There is no way to enjoy a destination more than to take part in its local festivities. You not only get a glimpse of the state’s culture but also learn more about the significance of each festival. Karnataka is one such state where you can experience the best of art, history, and celebrations. From dance festivals to pujas and patriotic events, there is much to explore and experience. If you find yourself in this state, make sure you attend some of the most popular festivals in Karnataka. Many of the festivals here are conducted in the name of art, religion, seasons.
17 Festivals In Karnataka You Must Attend!
Exhibitions, performances, delicious sweets and meals await your arrival in Karnataka. Take part in some of the most popular celebrations of the state and have an enjoyable time with your loved ones. Here is the list of festivals in Karnataka that you must check out. Scroll down to know about the different festivals celebrated in Karnataka!
- Kambala Festival
- Hampi Festival
- Pattadakal Dance Festival
- Makar Sankranti
- Ugadi
- Vairamundi Festival
- Karaga Festival
- Vara Mahalakshmi Pooja
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Gowri Festival
- Sri Vithappa Fair
- Dussehra
- Tula Sankramana
- Karnataka Rajyotsava
- Deepavali
- Groundnut Festival
- Mahamastakabhisheka
1. Kambala Festival
Kambala festival is an annual buffalo race organised in Dakshin Kannada and Udipi districts of Karnataka by the farming communities. This sporting festival is held between November and March. Well known for buffalo race, this is a two day festival. More than 150 buffaloes are especially groomed for this one of the amazing Karnataka festivals 2022. It begins with an exhibition of participating buffaloes and during the festival, the buffalos are made to race on the tracks guided by the farmers.
Date: To be Announced
Duration: 2 days
Famous For: Traditional buffalo race
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2. Hampi Festival
Also known as ‘Vijaya Utsava, Hampi festival is a grandiose affair in South India. It is a cultural extravaganza organised in the South Indian village of Hampi which is a famous tourist and heritage site. Famous artists and musicians attend the festival of karnataka, showcasing marvellous talent and spirit. Stalls line the streets selling handicrafts and little trinkets for you to purchase. Colour, lights, excitement are found everywhere creating an aura of a grand celebration. This is definitely one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in Karnataka.
Date: 2nd – 4th November 2022
Duration: 3 Days
Famous For: Annual cultural extravaganza which includes dance and music
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3. Pattadakal Dance Festival
Another one of the dance festivals in Karnataka, Pattadakal a gains the attention of many every year. They are conducted in the temples of the town that were established in the 7th century and are now recognized as world heritage sites by UNESCO. For art and dance enthusiasts, this is a festival not to miss!
Date: 1st January 2022
Duration: 1 Day
Famous For: Cultural programmes which includes classical dance and music performances
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4. Makar Sankranti
Another one of the biggest harvest festivals of Karnataka is that of Makar Sankranti. This is also one of the most famous festivals in Karnataka and different regions of India. It is a festival dedicated to the Sun God and festivities are in full swing. Colourful decorations can be spotted everywhere and some even draw beautiful rangolis outside their homes. Schools and colleges are decorated as well encouraging everyone to take part in the event. If you want to witness the big festivals in Karnataka, then this one should be on your list!
Date: 14th January 2022
Duration: 1 Day
Famous For: This is the harvest festival in Karnataka
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5. Ugadi
Also known as Gudi Padwa, marks the start of the new year as per the Hindu calender. According to the legends, this is the day that Bramha initiated the creation of the universe. This main festival of Karnataka is celebrated with fervour and many preparations. Homes and temples are decorated and a special meal is cooked. Many people believe this to be an auspicious day to purchase a new asset or start a venture.
Date: 2nd April 2022
Duration: 1 Day
Famous For: Symbolizes the start of New Year in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
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6. Vairamundi Festival
Vairamundi Festival is one of the famous festivals of Karnataka. In this festival, Lord Vishnu is adorned with jewels that once belonged to Mysore’s former Maharaja at an important pilgrim centre in Melkote. Every year, the festival attracts 4,00,000 pilgrims. The idol is also taken out in a colourful procession throughout the city which is a special attraction of the festival.
