Bangalore Karaga
Bengaluru Karaga (Kannada ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಕರಗ) is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in the heart of Bengaluru. Bengaluru Karaga is primarily a well-known tradition of Thigala community in southern Karnataka. The Karaga festival is generally led by the men of the community. There is a legend which gives them this privilege. Thigalas believe that in the last part of the Mahabharatha, when the Pandavas were shown a glimpse of hell, one last Asura (Demon) called Tripurasura was still alive.
At this time, Draupadi, the Pandava's wife, took the form of Shakthi devi. She created a huge army of soldiers called the Veerakumaras. After defeating the Asura, the soldiers asked Shakthi Devi to stay back with them. Though she had to go back, she promised them that she would come to stay with them every year during the first full moon of the first month of the Hindu calendar.
Thigalas believe that they belong to this community of soldiers.
Read more about Bangalore Karaga: History, Karaga Shaktyotsava – Bengaluru's Oldest & Most Important Festival, Karaga – The Festival of Thigala Clan, The Role of Karthas, Historic Events Regarding The Karaga Shakthyotsava, Thigalas and Bengaluru Geography, The Karaga and The Dargah, Group Cohesion, Bengaluru Karaga Route, Mark of Impression, Social Status of The Vahnikula Kshatriya Community, Security Personnel, See Also