Festivals & Events
Kerebete Festival
The Kerebete festival takes place annually in the Malnad region of Karnataka, particularly in villages like Channashettikoppa in the Sagara taluk of the Shivamogga district. It’s typically held in May, when the summer rains have receded and the water level in village ponds becomes lower. Asianet Suvarna News+1
What Happens
- Villagers gather in a large pond and engage in traditional fish-hunting using age-old methods — entering the water, using nets or spears, and racing to catch fish. Asianet Suvarna News+1
- It’s a festive occasion: people from neighbouring villages come to witness the event, mechanisms like tenders for netting are arranged, and big catches (e.g., 25 kg or 30 kg fishes) are part of the attraction. Asianet Suvarna News
- The event is deeply rooted in Malnad’s culture, reflecting community rhythms, tradition and heritage. The Times of India+1
Significance & Experience
- Cultural heritage: Kerebete is more than a sport — it’s a ritual-festival that honours local water-bodies, community labour, and shared seasonal rhythms.
- Tourist attraction: The spectacle draws large crowds, offering visitors a glimpse into Malnad’s rural life, folklore, and communal traditions.
- Planning tip: For best experience, arrive early, wear comfortable clothing (you might get wet), respect local customs, and follow instructions for visitor zones.
Quick Facts
- Best time: May (summer) when water is lower and event is held.
- Location sample: Channashettikoppa village, Ponds in Sagara taluk.
- Unique draw: Traditional communal fish hunt — a rare cultural-sport hybrid.
- Visitor tip: Wear sandals you don’t mind getting wet; bring a waterproof cover for your camera; local food stalls will be active.
Kuvempu Rangamandira — A Cultural Stage of Shivamogga
Kuvempu Rangamandira, located in the heart of Shivamogga city, is one of the region’s premier cultural venues. Named after the great Kannada poet Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, this auditorium serves as a hub for artistic, educational, and community events throughout the year.
Events in Brief
- Theatre Performances: Regular Kannada drama productions, classical plays, and experimental theatre by local and visiting troupes.
- Cultural Festivals: Annual celebrations of Kannada Rajyotsava, dance festivals, music recitals, and poetry readings.
- Educational Seminars & Lectures: Hosted by local universities and cultural associations to promote art, literature, and heritage.
- Award Ceremonies & Public Programs: A venue for civic and state-level functions honouring achievers in education, literature, and public service.
Experience
Visitors can enjoy an authentic slice of Karnataka’s cultural life — from traditional Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam performances to modern theatre and musical fusions. The architecture itself blends modern comfort with a traditional aesthetic, providing a fitting atmosphere for performances.
Location
Kuvempu Rangamandira, near the central part of Shivamogga city, is easily accessible from bus and railway stations, making it a key cultural landmark for both residents and tourists.
NINASAM Drama Series — The Cultural Heartbeat of Malnad
NINASAM (Neelakanteshwara Natyaseva Sangha), located in Heggodu near Sagara, Shivamogga district, is one of India’s most respected cultural institutions, known for its deep contribution to theatre, cinema, and cultural education. Founded in 1949 by K.V. Subbanna, it has grown into a vibrant centre that keeps the artistic spirit of Karnataka alive.
Drama Series in Brief
- Annual Theatre Festival (Ninasam Tirugata):
A travelling theatre troupe that tours across Karnataka, bringing high-quality plays — from classical Kannada literature to modern scripts — to towns and villages. - Ninasam Theatre Repertory:
Performs a wide range of productions throughout the year, featuring dramas inspired by world literature, Indian epics, and social themes. - Workshops & Training:
The institution conducts short-term and long-term theatre workshops for aspiring artists, writers, and directors, focusing on acting, stagecraft, lighting, and dramaturgy. - Film Appreciation Courses:
Organized in collaboration with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), these are among the most popular courses in India for cinema enthusiasts.
- Annual Theatre Festival (Ninasam Tirugata):
Experience
Visiting Ninasam offers a glimpse into grassroots theatre excellence — performed in Kannada and other Indian languages — that bridges urban and rural audiences. The serene backdrop of Heggodu enhances the immersive cultural experience.
Location
Heggodu Village, near Sagara, Shivamogga District, Karnataka.
Easily reachable from Shivamogga city (approx. 75 km), it is surrounded by lush Malnad greenery — perfect for creative reflection and artistic exploration.
Rameshwara Temple Teppotsava —A Divine Celebration on Water
The Rameshwara Temple Teppotsava , (Float Festival) in Shivamogga is a grand annual celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva, held at the ancient Rameshwara Temple situated on the banks of the Tunga River.