Date: March
Duration: 1 day
Famous For: Colourful procession
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7. Karaga Festival
Image Credit: Pavanaja for wikimedia
One of the oldest festivals in Bangalore, Karaga is a celebrated by great enthusiasm by the Vashnikula Kshatriyas Thigala community. The festival is celebrated in the honour of Goddess Shakti and is held at the Dharmarayaswamy temple in Bangalore. The celebration of the festival lasts for 9 days and starts full moon day of Chaitra that falls in March / April. There is a grand procession that is held in the honour of Goddess Shakti during which Karaga, an earthern pot that is decorated with flowers is carried on the head without touching it.
Date: March/April
Duration: NA
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8. Vara Mahalakshmi Pooja
An important pooja performed by the women in Karnataka, Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated on the day of the full moon. On this sacred Karnataka festivals 2022, a thread is worn by the women after the pooja is complete to signify protection. The aarti is performed by married women and sweets are distributed after. You can visit the temples to offer your prayers for wealth and wisdom.
Date: 12th August 2022
Duration: 1 Day
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9. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated across India, however the festivities in Karnataka are a little different. Starting days before the festival itself, temples and houses are decorated with flowers and leaves to welcome Lord Ganesha. Sweets like Modakam, Kosambari and Payasams are prepared which one must surely try!
Date: 31th August 2022
Duration: 1 Days
Famous For: Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha
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10. Gowri Festival
Celebrated one day before Ganesh Chaturthi, Gowri Habba is another main festival of Karnataka. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and homes are decorated with idols of the goddess. Delicious meals are prepared and if you have a chance to attend this festival in Bangalore make sure to visit the temples which are just as beautifully decorated with mango leaves and banana stems. If you’re traveling to take part in the festivals in Karnataka 2022, then don’t miss out this one!
Date: 30th August 2022
Duration: 1 Day
Famous For: Observed by married woman and celebrated a day before Ganesh Chaturthi
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11. Sri Vithappa Fair
Sri Vithappa Fair is one of the famous fairs and festivals of Karnataka. The festival is organized every year on the 14th or 15th day of the month Aswija. The three day fair has great religious and cultural importance and is visited by a large number of people from across states. During the festival, a puja is held followed by a procession.
Date: September|October
Duration: 3 days
Famous For: Colourful Procession
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12. Dussehra
More commonly known as ‘Mysuru Dasara’, this is one of the biggest Karnataka festivals which is also locally called the Karnataka Dasara festival. Spanning over 10 days, the festivities are in full bloom during this time of the year. The Mysore Palace is one of the best places to visit during Mysore Dasara. Adorned with 10,000 beautiful light bulbs, it is truly a beautiful sight. Various dance and music programs are organized across the state that you can enjoy.
Date: 26th September – October 5, 2022
Duration: 10 Day
Famous For: Burning of huge statues of Ravana by Ram commemorating the Good over evil
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13. Tula Sankramana
Tula Sankramana is celebrated across India with different rituals. It is one of the famous festivals of Karnataka celebrated with great enthusiasm and show in the Coorg district. The festival is observed to enjoy the harvesting of rice fields. On the day of the festival, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and bath in the sacred river is considered auspicious.
Date: 18th October 2022
Duration: 1 day
Famous For: Celebrating farmer’s achievement of growing rice field
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14. Karnataka Rajyotsava
Celebrated with vigour and excitement, Karnataka Rajyotsava signifies the formation of the state and is another popular event on the list of Karnataka festivals. On this national festival of Karnataka, a holiday is declared among all schools, colleges and offices for the festivities to take place. Traditional dances are performed, the state flag is hoisted everywhere and sweets are distributed. All religions who reside in Karnataka take pride in the festival and celebrate it with utmost happiness.
