Bengaluru Karaga festival concludes with grandeur, unity and tradition

Bengaluru : The historic and world-renowned Bengaluru Karaga festival concluded on Thursday with traditional fervour, drawing lakhs of devotees and showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and communal harmony.

The grand procession began in the early hours at around 2:10 am from the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city. Considered among Bengaluru’s most ancient cultural traditions, the Karaga witnessed participation from over 10 lakh devotees this year. The temple, beautifully decorated like a bride, glowed with lights as crowds gathered in large numbers to witness the sacred ritual dedicated to Goddess Draupadi.

The chief priest, Gnanendra, carried the sacred floral Karaga on his head with utmost devotion, moving through narrow lanes amid chants and prayers. Devotees lined up along the route to catch a glimpse of the procession. Covering a distance of nearly 22 kilometres, the Karaga passed through key areas of the old city and visited around 26 temples, including the Annamma Temple, before returning to the main shrine later in the morning.

Devotees from neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also took part in the celebrations, highlighting the festival’s widespread cultural appeal.

A deeply symbolic and emotional moment unfolded when the Karaga entered the Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah in Cottonpet. The procession was welcomed with warmth and respect at the dargah, reflecting a long-standing tradition of communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. The Karaga circled the dargah three times, followed by floral offerings and prayers, and flowers were distributed among devotees present there.

Speaking on the occasion, dargah mujawar Firoz Musharraf emphasised that the ritual represents not just symbolic unity but a lived tradition of mutual respect and brotherhood that has been preserved for generations.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner  Seemanth Kumar stated that the event was conducted peacefully without any untoward incidents. Over 2,000 personnel, including three Deputy Commissioners of Police, were deployed to ensure security. Advanced arrangements such as CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and coordinated efforts by the police, BBMP, and district administration ensured smooth conduct of the procession.

State Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the Karaga is not just a festival of one community but a symbol of Bengaluru’s inclusive cultural identity. Despite rapid urbanisation, the centuries-old tradition dating back to the era of Kempegowda continues to thrive, reinforcing the city’s legacy of unity in diversity.