Amazing Festivals
Hampi Utsav
The ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO world heritage site in central Karnataka, come alive with the strains of music and sounds of dance when the State Government holds the Hampi Utsava to recreate the grandeur of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire.
It is believed that the Utsav is celebrated from the time of the Vijayanagara Empire and hence might be one of the oldest celebrations/festivals in India. Today, the Hampi Utsava also called as Vijaya Utsav celebrated over 2 or 3 days captures the pomp, splendour and glory of the Vijayanagara empire.
The backdrop of the Utsava is Hampi and her ruins. The festival includes lighting up of the prominent monuments in Hampi, Jumbo Saavari (elephant procession), performances by some of India’s most celebrated singers, dancers and performers, a kite festival, water sports, food courts, photography competition, rangoli/ Mehendi competition.
Mysuru lives up to its title of the cultural capital of Karnataka with its grand Dasara festival. Mysuru Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka, commonly called ‘Nadahabba’ and attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. The event lasts for 10 days and is celebrated with royal elephant processions, cultural events, fairs and other pompous celebrations. During Jambu Savari or the Elephant Procession, 12 elephants who are specially trained for the occasion, carries the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. The procession is worth it as it includes other performances like dances, musicals, torchlight parade and foot soldiers accompany the procession.
Gowri Ganesha Habba
Gowri Habba is a celebration dedicated to Gowri, mother of Lord Ganesha. Gowri Habbà is celebrated one day prior to Ganesha Chaturthi. The two festivals together are often referred to as Gowri Ganesha Habba.
Gowri Habbà rituals are performed by married women. An idol of Goddess Gowri is established on a mount- either a mantapa or a plate filled with grains. Goddesses are decorated and prayers are offered.
A set of giveaways made of traditional items are made. Each set includes packets of turmeric (arishina, yellow in colour), vermilion (kunkuma, red in colour), bangles, beads, blouse piece, coconut, some cereals and sweets such as jaggery. These sets are gifted to married women in the community, as a symbol of sharing happiness and prosperity.
Gowri Habbà is not a public event hence may not be accessible to tourists. However, a glimpse of the celebration can be seen at various temples and streets all over Karnataka during Gowri Habbà and Ganesha Chathurthi.
Gombe Habba or festival of dolls is celebrated by enthusiastic individuals during Dasara/Navaratri each year. The Festival of Dolls involves collecting a wide range of dolls, presenting them in a multi-stage platform and inviting friends to come over and have a look. Where to witness Gombe Habba: Exhibition of Dolls are usually part of public events held during Navratri festival. Bombe Mane in Mysuru is a popular display venue for dolls.
