Festivals

Varalakshmi Vratam (Vara Mahalakshmi) is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. It is mainly observed by married women, who perform special poojas and vratams seeking blessings for the health, happiness, and long life of their families. The festival is celebrated with great devotion by decorating homes, drawing colorful rangoli, adorning the goddess with flowers and jewelry, and offering traditional prasadam. Varalakshmi Vratam symbolizes prosperity, gratitude, and strong family values, making it an important and auspicious occasion in Hindu tradition.

Ugadi is a traditional and auspicious festival celebrated as the New Year in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and prosperity. On this day, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and perform special poojas to welcome the New Year. A key highlight of Ugadi is the preparation of Ugadi Pachadi, a unique dish made with a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy flavors, representing the different experiences of life. The festival is also marked by cultural programs, listening to the Panchanga Shravanam, and sharing joy with family and community, reflecting rich tradition and cultural values.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festival marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. The festival is observed with great devotion, joy, and enthusiasm, as beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals. Celebrations include special poojas, chanting, devotional songs, and the offering of traditional sweets like modak, which is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite. The festival concludes with the grand Visarjan (immersion of idols) in water bodies, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution. Ganesh Chaturthi reflects unity, devotion, and cultural richness, bringing communities together in celebration.

Maha Shivaratri in Kolar is a sacred and spiritually significant festival celebrated with great devotion by Lord Shiva devotees. Temples across Kolar, especially Shiva temples, are beautifully decorated and filled with continuous prayers, chanting, and special poojas throughout the day and night. Devotees observe fasting, perform abhishekam, and offer milk, bilva leaves, and flowers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The festival creates a deeply devotional atmosphere, with night-long vigils, bhajans, and spiritual discourses. Maha Shivaratri in Kolar reflects the strong faith, cultural traditions, and spiritual unity of the community, making it one of the most important religious celebrations in the region.

Mysore Dasara is a world-famous cultural festival celebrated with great grandeur and tradition in the city of Mysuru, Karnataka. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and honors Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal deity of the Mysore Kingdom. During Dasara, the city comes alive with vibrant decorations, illuminated palaces, cultural performances, music, dance, and exhibitions. The highlight of Mysore Dasara is the grand Jumboo Savari, a majestic procession featuring a beautifully decorated elephant carrying the golden idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the city streets. The Mysore Palace, illuminated with thousands of lights, becomes a major attraction for visitors from across India and around the world. Mysore Dasara showcases the rich heritage, royal history, and cultural pride of Karnataka.