Festivals and Fairs

Apart from the many festivals celebrated in India, Karnataka has its own set of festivals which have a special significance for the people of Karnataka.

Pattadakkal Dance Festival
Delicately carved temples rich in detail, stand still at Pattadakkal, the ancient capital of the chalukyan kings. A festival of dance celebrates this marvelous heritage. It is celebrated in the month of January.

Makar Sankranti
It is a celebration of the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka as well as parts of Andhra, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Sesame Ladoos and sugar drops are distributed as a symbol of the need to be generous and kind to everyone. Women wear new clothes, new glass bangles and hold get-togethers to share sweets and gifts. A new bride is given ornaments made of sugar drops and her new relatives are invited to meet and welcome her at a haldi kumkum celebration.

Hoysala Mahotsava (Belur - Helebid)
The dance festival held at Belur and Helebid is a magnificent event. The Splendid Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza, make the perfect venue for this cultural feast. It is celebrated in the month of March.

Ganesh Chaturthi
This day is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of all good beginnings and success. Held annually, this festival is a ten day long event. The images of Lord ganesha are installed and worshipped and on the last day these are taken in processions to be immersed in flowing water. The sea front, packed with people, is a spectacular sight. It is celebrated in September.

Hampi Festival
The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.