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Karnataka Tourism Guide

Districts of Karnataka
The state of Karnataka comprises of 27 districts that are grouped into four divisions. The four divisions are Bangalore division, Belgaum Division, Gulbarga Division and Mysore Division.

Culture of Karnataka
Karnataka is a treasure island of ritualistic dances. The dances are denoted by the generic term Kunitha. The major art forms are Dollu Kunitha, Puja kunitha, Pata Kunitha, Gorava Kunitha, Kamsale, Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha. Other than these dances, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak are well known classical dances. The music of Karnataka flourished under the royal patronage of the Vijayanagar Empire and the Wadayars. The Hindustani music and Caranatic music are the popular music genres of Karnataka.
Yakshagana is an elaborate dance-drama performance unique to Karnataka. Major festivals of Karnataka are Dussehra ,Hampi Festival, Tula Sankramana, Vairamudi Festival, Kambala or buffalo racing, Sri Vithappa fair, Sri Shidlingappa`s fair etc.

More on Culture
Costume of Karnataka - Karnataka , south of India, is the silk hub of the country. It is famous for the production of regal silk saris, which happen to be the traditional costumes of this place. These saris not only decorate the state women, but also establish its sway in other parts of the country and in foreign nations.

Karnataka Silks has a wide spectrum. It has abundant variety, namely, smooth silks, sleek chiffons, and gorgeous brocades.

Indeed, Bangalore and Mysore, are the epicenters of silk-industries in South India. The marvelous shine , the super quality thread and the interweaving of gold threads in exclusive creations, attribute to the profound popularity of the sari as the favorite costume.

The Konjeeveram or Kanchipurram silks, of Kanchipuram in Karnataka, dazzle the eye with the rich texture, mind-blowing colours, fabulous designs. The Kanchipuram Silk Saree is a hand-woven creation. The silk yarn is dyed to bring the desired colour and afterwards Jari is interleaved into the yarn. Pure Jari is a silk thread, intertwined with a thin silver wire and then gilded with pure gold. It is the furnish of Jari, which adds the element of shimmer in the yarn. The technique of Kanchipuram-making calls for Sarees the conjunction of three threads to concertedly make the silk thread used for weaving. This gives the sari a durable quality. Hence, the outstanding Kanchipuram sarees , usually turn out to be the bridal costume of Karnataka.

Among the other popular items , Mysore silk, deserve mention. The magnificent mantle, the lustrous zari and the rich silk, make the saree assume an enchanting look. These sarees are less expensive than the queen of silks, Kanchipuram silks. Therefore, its reasonable costs make it more affordable for the ordinary people and, still give them the elegance, they are searching for.

Arani Silks, Valkalams, Kora Silks, Patola Sarees, exclusive Designer Mysore Silk Printed Sarees, Crepe Silk Sarees Chiffon Silk Sarees, and Raw Silk saris can satisfy the aesthetically conscious population of Karnataka. Sari with this splendid variety is thus the traditional costume of Karnataka.

The Kornadu saris are fascinating in their fusion-display of cotton and silk. The saris are woven in a blue cotton yarn together with a silk yarn in other multiple shades. The motifs in the sarees are varied and the body of the sari either bestowed with checks or stripes. These saris are used as daily comfort wears.

The Mysore crepe silk, is apt as costume for office or workplace, more because of its light-weight, and easier maintenance. It is supple opaque crepe silk complemented with Jari margins. These saris are dyed in spectacular colours after the completion of the weaving.

The Ilkal and the Mokalmuru sarees stand as the ethnic insignia of Karnataka. . It is used for regular wear and tear and also as traditional costume, by a fashion-conscious Karnataka lady.

Karnataka presents before the world its harmonization of modernity and tradition. When Bangalore reigns as the Silicon Valley of India, it is evident that women and men, will also adhere to the formal office wear, suitable for working environs. Today`s girl`s might wear Mysore crepe salwars, or Karnataka handloom`s cotton salwar or sari, or even Western jeans and trousers, while going to office.

when it comes to considering the office costume of Karnataka men, they wear formal shirts, or T-shirts or trousers, without having the privilege of many options.

However, on special occasions, men might dress themselves in ornate versions of their traditional costume , the Panche, which is a Dhoti-like apparel. In recent times, only the rustic men of Karnataka stick to Panche, as their everyday costume. Mysore Peta is the traditional headdress for Karnataka.

The magic wand of technology has cast its spell on Karnataka. But surprisingly enough, the demand for the traditional costume of Karnataka, especially those of women, has not declined, but is on the rise with the passage of time. Recent technological improvement rather has set the textile industry of Karnataka on a boom. This state has established an ideal example of blending present priorities with tradition, to achieve the best of costumes.

Festivals of Karnataka - The state of Karnataka has its own set of festivals, which have a special significance for the people of Karnataka. The festivals of Karnataka unfolds the rich cultural attributes of Karnataka in quite an articulate way.This state has a multi-religious population and many religious festivals are celebrated harmoniously. People of different faiths seem to immerse themselves completely in following the religious traditions with utmost veneration. This state in fact shares equal enthusiasm and fervor of celebrating the religious and traditional festivals with the rest of the country. Besides the religious festivals there are some festivals, which showcases the cultural wealth of the state, which is again represented vibrantly in myriad colors and forms. Then there are a host of festivals, which are linked, with the life style of the people and are celebrated with equal pomp and show. The fairs following the festivals in the state of Karnataka plays an important role in the commercial life of the people apart from being the sources of entertainment.

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