Bengaluru Karaga Festival

The Karaga festival, which is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in the state of Karnataka, lasts 11 days. It lavishly showcases Karnataka's religious traditions and rich culture. This spectacular celebration is held at Bangalore's famed Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed every year in the Chaitra month (March/April). But besides its affinity with the Thigala community, the magnificent celebration of the festival draws spectators from all around the city. While various ceremonies are held throughout these days, the great procession is the festival's pinnacle. The name 'Karaga' corresponds to an earthen pot that holds a flowery pyramid and the idol of the Goddess. The Karaga is placed on the bearer's head without being touched. The bearer is dressed like a woman, with bracelets, a mangal-sutra, and vermillion on his forehead. The Karaga festival may be traced back to the epic Mahabharata. It depicts Draupadi as the quintessential woman and honours her as the Goddess Shakti.