Holidays in Karnataka in 2026

Holidays specific to Karnataka

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across Karnataka to welcome the new harvest season. Unlike many other festivals, it falls on a fixed date each year and marks the first major celebration of the calendar year.

A significant celebration in the state is Kannada Rajyotsava, held on 1 November every year. It marks the formation of the state of Karnataka and is celebrated with cultural events and the distribution of Rajyotsava Awards.

Top Holiday Destinations in Karnataka

From ancient history and grand architecture to wildlife, beaches, and adventure, Karnataka is home to a wide range of holiday destinations that cater to every kind of traveller. Here's a closer look at some must-visit spots in the state:

• Coorg (Madikeri)
  Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, Coorg is known for its lush green meadows, sprawling coffee plantations, and serene natural beauty.Popular attractions include Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, and the rich cultural heritage that defines the region.
• Mysuru (Mysore)
  Mysuru is steeped in royal history, with the grand Mysore Palace being its crown jewel—passed down through generations of the Wodeyar dynasty.The city is dotted with historic landmarks that bring the past alive with vibrant presence.
• Hampi
  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a stunning archaeological treasure trove filled with the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.Its surreal landscape is lined with ancient temples, stone bazaars, and awe-inspiring rock structures that seem frozen in time.
• Gokarna
  One of India's most tranquil beach destinations, Gokarna offers idyllic stretches of sand such as Om Beach and Kudle Beach.It's also a sacred spot, home to the revered Mahabaleshwara Temple, drawing both pilgrims and backpackers alike.
• Badami
  Famed for its remarkable rock-cut cave temples, Badami is a significant archaeological site.With its striking architecture and the serene Agastya Lake nearby, a visit here feels like stepping back into history.
• Chikmagalur
  Chikmagalur is a haven for nature lovers. Known for its lush coffee estates and the towering Mullayanagiri Peak,it offers breathtaking landscapes, cool weather, and a peaceful escape into the hills.
• Hassan
  A hub of heritage, Hassan is home to the exquisite Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu.The temples' detailed carvings and masterful architecture make it a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.

Major Festivals and Observances in Karnataka

The festivals of Karnataka reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in traditional, religious, and historical influences. Below are some of the most widely observed festivals and important days across the state.

• Ugadi
  Ugadi, celebrated in March or April, marks the Kannada New Year and the beginning of the lunisolar calendar. The day is associated with rituals, traditional foods, and symbolic new beginnings.
• Ganesh Chaturthi
  Ganesh Chaturthi is usually observed in August or September and is celebrated across Karnataka with grand decorations, community gatherings, and processions dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
• Dasara (Vijayadashami)
  Dasara, celebrated in September or October, is one of Karnataka’s most iconic festivals, especially in Mysuru. The ten-day celebration includes colourful parades, cultural performances, and the famous royal procession that showcases the state’s heritage.
• Kannada Rajyotsava
  Celebrated on 1 November, Kannada Rajyotsava marks the formation of the state of Karnataka. The day is observed with flag hoisting, patriotic processions, and cultural events throughout the state.
• Independence Day & Republic Day
  Independence Day, observed on 15 August, and Republic Day, celebrated on 26 January, are national holidays marked across Karnataka with flag-hoisting ceremonies, school programmes, parades, and cultural events.
• Basava Jayanti
  Basava Jayanti, usually observed in April or May, commemorates the birth anniversary of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer. The day is marked by spiritual gatherings, processions, and discussions on his teachings.
• Makar Sankranti
  Celebrated in January, Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival in Karnataka. It is observed with traditional cuisine, kite flying, and community celebrations. In some regions of South India, it is also known as Pongal.
• Ayudha Puja
  Ayudha Puja, celebrated in September or October as part of the Dasara festivities, involves the worship of tools, vehicles, and instruments. People clean and decorate their equipment as a gesture of gratitude and respect.
• Karaga Festival
  The Karaga Festival, typically held in March or April, is one of Bengaluru’s oldest and most distinctive festivals. It features a night-long procession where a priest carries a decorated earthen pot (Karaga) on his head, accompanied by music and dance.
• Maha Shivaratri
  Maha Shivaratri is usually observed in February or March and is celebrated with great devotion across Karnataka. Devotees fast, visit Shiva temples, and participate in night-long prayers and devotional singing.