The countdown has begun for this year's Bengaluru Karaga Shaktyotsava, one of the largest and most special cultural events in the city of Bengaluru, held at the Shakti Peetha in Sampangi Ram Nagar. The ritualized Hasi Karaga at around 2 am on the night of March 31 will be the main event at the Shakti Peetha to kick off the festival, the Pete Karaga, which will take place on Chaitra Purnima (the night of April 1).
People will gather in large numbers at the famous Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Thigalarapete, carrying their Karaga dedicated to Draupadi Devi in hand. This year, officials estimate that between one million to 1.5 million people will attend to celebrate this festival.
Fraud Warning by Temple Authorities in Preparation for the Festival. Temple authorities have been particularly vigilant about monitoring fraudulent propaganda and similar activities on social media in preparation for the festival, as it has already begun. A group of people have started posting messages in Indian media claiming that all devotees can join the Karaga procession by paying ₹2,500 (which they say includes food and the chance to witness a beautiful Karaga journey).
Officially, the priest and temple authorities have stated that there is no money involved in this, and they feel it is safe to eliminate these messages and stop those spreading them. Committee President Chalakari Narayanaswamy said these are a huge scam by these people to sell to their followers and not for God (they are just having fun following the temple without realizing the person actually exists).
Mysuru Dasara-style Illumination. Adding to the city's atmosphere are rich lighting and festivities inspired by Mysuru Dasara colors. Old Bengaluru, the ancient Bengaluru of the past, where Kempegowda once built, is glowing with bright fluorescent lighting. The temple’s daily expenses (internal and external) are managed by the Muzrai department, but other festival expenses are covered by the GBA (Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Trust).
The improved arrangements have become popular among devotees, as it is well-known that all eyes are on this festival at its peak. Bengaluru is being illuminated as soon as we open the temple for this festival. The streets are lit, and preparations are in full swing so that one can truly witness the divine Karaga procession, making this year’s festival particularly special.
