The Extravaganza of Karaga Festival in Bangalore

People across the country know Bangalore as an IT hub. What they do not know are the rich culture and traditions that exists and rejoiced even today. It is not just a capital but also a historical city of Karnataka. Karaga is one such festival which defines the cultural heritage of Bangalore and the connection of locals with strong native culture.Karaga is one of the oldest community festivals that unites people across the city. The name KARAGA signifies Ka yalli muttade (without using the hands), Rundadalli dharisi (bearing on the head), Gatisuvudu ( moving ahead) - KaRaGa! Karaga is the festival of Thigala community which happens in the first month of Hindu lunar calender (Chaitra Masa). Vanikula Kshatriya Thigalas are a community who speak a mix of Tamil and Kannada language. Major population of Thigalas are found in Bengaluru and across Karnataka.Photo Courtesy: :Thigala4u Karaga is related to the time of epic Mahabharatha. It is believed that while Pandavas are leaving to heaven, their wife Draupadi collapses because of weakness. The Pandavas think that she is dead and move on. When she wakes up, she sees a rakshasa (demon) who tries to kill her.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u To defend herself Draupadi transforms into Adi shakti (feminine power) and creates an army called Veerakumaras to kill the demon. Thigalas believe that theyre the descendants of Veerakumaras. Thus, they worship Draupadi as goddess.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u After the battle of Veerakumaras, Draupadi prepares to leave to heaven. The Veerakumaras request her to stay with them. In reply to their request she says that shell return back every year during the time of Karaga and bless them.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u Draupadi is the prime deity of Thigala community. She is seen as the Adi Shakti who is the mother of Veerakumaras. It is believed that Draupadi visits the households of Thigalas during Karaga. This annual festival also celebrates the feminine power.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u Karaga is a big floral cone (pot) which is carried on the head by the main priest. The priest who carries this floral cone shouldnt drop it during the procession. Several rituals are performed prior to the main procession of Karaga.Photo Courtesy: Shri rvce Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is a unique temple dedicated to Pandavas of the epic Mahabharatha. Though not much is known about the construction of the temple, it is believed to be built by Ganga Arasu People (Thigalas).Photo Courtesy: Muhammad Mahdi Karim It is also believed that Dharmaraya Temple was the centre for Kempegowdas 4 towers in Bangalore. The temple is said to be 800 years old and it is main place for the Karaga festival.Photo Courtesy: Muhammad Mahdi Karim The main priest who carries the Karaga is choosen 6 months prior to the festival. The whole ritual is performed by men. The choosen priest should have good physical strength as he has to carry the Karaga and also dance around during the festival.Photo Courtesy: Shri The priest who performs Karaga should stay away from his family for 6 months. He has to wear the mangalya (sacred thread) of his wife and shouldnt see her till the event is over. This ritual signifies that the priest will take the feminine form.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u Karaga starts with a flag hoisting ceremony in the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bengaluru. Prior to the festival several other events happen in the temple: Hasi Karaga (the main pot is taken from the Sampangi water tank), lighting of lamps, chanting of mantras, Pongalu Seve, Vasanthotsava, etc. happen secretly.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u The Karaga bearer will be dressed in a sari and wears all the jewelleries like a goddess. The actual floral pot is placed on the head and the Veerakumaras (4 men) holding the swords follow the priest through the procession.Photo Courtesy: Bengaluru Karaga The Veerakumaras chant Govinda..Govinda..Di..Di..Di.. throughout the procession. They do this chant to remember the day when Adi Shakti destroys the demon.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u The main priest holding the Karaga on his head, dances around throughout the procession. The procession starts in the night and many visitors come here to see this extravaganza.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u Another interesting fact is that the Karaga Procession first visits the Mastan Saab Dargah and then goes out around the city.Photo Courtesy: sai sreekanth mulagaleti The Karaga procession visits several temples on the way and goes around Thigalarapete, Balepete, Chikkapete, etc. areas of Bangalore. Finally it ends in Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple.Photo Courtesy: Shri The famous Bangalore Karaga comes to an end. To witness this grand event many people across the state come to Bangalore irrespective of caste or religion.Photo Courtesy: Thigala4u Karaga is also celebrated in Hospet, Anekal, Kolar, Kanakapura and Jakkasandra. The Karaga bearer is choosen by the main priest of Thigala community.Photo Courtesy: pee vee In Bangalore, Karaga is a huge festival which goes on for 11 days. Out of which one day (9th day) is the most important as the Karaga procession takes place. Various rituals are performed on the other days.Karaga 2016 is beginning from April 14th and let us know more about this grand festival!