Bengaluru Gears Up for Bandidevara Utsava: A Three-Day Celebration of Culture and Heritage

Bengaluru, June 24, 2025 – Bengaluru is set to host the vibrant Bandidevara Utsava from June 25 to 27, a three-day cultural and religious celebration that honors the traditions of South Karnataka’s agrarian communities. Coinciding with the birth anniversary of Bengaluru’s founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the event aims to bring together people from across the state to celebrate shared history, spiritual devotion, and Karnataka’s agricultural legacy.

Festival with Historical Significance

The Bandidevara Utsava traces its origins to the ancestral customs of Kempegowda’s forebears, especially Ranabhairagowda, who migrated from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka centuries ago. Fleeing adversity, they revered divine protectors known as Bandis, believed to have safeguarded their journey. Today, the festival pays homage to those traditions, drawing participation from farming families who gather to celebrate their heritage and spirituality.

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Press meet held at Press club of Bengaluru

Ceremonial Start on June 25

The festivities will commence on June 25 at 9:00 AM with a special prayer service at Basavanagudi, followed by a traditional procession to the Vokkaliga Sangha premises in Chamrajpet. Women will conduct age-old rituals such as Kumkurn and Akshata, drawing water in ceremonial pots and preparing traditional sweets. The day will also feature storytelling sessions, religious discourses, and cultural activities including games and folk performances.

Cultural Parade Through Bengaluru on June 26

A key highlight of the festival will be the grand Bandis procession on the evening of June 26, featuring twelve ornately decorated sacred carts. The procession will begin at 7:00 PM from the BBMP premises, passing through Hudson Circle, Cubbon Park, and the High Court, and will conclude at the Kempegowda statue in front of Vidhana Soudha by 8:00 PM.

The event will include traditional dance troupes, rural folk performances, and religious music. A ceremonial arati will be performed at the statue, followed by distribution of prasada (blessed sweets). Several prominent dignitaries are expected to attend, including spiritual leaders, the Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and senior political representatives.

Final Day Marks Unity and Kempegowda Jayanti – June 27

The concluding day, June 27, will coincide with Kempegowda Jayanti and focus on the themes of unity and brotherhood. Farming families across the state will cook and share meals with neighbors, symbolizing communal harmony and gratitude. The celebration aims to reinforce Karnataka’s values of peace, solidarity, and cultural pride.

Organized with Spiritual Guidance and Community Support

The festival is being conducted under the spiritual leadership of Paramapoojya Shri Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, with strong support from an organizing committee led by:

Patrons: Shri B.N. Bachchegowda, Shri Prashanth Prakash

Honorary President: Shri Jayaram Raipura

President: Dr. Talakadu Chikkarangowda

Vice Presidents: Shri D. Muniraju, Shri Nayan Gowda B.S., Shri N. Nagaraj

Secretary: Shri M. Amaresh

Treasurer: Shri K. Madhu


The executive committee features a dedicated team including Dr. B.S. Puttswamy, Divya Rangenenahalli, G. Nagaraj, Dr. Suneeth, Divya Harsha, Dr. B. Pandukumar, N.It. Chananjayya, Mageri Narayanaswamy, Srinivas G. Kappanna, Prof. Jayaprakash Gowda, S.A. Puttaraju, M.V. Madan Kumar, Govindegowda, and Hallikar Doddagowda.

As Karnataka prepares to celebrate its cultural richness and rural traditions, the Bandidevara Utsava promises to be a meaningful reminder of the region’s enduring spirit and community values.