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The Bengaluru Karaga Festival is a centuries-old annual event held at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Thigalarpet, Bengaluru. Celebrated by the Thigala community, the festival honors Draupadi from the Mahabharata as the Goddess of Strength (Shakti). The 11-day festival, with a history spanning over 300 years, attracts over 500,000 devotees and tourists. The highlight is the Karaga procession, known as Karaga Shaktyotsava, which takes place on the full moon night of the Chaitra month, typically in April. During this procession, a priest, dressed in women's attire, balances a mud pot (Karaga) adorned with a floral pyramid and an idol of the Goddess on his head, symbolizing Draupadi's return. The procession covers various parts of the city, including Nagarthpete, Cubbonpete, Ganigarapete, Avenue Road, Doddapete, Aralepete, Balepete, Kumbarpete, Ulsoorpete, and Gollarapete. The festival concludes with devotees splashing turmeric water on each other and immersing the Karaga in a saltwater pond. The Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, located at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Road, Thigalarpet, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, serves as the venue for this grand celebration.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Road, Thigalarpet, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Bangalore
Tickets
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