Karaga festival set to take place from April 15 to April 23

A Jnanendra has been named this year's Karaga bearer

History of Karaga festival spans over three centuries

The highly anticipated Karaga festival in Bengaluru is set to take place from April 15 to April 23 this year, drawing in devotees from across the city to celebrate its rich religious and cultural significance, particularly revered by the Thigala community.

The official dates for the festival were recently announced by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department after a meeting with Dharmarayaswamy Temple authorities. As tradition dictates, A Jnanendra has been named this year’s Karaga bearer.

With a history spanning over three centuries, the Karaga festival honours the return of Draupadi in the form of Adishakti. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has persisted in a subdued manner over the past two years. While core celebrations remain centered within the precincts of the Shri Dharmarayaswamy Temple in Nagarathpet.

Central to the Karaga festival is the striking procession led by a priest adorned in female attire, carrying a flower-decked pyramid atop his head. Additionally, the tradition of paying respects at the tomb of an 18th-century Muslim saint reflects the festival’s commitment to inter-religious harmony.

The night-long procession, a highlight of the Karaga festivities, starts at the Dharamarayaswamy Temple and winds its way through Nagarthpete, Cubbonpete, Ganagirapete, Avenue Road, Doddapete, Aralepete, Balepete, Kumbarapete, Ulsoorpete, and Goolarapete.

To ensure the procession’s smooth passage through the city centre, traffic police are expected to implement road closures in anticipation of the event.