Karnataka and festivities go hand in hand, weaving a vibrant pattern reflective of the state's rich history, art, and culture. Every festival provides a unique window into the culture of Karnataka, from the magnificent celebrations of Dasara to the rhythmic beats of traditional dance festivals.
Month |
Name of the Festival |
Date |
April
|
Ugadi (Kannada New Year)
|
9th April 2024
|
October
|
Dasara
|
12th October 2024
|
Between January and February
|
Pattadakal Dance Festival
|
22nd -24th January 2024
|
September
|
Ganesh Chaturthi
|
7th September 2024
|
January
|
Makar Sankranti (Pongal)
|
14th January 2025
|
5 Top Festivals of Karnataka
- Ugadi: Ugadi, Karnataka's New Year, signifies the start of a lunar cycle. Homes are adorned with rangoli and flowers, and traditional dishes like Obbattu, Semiya Payasa, and Mavinakayi Chitranna are enjoyed.
- Dasara: Dasara, a 10-day celebration in Karnataka, pays homage to Maa Chamundeshwari. Mysore hosts a vibrant carnival showcasing the state's rich art and culture. Cultural performances, vivid lights, and colours provide an immersive experience for participants.
- Pattadakal Dance Festival: The annual Pattadakal Dance Festival portrays Karnataka's heritage through classical dance forms. Artists perform Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site Pattadakal.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by elaborate rituals, colourful processions, and the unique experience of immersion (Visarjan) of Ganesh idols, which is accompanied by powerful chants and prayers.
- Makar Sankranti (Pongal): Makar Sankranti, also known as Pongal, is a harvest festival celebrated in Karnataka. Activities include bonfires, kite flying, and the preparation of traditional sweet dishes like sweet or savoury Pongal and Ellu Bella, symbolising unity and abundance.
The Never-ending Fiesta
Karnataka's culture and traditions imprint the spirit of unity and abundance through its festivals, creating a harmony of tradition and modernity. Karnataka's festivals are a living testament to the state's cultural legacy, inviting everyone to be a part of its diverse and enchanting celebrations.