Bandi Festival

Bandi or Bhandi festivals ("Bandi Habba") are pre-harvest rituals observed by farmers asking for a good crops. Bandi festivals are observed in northern parts of Karnataka, and they also glorify the women who committed the Sati suicide sacrifice. The festival lasts about a week, climaxing on the last day when the people go into trance chanting local Goddess's (or Mahasati's) glory. It is accompanied by bird sacrifices and fire-walking.

K.L. Kamat/

Man in Trance while Carrying a "Divine Burden"
Observation of the "Bandi Festival", Honavar

The Bandi festivals of Kumta and Ankola towns are popular and accompanying entertainment, "Hagarana" is attended by villagers

See Also:

• Uttara Kannada District