Karnataka is the most diverse state of India. The festivals in Karnataka are very colourful and fascinating, which offer a glimpse of its culture.
Whether you want to try eating delicious festival food, dancing to folk music, or just witness with friends and family, Karnataka has something to offer for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of some biggest festivals of Karnataka, which you should witness!
19 Biggest Festivals of Karnataka
1. Karnataka Rajyotsava
One of the Famous Festivals of Karnataka
The people of Karnataka celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava; they do so with utmost pride and happiness. Karnataka Rajyotsava marks the formation of the state.
People gather in a joyous spirit to perform traditional dances, raise the state flag, and exchange sweets.
2. Shravana Shanivara
The people of Karnataka celebrate this festival by worshiping Lord Venkateshwara. A major festival among the people whose family deity is Venkateshwara.
3. Nagara Panchami – One of the Most Widely Celebrated Festivals of Karnataka
Snake god is worshipped and offered milk on this day. Also, few parts of Karnataka follow this tradition, where women invite their brothers to home and sprinkle milk on their back and offer kumkum. This traditional gesture is to thank them for standing by them throughout.
4. Hanuman Jayanti
The Festival of Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. He was a devoted follower of Shri Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu) and is worshipped as the god of strength and devotion. The devotees put stalls throughout the city, offering panaka, majjige, kosambari and lunch.
5. Krishna Janmashtami Festival
The festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna is significant to the people of Udupi, where they hold special services in honour of the deity.
6. Tulsi Habba
On this auspicious day, people lit Diya’s, decorate the Tulsi plant, and offer prayers. Also known as ‘Kiru Deepavali’.
7. Vaikunta Ekadashi
On the day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the gate to heaven is opened. If you observe a fast on this day and worship Vishnu, it is as if you have observed all 23 Ekadashi fasts for the year.
8. Mahamastakabhisheka
The Jain community in Shravanabelagola, India, observes an important festival called Mahamastakabhisheka. They perform abhisheka to the gaint statue.
9. Kadalekai Parishe
A Must Experience Festival of Karnataka in Bengaluru.
At the harvest festival, people from nearby places bring their first crop of groundnuts to the market, and farmers offer their first groundnut produce to Lord Basava at the temple. Be a part of this beautiful fair-like festival.
10. Kambala Festival – A Must Visit Event/Festival of Karnataka
Every year from November to March, the farming communities of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts host a buffalo race.
11. Karga Festival
The festival takes place at the Dharmarayaswamy temple in Bangalore in honour of Goddess Shakti. One of the famous festivals of Namma Bengaluru – The silicon city of India.
12. Hampi Utsava
Vibrant and Colorful Festival of Karnataka.
Hampi Utsava is a famous festival in Karnataka. It celebrates the birthday of Purandaradasa, a revered poet who lived in Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This annual festival draws people from around the world to see the cultural and historical richness of Karnataka.
Recommended Read – 12 Iconic & Beautiful Hampi Temples That One Must Visit
13. Makara Sankranti – Biggest Harvest Festival of Karnataka.
The most important Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God. Every year, colourful decorations appear all over the state, and people draw rangolis, worshipping the cattle and feeding them Pongal prepared from the first harvest.
14. Ugadi Festival
Ugadi – The new year as per the Hindu calendar. During this main festival, Karnataka comes alive with excitement. People decorate their homes and temples, and cook special meals for family gatherings.
15. Vara Mahalakshmi Pooje
One of the most Widely Celebrated Festivals of Karnataka.
It is thought that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is like worshipping Ashtalaksmi, the goddesses of wealth, earth, learning, love, fame, peace, pleasure, and strength.
16. Gowri Ganesha Habba
One of the significant festivals of Karnataka. Clay idols of Gowri and Ganesha are brought home during the auspicious time of this festival. Goddess Gowri is worshipped for courage and power. Also, a special pooja is offered to Lord Ganesha.
17. Nada Habba Dasara – A Festival of Karnataka with Grandeur.
People celebrate the previous day as Ayudha Pooja – where they offer pooja to their ayudhas such as vehicles, electronic gadgets etc. On the last day, Vijaya Dashami is a festival celebrating good over evil.
Each year, the city of Mysuru celebrates the Dasara festival with great pomp and spectacle.
18. Deepavali
A popular festival of Karnataka with lights and crackers.
Deepavali is a two day festival. The first is Naraka Chaturdasi, and the following day is Balipadyami.
19. Bheemana Amavasya
On this day, Lord Shiva and Parvathi are worshipped as Bheemeshwara, or Lord Shiva in the form of a wild bear. Married women pray for their husband’s health, prosperity and long life. Unmarried girls pray for a good spouse.
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