Karnataka encompasses myths and legends. The festivals of Karnataka mirror the culture and beliefs of the people. Festivals in India revolve around gods, goddesses and saints. Festivals can also be celebrated to mark the commencement of a new season. In Indian culture the beginning of anything that is auspicious is marked by celebrations. These festivals differ with communities. Karnataka, too, is in no way different from the rest of India. This state in the sub continent is dotted with temples. But the best part about these festivals is that they reveal the spirit of multiculturalism in Karnataka. Besides the Hindu temples there are a host of Jain Basadis in Karnataka.

Religious festivals in Karnataka are well known for their vibrancy. Elaborate rituals and mass participation make these festivals a treat to watch.

The following are the festivals in Karnataka:
Dasara
This festival is popularly known as Dusshera in India. It is generally celebrated in the month of October. This particular dates back to 15th century and till date is celebrated with much splendor and merriment. In South India Dasara celebrates the victory of Shakti over the demon Mahishasura. This festival takes place for nine days and on the last day a colorful procession throngs the street of Mysore.

Hampi Festival (Vijaya Utsav)
Hampi festival or Vijaya Utsav celebrates the golden era of Vijayanagar Kingdom. The celebrations here include lot of cultural activity. Participants from across the world come here to showcase their talent. The city is decorated with lights. At night it presents a wonderful scenario to look at. The pomp and grandeur of the city will remind one of the olden days. Since the celebrations commemorate the past days same kind of grandness is maintained still today.

Tula Sankramana
Through this festival the people of Karnataka pay their homage to River Cauvery. This particular festival is celebrated in the month of October in Coorg District. River Cauvery is considered a savior of the Kannada people. As a result the locals worship it. Several legends are integrally linked to the origin of the river and it is also mentioned in the Hindu holy books.

Vairamudi Festival
Vairamudi festival is named after the crown. Lord Vishnu is adorned with this diamond-studded crown in the temple of Melkote. This festival too has its roots in the legends and myths. It is celebrated as a part of Banmahotsavam and is participated by devotees from all over the world. This event takes place at night and continues throughout night.

Kambala (Buffalo Race)
A traditional sport by nature it is still widely played today in Karnataka. The origin of this game however remains untraced. As the harvesting season commences this game is arranged for. This tradition is a way of thanking the gods for looking after the farmers` crops. In the Tulu community it is still celebrated with much fanfare. It is presumed that this sport began for entertainment off the rulers: What once began as a royal a pastime has today become an integral part of Kannada culture.

Karaga
It is celebrated at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bangalore. This festival is generally held between March and April. A unique feature of the Karaga is the unbroken tradition of visiting the tomb of an 18th century Muslim saint every year - this custom has become a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Kadalekayi Parishe
It is actually a fair. This takes place as a groundnut fair and the first yield of the crop is presented to the gods. This festival also has roots in the myths and legends. In the adjacent areas there are idols of the Bull and Dodda Ganesha.

Huthri
This is a harvesting festival and is celebrated in the month of November or December. This too is a way of extending their gratitude to the gods. The festival commences on a full moon night. The ceremony is accompanied by the chants of "Poli, Poli, Deva" which is an invocation to gods to increase their yield every year.

Maha mastakabhisheka, Shravanabelagola
Maha masthakabhisheka is a significant Jain festival that is held once in every twelve years. This festival takes place in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka where the highest statue of Bhagwan Bahubali or Gomateswara is to be found. It is the anointment ceremony of the lord and held in the month of February. Devotees from all over the world participate in this festival.