The famous five cultural festivals of Karnataka

Karnataka is a state of beauty, glory, history and festivals. The destination celebrates festivals like no other giving a glimpse into the state’s rich culture and tradition. Every festival elaborated here has its own significance. Let’s have a look at some of the famous festivals celebrated in Karnataka.

This is one of the biggest harvest festivals not only in Karnataka but in the whole country. During this time in Karnataka, people pray to the Sun God to bless them with good crops. The whole state is decorated with colourful flowers and lights and people make pretty rangolis outside their houses.

Also known as Gudi Padwa in other regions of the country, Ugadi marks the beginning of the brand new year. Legend has it that Hindu lord Brahma created the universe on this day. People decorate their houses with pretty flowers and colours and the temples are also beautifully decorated.

The Hampi Festival, celebrated in November, is one of the most important festivals in Karnataka celebrated on a grand level. This cultural extravaganza is organised in Hampi which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site popular for its ancient temples. During this artists and musicians famous in their fields showcase their talent. Also known as ‘Vijaya Utsava’, this is the festival of colour and lights.

This is another popular cultural festival of Karnataka popular for its dance forms. Every year, people in large numbers visit Pattadakal to be a part of this grand cultural celebration. Dances are conducted in several famous temples of the town. A must attend for every dance enthusiast.

Celebrated every year between the months of November and March, Kambala festival is organised by farming communities of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The main attraction of this two-day festival is the buffalo race wherein more than 150 specially trained buffaloes partake.