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KARNATAKA FESTIVALS
The fascinating fairs and festivals of Karnataka are a celebration of life in all its infinite variety. Most of them are exclusive to the state and reverberate with colour and gaiety. Every hamlet and village, every town and city has its own calendar of events to be celebrated.
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Hampi Festival (Vijaya Utsav):
The ruins of Hampi come alive with the strains of music and sounds of dance when the State Government holds the Vijaya Utsav to recreate the grandeur of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire and a bygone era. Similar festivals are held at Halebid, Pattadakal, Karavalli and Lakkundi. Other district festivals are held in consultation with the District Commissioners of different Districts.
Month: November
Tula Sankramana:
Come October, the people of Kodagu look forward to this annual festival. It is believed that Goddess Cauvery appears in the form of a sudden upsurge of water in a small tank to give darshan to the innumerable devotees gathered here. This event is known as theerthodbhava and is celebrated with much festivity in Kodagu. Thousands flock to witness the event and seek the Goddess’s blessings, bathe in her waters and carry back bottles full of holy water from the source of the river.
Date: October 17th |
Vairamudi Festival:
The sleepy town of Melkote comes alive during the annual Vairamudi festival when the deity of the hill shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is adorned with the legendary diamond-studded crown brought from the Mysore Palace. This nightlong event, part of the 10-day Brahmotsavam, is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Month: March |
 | Kambala (Buffalo Race):
When the fields are flush with water, buffaloes race down a slushy track, egged on by a strong-muscled farmer who surfs his way down the track behind the beasts while balancing precariously on a trailing wooden plank. A riot of colour, frenzied cheers and shining torsos slick with sweat mark this annual sporting event where the prize goes to the swiftest. Get swept away by the excitement of the Kambala buffalo race, a rural sport in southern coastal Karnataka, which originally began as a royal pastime and was later continued by the feudal lords of the Tulu region. |
Buffalo racing season:
From November to March in Baradi Beedu, Bolantur, Kolatta Majalu, Bajagoli, Puttur, Kamalakatte and Uppinangadi.
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