By tradition, the people of Karnataka have embraced a variety of cultural variations that make up the state’s culture. Here’s a glimpse into some of Karnataka’s captivating traditions:
Festivals:
- Ugadi: The New Year’s Day in Karnataka is associated with a ritualistic meal of ‘Bevu Bella’ which literally means sweet and sour from life.
- Dasara (Dussehra): Larger festival comprising of processions, dances and drama along with the worship of Goddess Durga.
- Deepavali (Diwali): The festival of ‘lights’ through beautiful decorations, fire-crackers, and sweet distribution.
- Kannada Rajyotsava: Commemorates the creation of an Indian state called Karnataka and highlights the region’s priceless history.
Art and Culture:
- Yakshagana: For this purpose, a variety of the staged form of music, dance and fictional narration known as Manipuri dance-drama.
- Karnataka Classical Music: An Indian music tradition of its own kind, having its own set of ragas and tunes.
- Kannada Literature: Literature with famous poets and writers, Kuvempu, R.K Narayan, and Girish Karnad.
- Karnataka Cuisine: Great combination of Spicy food having the touch of Rasoi with the cuisines such as Masala Dosa, Idli, Vada, Bisi Bele Bath, etc. Mysore Pak.
It is interesting to know that Traditional costume of Karnataka is quite abundant and different for both male and female categories and everything is fit here.
For Women:
- Saree: Karnataka traditional dress is saree. They do not wear gowns or formal dress materials, rather the favourite dress still prevailing in the area is saree.
- Mysore Silk Saree: Made on silk and has glossy finish on the body with beautiful zari work; it is worn on festive occasions.
- Ilkal Saree: Famously characterized with geometric shapes and bright hues, it’s a go-to style for casual use.
- Kanchipuram Saree: The Bangalore silk saree – which is again very smooth, generally in rich colours and having beautiful and attractive designs, and the traditional saree of Karnataka state is also known as the silk saree.
- Kasuti Saree: This is an embroidered saree, a craft of Karnataka where a lot of efforts are taken by artisans in designing their piece.
- Lambani (Banjara) Attire: This clothing style, which remains now typical of the nomadic people, consists of a long skirt, a bright blouse, and bedecked accessories.
For Men:
- Dhoti: A piece of cloth owing from the waist and generally worn with a Kurta, which is also known as a long shirt. It is one of the Karnataka traditional dress.
- Panche: A more regional garment of the dhoti and a shorter version of that garment as well.
- Angi: Garment that is put on over the kurta, which is a piece of traditional wear for men.
- Mysore Peta: A traditional kind of turban, they wear it on special occasions, they wear it.
Key Points:
- Karnataka traditional dresses depict the cultural sensitivity of the state with much value to history.
- Among the traditional saree is the most famous traditional dress for women, the dhoti and kurta for men.
- There are variations on traditional costumes in different part of Karnataka state.
