the famous festivals celebrated in Karnataka. When the city was illuminated by a famous festival organized by the Karnataka state government, the source of the festival came from the ruined city of Hampi. The sole purpose is to have this amazing city etched in people’s minds, with traditions and beautiful carvings – all of which are souvenirs to cherish.
- significance: Celebrate rich history and traditions.
- Main Attractions: During the grand celebrations, you must witness this brightly lit city and beautifully decorated temples.
- Where: Hampi in Karnataka
- when: every November
- date: Not yet announced
Then there are other festivals such as the Peanut Festival in Bangalore, Ayodhya puja which indirectly forms part of Navratri celebrations or Gowri Festival before Ganesh Chaturthi where prayers are offered at Ganesh Chaturthi Goddess Gowri, Wife of Lord Shiva and Mother of Ganesha.
As we have seen, Karnataka has a rich cultural heritage with multiple languages and religions. Arguably, this is the only state where Carnatic and Hindustani singers go hand in hand. Different regions of Karnataka have their own festivals and they are celebrated in a very grand manner. Apart from the above-mentioned festivals, festivals such as Ugadi, Vara Mahalakshmi and Mahashivaratri are some of the important festivals celebrated in Karnataka. All festivals are celebrated in grand fashion by young and old alike, and the beliefs and values of the people of Karnataka indicate the importance and potential significance of these festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Why is Gowri Ganesha celebrated?
This festival is celebrated the day before Ganesh Chaturthi. It celebrates the goddess Gowri or Gauri, also known as Parvathi. Gowri is Lord Ganesha’s mother. This festival is usually celebrated by married women across the state who believe that Gowri will visit their home to give blessings and Lord Ganesha will bring her back to Kailasa the next day during Ganesh Chaturthi.
2. What is the most famous festival in Karnataka?
Dussehra is regarded as the most famous festival in Karnataka. The festivities held during this festival are world-renowned. It is during this festival that the Royal Palace of Mysore is illuminated. Ornaments adorning the elephants are a treat for the eyes, and the elephants are taken away.
3. What are the famous foods during Karnataka festivals?
Obbatu or Holige is one of the most popular and made sweets during Karnataka festivals. They are made from a mixture of chana dal and jaggery, stuffed in maida dough and rolled out. Mysore Pak is another sweet treat named after the famous city of Mysore. Habbada Adige is another famous festive food made in Karnataka.