Holidays in Karnataka in 2025

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

These Karnataka festivals affirm the rich cultural heritage of the state, embedded in profound traditional, religious, and historical connections. Below is a glimpse of some of the widely observed days:

• Ugadi
  Celebrated as the Kannada New Year, Ugadi is the start of the lunisolar calendar and is usually in March or April. Ugadi is a day of rituals, traditional festivities, and symbolic starts.
• Ganesh Chaturthi
  Ganesh Chaturthi is widely observed throughout Karnataka with grand decorations, community functions, and processions celebrating Lord Ganesha.
• Dasara (Vijayadashami)
  Dasara of Karnataka, particularly in Mysuru, is one of the most recognizable festivals in India. The 10-day celebration encompasses colorful parades, cultural programs, and a splendid royal procession depicting the rich heritage of the state.
• Kannada Rajyotsava
  Celebrated on the 1st of November every year, Kannada Rajyotsava is a celebration of the inception of Karnataka. The event is celebrated with patriotic processions, cultural events, and hoisting of the Karnataka flag throughout the state.
• Independence Day & Republic Day
  These national celebrations are celebrated with fervor in Karnataka, with flag hoisting ceremonies, school events, parades, and cultural events across the state.
• Basava Jayanti
  Basava Jayanti celebrates the birthday of Basavanna, a philosopher and reformer who lived in the 12th century. The day is marked by spiritual congregations, processions, and the dissemination of his teachings and legacy.
• Makar Sankranti
  Marked as a harvest festival, Makar Sankranti—that is also known as Pongal in certain regions of South India—is celebrated with traditional cuisine, kite flying, and communal celebrations.
• Ayudha Puja
  Part of the overall Dasara celebration, Ayudha Puja is devoted to worshipping tools, vehicles, and instruments. Individuals cleanse and adorn them as a mark of respect and gratitude.
• Karaga Festival
  An old and distinctive festival of Bengaluru, the Karaga procession includes a ritual in which a priest balances a decorated earthen pot (Karaga) on his head along the streets in the dead of night, preceded by music and dance.
• Maha Shivaratri
  Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with utmost reverence throughout Karnataka. People fast, go to Shiva temples, and conduct night-long prayers, singing songs of praise and celebrating the divine power of Lord Shiva.