Date: 1st November 2022
Duration: 1 Day
Famous For: This is the formation day of Karnataka
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15. Deepavali
Image Credit: PJeganathan for Wikimedia Commons
Deepavali is one of the most eminent festivals of India and it is celebrated in a grand way throughout the country. This auspicious festival is called the festival of lights. It is an important festival as according to ancient epic, Lord Ram came back to Ayodhya after spending 14 years of exile. Diwali is one of the best Karnataka festivals that you can attend while you visit this impeccable state. The whole state is decorated with lights and different types of sweets are made that you can relish. Crackers are burnt and people visit each other’s house and distribute sweets.
Date: 26th October 2022
Duration: 1 Days
Famous For: Crackers, sweets, and lights
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16. Groundnut Festival
Image Credit: Bhaskaranaidu for Wikimedia Commons
Celebrated annually in Bangalore, Groundnut festival is also known as Kadalekai Parishe. You can attend this festival at Dodda Ganesha Temple in Basavanagudi, Bangalore. On this festival, people from nearby cities bring their first harvest of groundnuts to the market. Farmers offer their first groundnut produce to Lord Basava at the temple. Different kinds of groundnuts are available and you can the best quality by visiting the Dodda Ganesha Temple. To become a part of this wonderful festival, you must plan your vacation around the last Monday of Karthika Masa.
Date: NA
Duration: 2 Days
Famous For: Groundnuts
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17. Mahamastakabhisheka
Mahamastakabhisheka is a very important festival observed by Jain in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. It is celebrated every 12 years and last it was celebrated in 2018. Devotees sprinkle holy water on people who participate in the festival, gold and silver coins as offerings are made to the statue. The statue is bathed with liquids such as milk, saffron paste, and powder of vermilion and turmeric. This festival is an important part of ancient Jain tradition.
Date: 2030 (every 12 years the festival is celebrated and last it was celebrated in 2018)
Duration: 9 days
Famous For: Completion of the statue of Gommateshwara statue
Further Read: 20 Temples In Karnataka That Are All About Grandeur That You Must Visit In 2022
If you are planning a trip to Karnataka anytime soon, make sure to take part in its colourful festivities and celebrations. Taking place all throughout the year, you will surely enjoy these events and get a glimpse of the vibrant culture of the south. Go ahead and plan your Karnataka vacation and take part in the festivals in Karnataka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Festivals In Karnataka
What is Karnataka famous for?
The Indian state of Karnataka is known for the numerous temples, ancient churches, forts, and palaces. The culture of Karnataka is something everyone should witness.
Which temple is famous in Karnataka?
There are essentially two temples in Karnataka that attract tourists in large numbers – Kukke Subrahmanya in Subramanya and Shree Durga Parameshwari in Kateel.
What are the historical places in Karnataka?
There are a number of historical sites in Karnataka that one must visit. Some of them are: 1. Belur Sri Chennakeshava Temple 2. Badami Cave Temples 3. Hampi Archeological Ruins 4. Mysore Palace 5. Bidar Fort 6. Bangalore Palace
Which is the heritage city in Karnataka?
Hampi is considered to be the heritage city in the Indian state of Karnataka.
What is the main dress of Karnataka?
Ilakal saree or Mysore silk is quite a famous attire among the women of Karnataka. Davani is the traditional costume for the young females and Dhoti is the traditional attire for the men which is also locally called Panache.
What is Pongal in Karnataka?
In Karnataka, Pongal is called Makar Sankranti which is the harvest festival and celebrated with a lot of revelry. Here people exchange gifts with their relatives and friends to mark the happiness.
What is the famous food of Karnataka?
The staple food items in Karnataka are Jowar, millets, wheat rotis which are accompanied by the spicy curries, buttermilk and pickles. One of the famous and traditional dishes of the state is Ragi Ball.
What is the famous dance of Karnataka?
The famous local dance of Karnataka is the Dollu Kunitha which is quite popular in the state and performed particularly by men from the shepherd or Kuruba caste. The dance is accompanied by singing and beats of the drum which are decorated.
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