11-day Bengaluru Karaga celebrations to kick off on Tuesday night

BENGALURU: The historic Karaga festival in Bengaluru kicks off on Tuesday night with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Sri Dharmarayaswamy Temple in Thigalarapet.

The 11-day festival will culminate with the Hasi Karaga on March 30 and the Karaga Shaktyotsava on April 1 midnight. The flower-decorated Karaga, symbolising Goddess Draupadi, will be taken out in a procession, drawing lakhs of devotees.

A Gnanendra Swami will carry the Karaga this year and over 10 lakh devotees are expected to participate in the festival. At a press conference to discuss the Karaga Shaktyotsava, the organising committee members said the flag-hoisting will take place around 2 am and the Kodi Mara will be brought to the temple around 4 pm. A procession will be taken through the main streets at night.

From March 24 to 28, Bhavi pujas will be conducted in all the eight directions at the temple. On March 29, Andhi Deepas will be lit at night. There will be presentation of traditional martial arts. On March 30, Hasi Karaga will be conducted three days prior to Chaitra Purnima along with Pongal Seva. The final Karaga will be held on April 1.