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Festivals in Karnataka beautifully showcase the state’s rich traditions, colors, and devotion. Each celebration highlights the unique culture and brings communities together, blending faith, history, and joy. From grand religious processions to vibrant village dances, Karnataka’s festivals offer a deep glimpse into its heritage. Throughout the year, music, rituals, and performances keep the festive spirit alive, reflecting the true heart of the state. These events are more than just rituals—they unite people and preserve Karnataka’s cultural legacy. Explore some of the most famous festivals in Karnataka, each with its own story and significance.
Top 10 Festivals In Karnataka
Witness the state’s charm with these famous festivals of Karnataka. The list includes festivals such as Hampi Utsav and Mysuru Dasara, as well as other cultural events.
1. Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru Dasara is one of the grandest festivals of Karnataka. It is celebrated during Navaratri and ends on Vijayadashami. Thousands of lights decorate the Mysore Palace, which becomes the event’s main attraction. The best part is the big parade called Jamboo Savari, in which a decked elephant carries a gilded howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on it. The city comes to life with colorful festivals, exhibitions, wrestling matches, and cultural performances. Moreover, the streets are filled with people, both visitors and locals, who gather to witness this royal spectacle.
Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
Major Attractions: Mysore Palace illumination, Jamboo Savari elephant parade, cultural performances
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Mysore
2. Hampi Utsav
Photo: Adithya R.P / Shutterstock
The event of Hampi Utsav brings the old town of Hampi to life. It shows off the Vijayanagara Empire’s rich culture. Folk dances, puppet shows, musical gigs, and plays will all be at the event. The ancient ruins make for a stunning background, making it a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. The event also has processions and fireworks that light up the sky at night. Traditional art is on show by craftsmen, and food stands serve tasty treats from the area. Another thing you can do is watch shows of Karnataka-style arts like Dollu Kunitha and Veeragase.
Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Major Attractions: Folk dances, puppet shows, musical performances, ancient ruins backdrop
3. Kambala Festival
Photo: Yadav.sadarhyd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kambala is a buffalo race held in the coastal districts of Karnataka. It usually takes place in water-filled paddy fields. Farmers spend weeks getting their buffaloes ready for the very exciting races. The event is more than just a sport; it’s also a celebration of customs from the country. Also, a lot of people come to cheer for their favourite riders. The trainers run with the buffalo pairs and push them forward as they are decorated with bright decorations. There is a country feel to the event, and you can see how close farmers are to their animals.
Location: Coastal districts of Karnataka (Udupi, Mangalore)
Major Attractions: Buffalo races in water-filled fields, decorated buffaloes, vibrant rural atmosphere
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Karnataka
4. Karaga Festival
Photo: Pavanaja / Wikimedia Commons
The Karaga Festival is one of Bengaluru’s oldest traditions, celebrated at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. It honours Goddess Draupadi, who is considered a symbol of feminine power. The most interesting part is the Karaga parade, in which a priest wears a tall flower pyramid on his head without touching it to keep it steady. A lot of people are out in the Bangalore streets late at night to watch the parade. People also love the event because it has a unique mix of rituals and community involvement. Devotees from different communities join in, making it a truly inclusive event.
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Major Attractions: Flower pyramid parade, late-night street procession, community participation
5. Makar Sankranti
Photo: Vishakhalakkundi / Wikimedia Commons
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across Karnataka with joy. It is the start of harvest season and is also thought to be a lucky day. People cook meals, like ellu-bella, which is a mix of peanuts, jaggery, sesame seeds, and coconut, and they share them with their family and neighbours. Kite flying is also a popular thing to do at this event, which makes the skies full of bright colours. Farmers thank nature for the crops, and people in the villages sing and dance traditional songs to enjoy. In some regions, cattle are decorated and paraded, showing the bond between farmers and animals.
