Countdown has officially begun for the famous Bengaluru Karaga Shaktyotsava, one of the pillars in the city’s heritage and history. The Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Thigalarapet is now under the management of its newly established management committee of the festival. The massive floral procession that draws lakhs of Hindu people is to occur at midnight on April 1st, 2026.
In a tradition dating back to his day, priest A. Jnanendra Swamy is going to be selected as the one who will continue the torch in his honour for 16 consecutive years as the karaga is a sacred ritual on which he deeply imbibes his devotion.
11 Days of Divine Celebration: The Roadmap Schedule
The Bengaluru Karaga is not simply a single night affair; the spirit of the celebration comes 11 days into the process and turns an old and ancient festival into a center of worship and activity at the heart of "The Silicon City."
- Flag Hoisting (Dhwajarohana): Day One will officially start on March 24, 2026 as the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple will have the yellow flag in full swing.
- Hasi Karaga: At Sampangi Tank here I believe some sacred 'Hasi Karaga' ceremony will be performed on March 30th, 2026. Goddess Draupadi is said to reach earth in the shape of Hasi Karaga at 4:00 AM and make her home for three days, according to the Thigala community.
- The main celebration (Karaga Shaktyotsava): The culmination of the festival will take place at midnight on April 1st, 2026 (Chaitra Purnima) with the floral pyramid (Karaga) moving from Old Bengaluru streets.
It commemorates Goddess Draupadi
Cantered under the Grand Master, the Bengaluru Karaga is one of South India’s oldest festivals. It is based on the Mahabharata. It is based on the mythology of Adishakti as well. Some believe that the Thigala people hailed from the so called ‘Veerakumaras,’ a volunteer army created by Draupadi to fight a demon.
The Karaga bearer does not have any chance with it so he fasts and resides in the temple for several days where he is spiritually prepared only to carry the floral pyramid representing the Goddess without touching it with his hands.
A Symbol of Communal Harmony
But apart from the religious significance, the Bengaluru Karaga also epitomizes the whole city inclusive spirit. Perhaps the most important tradition of the procession is its visit to the Tawakkal Mastan Dargah in Cottonpeth. This practice, which originated at a Hindu procession that would end at a Sufi shrine, signifies the sacred bonds of connection and brotherhood Bengaluru embodies it was a custom, and not a new practice, of the century. The Vahnikula Kshatriya (Thigala) community conducts the festival, organizing this ancient ritual with precision. The streets will likely wrap in jasmines, lights and the rhythms of "Govinda! Govinda!"
