Bengaluru Karaga 2027: The Old City's Night Procession
Bengaluru Karaga is one of the city's oldest festivals, and its climax is a procession through the Pete on the night of Chaitra Purnima, the full moon that in 2027 falls on Tuesday 20 April, according to Drik Panchang. The temple had not announced its 2027 schedule at the time of writing; the festival lasts about nine to eleven days and ends with the procession. It belongs to the Thigala community and honours Draupadi as Adishakti. A priest dressed in women's clothing carries the Karaga, a tall floral pyramid balanced on his head, out of the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Thigalarpet, escorted by sword-bearing Veerakumaras. In 2026 the procession set out at about 2:10 am on 2 April, covered nearly 22 kilometres, stopped at 26 temples and, as it does every year, visited the Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah in Cottonpet before returning to the temple by morning; more than 10 lakh people were reported to have watched. Roads in the old city are closed to traffic and lined with spectators through the night. This page lists the Karaga and related heritage walks and events in Bengaluru (Bangalore).
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Good to know
- The main procession starts well after midnight, so plan to be in the Pete from late evening until dawn.
- Use the Green Line to Chickpete or Krishna Rajendra Market before the last train, and check whether BMRCL extends services that night.
- Pick one viewing point along the route and stay there; moving through the lanes once the crowd builds is very difficult.
- Leave vehicles outside the old city. Roads around the temple are closed, and parking is not available.
- Dress modestly, carry water, and keep phones and wallets in a front pocket.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bengaluru Karaga 2027?
The procession takes place on the night of Chaitra Purnima, which is Tuesday 20 April 2027 according to Drik Panchang. The temple's detailed schedule had not been announced at the time of writing.
Where does the Karaga procession start?
At the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Thigalarpet, in the old Pete area near KR Market.
What time does the procession begin?
After midnight. In 2026 it set out at about 2:10 am and returned to the temple in the morning.
Why does the Karaga visit a dargah?
By long tradition the procession stops at the Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah in Cottonpet, a custom seen as a symbol of the old city's Hindu–Muslim harmony.
Is it suitable for children?
The crowds are very dense and the main procession is in the small hours, so it is hard going for young children.
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