Festivals

Navaratri is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Dharwad, Karnataka, bringing together religious devotion, traditional customs, cultural programmes and community celebrations. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms, culminating in Vijaya Dashami (Dasara). During Navaratri, temples across Dharwad are beautifully decorated, and special pujas, devotional programmes, discourses and cultural performances are organised. Dharwad has more than 40 Durga temples, many of which observe the festival with unique decorations and religious activities. A major attraction is the nine-day fair at Shri Lakshmi Narayana Temple in Ravivar Peth, which draws large crowds from Dharwad and surrounding areas. Shri Lakshmi Narayana Temple Dharwad Other important celebrations take place at temples including Durgadevi Temple, Venkateshwara Temple and Nagareshwara Temple. The celebrations also include Dandia Raas, folk performances, cultural programmes and the grand Jamboo Savari procession. In recent celebrations, the procession featured numerous artistic troupes and attracted large crowds along the streets of Dharwad.

Dharwad Utsav is a major cultural celebration that showcases the rich artistic heritage, musical traditions and cultural diversity of Dharwad, Karnataka. The festival has traditionally provided a platform for renowned musicians, folk artists, dancers, theatre performers and local talents to present their art to the public. The celebrations have featured classical and folk music, dance performances, cultural programmes, theatre, literary activities and traditional arts, bringing together artists and audiences from Dharwad and across Karnataka. Dharwad’s strong association with Hindustani classical music makes music an especially important part of the festival. However, it is worth noting that Dharwad Utsav has not been held regularly in recent years; a January 2026 report stated that the festival had not been held since 2014 and that local cultural groups were seeking its revival.

Chabbi Ganeshotsava is a historic and distinctive Ganesh festival celebrated in Chabbi near Hubballi in Dharwad district, Karnataka. The tradition is believed to date back to 1827, when Shri Guru Krishnendra Swamiji instructed the Kulkarni family of Chabbi to worship a red-coloured idol of Lord Ganesha for prosperity. The tradition continues through generations of the Kulkarni family, with several family households ceremonially installing red Ganesha idols on Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees from Chabbi, Hubballi-Dharwad and surrounding regions visit during the festival to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings and offer prayers. The beautifully decorated red-coloured idols and traditional rituals are the major highlights of the celebration, making Chabbi Ganeshotsava an important religious and cultural attraction of Dharwad district.

Kamanna Temple Navalagund, popularly associated with Ramalingeshwara Kamanna, is a unique religious and cultural tradition of Navalgund in Dharwad district, Karnataka. The celebration is closely connected with the Holi festival and takes place at the Ramalingeshwara Temple. During the festival, an idol of Kamanna (Kamadeva/Manmatha) is installed and worshipped for several days. According to Hindu tradition, Kamadeva attempted to disturb Lord Shiva’s meditation and was reduced to ashes when Shiva opened his third eye. This story is traditionally associated with the symbolism of Holi and Kamanna celebrations. A distinctive feature of the Navalgund celebration is the offering of silver articles to Kamanna. Devotees may offer items such as a silver cradle while praying for children, believing that their wishes will be fulfilled. People from Navalgund and surrounding areas, and visitors from farther places, participate in the festivities.

Dharwad Habba is a vibrant cultural and music festival that celebrates the rich artistic heritage, traditions and community spirit of Dharwad. The festival brings together local artists, musicians, dancers, comedians and cultural performers on a common platform, offering audiences an entertaining blend of music, dance, folk performances, comedy and cultural programmes. The event has featured performances by renowned singers and artists along with local talent, providing an opportunity for emerging performers to showcase their skills. Recent editions have also included award ceremonies and programmes honouring individuals who have contributed to Dharwad’s cultural and social life. Usually organised over several days, Dharwad Habba creates a lively atmosphere where families, young people, artists and visitors can come together to enjoy entertainment while celebrating the cultural identity of the city.