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Karaga Festival is a folk dance of Karnataka which originated as a ritual dedicated to Draupadi as known in these parts as Droupthamma. The ritual is performed on a full moon day.
The ritual pot filled with water and adorned with decorations several feet high is carried by the priest. The dancers perform various acrobatic feats while following the procession accompanied by a number of musical instruments like 'Thavi', "Nadaswaram", "Muni", "Udukka", "Pamba", etc.
The Karaga carrier is taken from his home by the members of the Dharmaraya Temple. The carrier's wife takes on the role of a widow. Her mangala sutra (necklace symbolizing marriage) and bangles are worn by her husband and she is not to see him or the Karaga until the conclusion of the festival. The Tigalas, who hold Draupadi as their principal deity, believe that Draupadi Shakti (power) brims over during the Karaga festival and the Karaga carrier dressing as a female is symbolic of Draupadi. The Karaga is expertly balanced on the carrier's head. The carrier is practically in a trance even as he dances along with the Veerakumaras.The Veerakumaras hit the swords on their bare chest telling dik-di dik-di.
Another person to watch out for is the Karanga. Karanga carries earthen pots on his head and immerses the same in the Sampangni Tank. It is said that as the person walks from the temple holding the Karaga on his head he is surrounded by the sword men. In case the Karaga slips from his head or he loses his balance and falls he would be killed by these sword fighters. Over centuries this tradition has continued and it is dominant till today.
But the best part of the Karaga festival in Bangalore is its secular nature. People of different castes and creeds can join the festivities. The procession itself visits the Dargah-e-Shariff of Hazrat Takwal Mastan. Legends say that Hazrat, a Muslim ascetic was wounded while watching this procession. The priests of the temple treated him and he recovered. The saint was so impressed with this that he requested Draupadi to halt the procession at his grave. It is believed that the tradition had continued since then.
Karnataka, adorned with several ancient temples and rich cultural heritage celebrate various colourful fairs and festivals. Every town, city and village in the state has their own calendar with fascinating fairs and festivals. For the people of Karnataka, these variety of festivals are a celebration of life. Apart from the religious festivals, the state also conduct magnificent dance festivals and other fairs. The most important festivals and fairs of the state are Dussera, Ugadi, Kar Hunnive, Sri Vithappa Fair, Shri Yellamma Devi Fair etc.
