What happens in Karaga festival?
The Karaga is carried on the head of the bearer without touching it. The carrier wears a woman’s attire with bangles, mangal-sutra, and vermillion on his forehead. Spread over 11 days, the festival depicts the religious heritage and rich culture of Karnataka.
Where is Karaga celebrated?
Shri Dharama Raya Swamy temple in Nagarathpete, Bengaluru is the starting point for the Karaga procession and main temple associated with the Karaga festival.
What does Karaga mean?
“…the word Karaga referred to two terms: “kara,” meaning “hand,” and “ga,”meaning “that which is held.” Since the Karaga — which refers to a water pot in Kannada — is carried in the left hand of the priest on the day of its “birth,” the festival is called the Karaga, the book states.
Why does Karaga go to Dargah?
The tradition stems from the belief that once, during the procession Sufi saint hurt himself and he cursed that the Karaga will not move forward until turmeric from the temple was applied to his wound to pacify him. Ever since, the Karaga visits the Dargah to mark this event.
Which caste is Thigala?
The Thigala or Tigalar a Kannada-Tamil social group found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, India, particularly the city of Bengaluru and in Southern Karnataka. The caste is traditionally occupied as growers of flowers and vegetables. They are generally Hindus. Their main deities are Draupadi and Dharmaraya Swamy.
How is Karaga made?
The meaning of ‘Karaga’ is a mud pot. Therefore, a mud pot is carried on the head of a bearer on which a tall floral pyramid and an idol of the Goddess is balanced. The contents of the pot have remained a secret for centuries.
In which year Bangalore Karaga was started?
1811
The rulers patronised the Karaga festival by making donations for its celebration, the maintenance of the temple, and initiated one of the earliest documentations of the festival—during the period of the Wodeyars in 1811.
What is the weight of Karaga?
But just before he does so, he officiates as the priest conducting the marriage of Arjuna to Draupadi. At this time, the ‘hasi karaga’ is now officially the Karaga pyramid. And the Karaga Kartha has empowered himself to carry the flower-bedecked pyramid that is said to weigh about 4-5 kilos.
Which is the world famous Karaga?
Mysuru Dasara and Bengaluru Karaga are the world famous festival of Karnataka. The Bengaluru Karaga is the festival of Vanhikula Kshathriyas (Thigala) community schedule to perform on Chaitra Poornima day of every year.
Which is the famous Karaga in Bangalore?
Devendra belongs to the Thigala community – the keepers of Bengaluru’s oldest festival – Bengaluru Karaga. The pride of old Bengaluru, Karaga is famous for its high energy procession through the Pete area, with a man carrying the Karaga, camouflaged by flowers.
Which God is Karaga?
Varthur Karaga In the name of Draupadi and Dharmaraya Swamy, the procession starts usually at 12:30 am midnight.