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FESTIVAL CALENDAR · KARNATAKA · 022

Festivals in Karnataka.

22 festivals across Karnataka — organised by month.

Dates vary

Ashlesha Bali Puja

Kukke Subramanya

One of the two most popular puja rituals conducted at Kukke Subramanya temple, specifically seeking protection from snakes and removal of snake-related curses through devotional ritual.

Khwaja Bande Nawaz Urs

Gulbarga (Kalaburagi)

Death anniversary celebration (urs) of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Bande Nawaz (1321-1422) at his mausoleum in Gulbarga (Kalaburagi). Thousands of devotees and pilgrims from various faiths gather over three days to seek spiritual blessings and participate in devotional observances.

January

Paryaya Festival

Udupi

Grand procession marking the transfer of leadership of the Krishna Mutt between 8 mathas. Elephant processions, music, lakhs of devotees.

February

Pattadakal Dance Festival

Pattadakal

Classical dance performances at the UNESCO World Heritage temple complex. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi against the backdrop of 7th-century Chalukyan temples.

Mahamastakabhisheka

Shravanabelagola

Grand anointment of the 57-foot Gommateshwara statue with milk, saffron, coconut water, and sandalwood. Millions attend. Visible from kilometers away.

Banashankari Temple Fair

Badami

Chariot procession and temple fair at the ancient Banashankari Amma Temple. Folk performances, rural market, devotional music.

March

Shivratri at Mahabaleshwar Temple

Gokarna

All-night vigil at the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple housing the Atmalinga. Beach bonfires, temple rituals, pilgrims from across Karnataka.

Maha Shivratri at Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar

Massive celebration at the 123-foot Shiva statue. Night-long rituals, beach processions, illuminated temple gopuram visible from the sea.

Coffee Blossom Festival

Chikmagalur

Celebrating the coffee blossom season when plantations turn white with flowers. Plantation walks, cupping sessions, folk music, local Malnad cuisine stalls.

April

Vairamudi Festival

Belur

Diamond-studded crown placed on the Chennakesava idol. Grand procession through Belur town with the jeweled deity.

Karaga Festival

Bengaluru

Ancient Dravidian festival where a priest carries a flower-decked pot on his head through old Bangalore streets all night. Sword-bearing Vahnikula Kshatriya warriors escort. Thousands follow.

August

Nagara Panchami

Kukke Subramanya

Festival celebrating serpent worship at Kukke Subramanya temple. Devotees perform rituals and pujas honoring snakes and seeking protection from snake-related dangers, central to this temple's spiritual significance.

October

Mysore Dasara

Mysore

Grand 10-day festival with illuminated Mysore Palace, cultural performances, torchlight parade, and the famous Jamboo Savari procession with a golden howdah on a decorated elephant.

Cauvery Sankriti (Tula Sankramana)

Coorg (Kodagu)

Sacred spring of the Cauvery River at Talacauvery erupts at a predicted moment. Thousands witness the Theerthodbhava. Pilgrims bathe in the sacred waters.

Mysore Dasara Exhibition

Mysore

Massive trade fair and amusement ground at the Exhibition Grounds. Giant wheel, food stalls, handicrafts. Running since 1880.

November

Kadalekai Parishe (Groundnut Fair)

Bengaluru

Massive groundnut fair at Bull Temple Road. Farmers offer the first harvest of groundnuts to Nandi. Heaps of fresh groundnuts sold. Street food carnival.

Hampi Utsav (Vijaya Utsav)

Hampi

Cultural festival recreating the grandeur of the Vijayanagara empire. Puppet shows, classical dance, music concerts, fireworks against the boulder landscape.

Laksha Deepotsava

Dharmasthala

Festival of a lakh (100,000) lamps lit around the Dharmasthala temple complex. Cultural programs, mass feeding of pilgrims (Annadaana).

December

Kambala (Buffalo Race)

Mangalore

Traditional buffalo race in waterlogged paddy fields. Jockeys sprint behind pairs of buffaloes at incredible speed. Now has a professional circuit with prizes.

Siddheshwara Jatre

Bijapur (Vijayapura)

Massive religious fair at the Siddheshwara Temple. One of the largest jatres in North Karnataka. Ferris wheels, folk theatre, Lingayat devotional gatherings.

Champa Shashti (Shasti)

Kukke Subramanya

Major festival at Kukke Subramanya temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya (serpent deity). Champa Shashti celebrates the temple's primary festival observance, honoring both the deity and the serpent mythology central to this sacred site.

Karavali Utsav

Karwar

Annual multi-day coastal cultural festival held at Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar, celebrating the rich dance, music, culture, and natural heritage of the Karavali (coastal) region. Features performances by renowned artists, morning cultural programs, kite festivals, and various coastal celebrations.

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