Location: Across Karnataka
Major Attractions: Ellu-bella sharing, kite flying, decorated cattle processions, harvest celebrations
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Karnataka For A Soulful Holiday
6. Mahamastakabhisheka Of Shravanabelagola
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For Jains, the Mahamastakabhisheka is one of the holiest events of the year. It takes place once every 12 years at Shravanabelagola, which is where the huge figure of Lord Bahubali is. People come from far away to pray at the 57-foot figure. The statue is bathed in milk, curd, saffron, honey, and sandalwood paste during the holiday. It is a big event. Also, thousands of tourists and followers come to see this once-in-a-lifetime event. The rituals are performed with care and devotion, making the experience unforgettable. If you attend, you will see how the festival blends spirituality and tradition on a large scale.
Location: Shravanabelagola, Hassan District
Major Attractions: Anointing of the Lord Bahubali statue, spiritual rituals, and large-scale Jain gathering
7. Ugadi
Photo: Kalyan Kanuri / Wikimedia Commons
Ugadi marks the beginning of the Kannada New Year and is joyfully observed throughout the state. Houses are cleaned, the doorway is decorated with mango leaves, and special food is prepared. Ugadi Pachadi is the high point with sweet, tangy, salty, and bitter tastes combined, representing the varied experiences in life. Moreover, people visit temples, listen to Panchanga predictions, and wear new clothes. Ugadi is the occasion for new beginnings, with the family gathering at home to pray for peace and prosperity. This ancient festival is rooted in tradition but joyfully observed with modern families as well.
Location: Across Karnataka
Major Attractions: House decorations, Ugadi Pachadi preparation, temple visits, new year celebrations
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Karnataka You Must-Visit For Breathtaking Vistas
8. Pattadakal Dance Festival
Photo: G41rn8 / Wikimedia Commons
The Pattadakal Dance Festival is held in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pattadakal. The event has classical dance forms of India with the backdrop of ancient Chalukyan temples. Renowned dancers perform Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and other forms on beautifully decorated stages. Moreover, the festival highlights the artistic heritage of Karnataka while bringing together performers from across the country. The sandstone buildings look much better at night when they are lit up. People from all around the world come to view this unique festival of art and architecture.
Location: Pattadakal, Bagalkot District
Major Attractions: Classical Indian dance performances, Chalukyan temple backdrop, cultural heritage
9. Kailpodh Festival
Photo: Santhosh Varghese / Shutterstock
Kailpodh is a traditional festival celebrated in the Kodagu region. It is observed after the transplanting of paddy and before the harvest season begins. The festival honours weapons, which are considered sacred symbols of the Kodava community. Families clean and decorate their ancestral weapons like swords, knives, and guns. Moreover, the day is celebrated with traditional Kodava meals, folk dances, and community gatherings. It reflects the martial traditions of the community, where respect for ancestors and heritage is important. If you attend, you will see a mix of rituals, feasting, and cultural pride.
Location: Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Major Attractions: Worship of weapons, traditional Kodava meals, folk dances, community gatherings
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Karnataka Perfect For A Road Trip
10. Vairamudi Festival
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Vairamudi Festival is celebrated at Melukote’s Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. The main highlight is the procession of Lord Cheluvanarayana, who is adorned with a diamond-studded crown called Vairamudi. This crown was brought from the Mysuru Palace under strict security and placed on the deity’s head. Moreover, thousands of devotees gather to witness the event, which continues throughout the night. There is music, chants, and rituals that make the atmosphere spiritual and festive. The festival is a religious event and a cultural gathering that brings people from all over Karnataka and beyond.
Location: Melukote, Mandya District
Major Attractions: Diamond crown procession, Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, night-long rituals, and music
These popular festivals in Karnataka unite people with unique rituals and vibrant celebrations. From the grand Mysuru Dasara to the thrilling Kambala buffalo races in Udupi, each festival showcases the state’s rich culture and traditions. Festivals like Karaga bring communities closer, creating unforgettable memories. Visiting Karnataka during these events offers an immersive cultural experience. Plan your trip with TripXL to enjoy the best of Karnataka’s festivals and traditions.
Cover Photo: Abhinandan J. Patil / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