Festival in Brief
The Teppotsava, meaning float festival, marks a sacred ritual where the idol of Lord Rameshwara is placed on a beautifully decorated float (teppa) and taken around the temple tank or river in a ceremonial procession. This symbolizes the divine journey of the deity and the harmony between spirituality and nature.
Key Highlights:
- The float is illuminated with oil lamps and flowers, creating a mesmerizing reflection on the water.
- Devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and witness the spectacle under moonlight.
- Traditional performances, bhajans, and cultural programs are held during the festival.
- The event also includes temple rituals, abhisheka, and deepa aradhana.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The Teppotsava celebrates devotion, purification, and renewal, bringing together communities and showcasing Shivamogga’s deep connection to its riverine culture. It’s not just a religious event — it’s a vibrant fusion of faith, art, and tradition.
Location
Rameshwara Temple, near the Tunga River, Shivamogga City, Karnataka.
The temple’s riverside location and historic charm make it one of the most spiritually enriching experiences in the Malnad region.
Shivamogga Dasara — A Royal Celebration of Culture and Devotion
Shivamogga Dasara , often called the “Mini Mysuru Dasara”, , is one of the grandest and most vibrant festivals celebrated in the Malnad region. It mirrors the splendor of Mysuru’s world-famous Dasara, blending royal pageantry, cultural heritage, and spiritual devotionin a uniquely local way.
Festival in Brief:
- Duration: 10 days (during Navaratri, usually in September–October)
- Main Venue: City center and Government grounds, Shivamogga
- Organized by: District Administration and local cultural bodies
The festival begins with the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The city is decorated with dazzling lights, flower displays, and colorful street art.
Key Highlights
- Grand Procession: A majestic parade featuring cultural tableaux, traditional dance troupes, and decorated elephants.
- Music & Drama Nights: Local and state-level artists perform classical and folk programs each evening.
- Food & Handicraft Fair: Showcases Malnad cuisine, local crafts, and eco-friendly products.
- Sports and Art Competitions: Involve schoolchildren, youth, and community groups.
- Puja & Rituals: Temples across Shivamogga conduct special Navaratri ceremonies and Ayudha Pooja on the ninth day.
Cultural Significance
Shivamogga Dasara celebrates tradition, community spirit, and artistic excellence. It serves as a platform for local artisans, folk performers, and cultural troupes, highlighting the deep-rooted heritage of the Malnad region.
The final day, known as Vijayadashami, marks the triumph of righteousness, culminating with fireworks and the grand closing ceremony.
Experience It
The festival transforms Shivamogga into a cultural hotspot, attracting visitors from all over Karnataka. With its regal processions, illuminated streets, and festive spirit, Shivamogga Dasara stands as a proud reflection of the region’s royal past and vibrant present.
Yakshagana — The Theatrical Soul of Shivamogga
Yakshagana is one of the most vibrant and traditional folk art forms of coastal and Malnad Karnataka — and Shivamogga, proudly stands as one of its cultural hubs. It’s a unique blend of dance, drama, music, and storytelling ,performed with colorful costumes, powerful dialogues, and live percussion.
Event in Brief
Yakshagana is not just a performance — it’s an overnight spectacle that combines mythology, philosophy, and entertainment, The art form dramatizes stories from epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas,performed under open skies, often lasting till dawn.
- When: Throughout the cultural season (November to May)
- Where: Local temples, community stages, and cultural festivals in Shivamogga district
- Organizers: Local Yakshagana troupes (Melas) and cultural organizations
Key Highlights
- Vibrant Costumes & Makeup: Intricately designed headgear, colorful attire, and dramatic face paint that symbolize gods, demons, and heroes.
- Live Music Ensemble: Traditional instruments like chande, maddale, and taala create a powerful rhythmic backdrop.
- Narration & Dialogue: The Bhagavata (lead singer) narrates the story through poetic verses, while actors perform and improvise dialogues on stage.
- Open-Air Theatres: Performed in villages and temple courtyards, bringing the entire community together.
Cultural Significance
Yakshagana represents the spiritual and artistic identity of Malnad, bridging devotion and performance. It educates, entertains, and preserves centuries-old storytelling traditions.
In Shivamogga, the art thrives with dedicated troupes and annual performances that attract enthusiasts from across Karnataka.
Experience It
Visitors to Shivamogga can witness Yakshagana during temple festivals and special cultural events. It’s an unforgettable experience of color, rhythm, mythology, and emotion — truly the heartbeat of Karnataka’s folk culture.