The Karaga Festival is one of Karnataka’s oldest and most vibrant traditions, celebrated with great devotion in Bengaluru, especially at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Draupadi (Shakti), this night-long festival features a spectacular procession where a priest, dressed in traditional attire, carries the sacred Karaga—a decorated pot symbolizing divine power—balanced on his head. The procession moves through the city’s streets, accompanied by music, folk dance, and devotees carrying swords, reflecting the festival’s ancient origins linked to the Mahabharata. The Karaga never falls, symbolizing unwavering faith and divine protection. Blending spirituality, history, and community spirit, the Karaga Festival beautifully showcases Bengaluru’s deep cultural heritage and living traditions.
