As Dasara celebrations have begun in Mysuru and various parts of Karnataka, many communities that have made Bengaluru their home, including Bengalis and Gujaratis, are gearing up to host Durga Puja and Dandiya, respectively, in different parts of the city from October 15 to 21.

For instance, the North Bangalore Cultural Samithi (NBCS) is celebrating its 49th Durga Puja in Mahalakshmipuram. Kalyan Pathak, media convener, NBCS, said, “This year’s theme is Shatadal, a lotus with a hundred petals, symbolising purity, spiritual awakening, and harmony. This Durga Puja, too, is the collective effort of hundreds of people — a coming together of several generations.”

Mr. Pathak added, “On October 16, which is Shashthi, the festivities will begin with ‘Padmapurna Agomoni’, followed by a special puja, music, and dance performances. The Anandamela, our festive food fair, will offer a delicious variety of homemade Bengali food, sweets, and savouries to the visitors. From Saptami to Navami, the Goddess will be worshipped every morning, followed by bhog prasad.”

Meanwhile, Jayamahal Cultural Association (JCA), one of Bengaluru’s oldest Durga Puja associations, will mark its 72nd Durgotsav with the theme ‘Sabekiyana – Tradition Relived’. Anuradha Roy, president, JCA, said, “Having been part of Jayamahal for more than 40 years, I feel a responsibility towards continuing and nourishing the tradition of warmth and hospitality, which has become the hallmark of Jayamhal Durga Puja for more than seven decades. The meeting of Bengali and Kannada cultural traditions will be particularly evident on Maha Ashtami on October 19.”

Ms. Anuradha said, “Dhunuchi Naach, a devotional dance performed with incense-filled earthen censers by association members, will be the main attraction. This will be followed by an open floor for visitors, and will precede Dollu Kunitha, Karnataka’s traditional drum dance. Bringing these distinct traditions onto the same stage reflects Jayamahal’s celebration of its Bengali heritage within the cultural life of Karnataka.”

According to JCA, the Durga Pratima is being created in Bengaluru by artisans from West Bengal in the traditional Ek-chala style with Ma Durga and her four children. Bengaluru-based artist Samir Paul, a sculptor, painter and researcher and an alumni of Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, is creating the pandal decoration.

Similarly, Jagriti Bangiyo Cultural Association will be celebrating Durga Puja at ITI Grounds in K.R. Puram from October 15. Pompi Ghosh, association member, “The speciality of our celebrations is that we are inviting women dhol players, popularly known as ‘Mahila Dhaki’, all the way from West Bengal. There are always men who play huge dhols and women dance. But our association decided to invite Mahila Dhaki so that we can empower and support them financially during peak seasons like this.”

A file photo of Dandiya celebrations in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: File photo

The Gujarati community will bring its famed Dandiya. The Gujarati Samaj of Bengaluru will host large-scale Dasara celebrations at Palace Grounds, Gate Number 2.

Ashok Dani, samaj chairman, said, “We have been celebrating Dasara through Dandiya for many decades, and for the past few years, we have been hosting it at Palace Grounds as the number of people from our community has only increased. More than 3,000 people are coming everyday as the celebrations have already begun. We have invited singer Bhoomi Trivedi and various orchestras from across India. The celebrations will begin everyday at 8 p.m. and go on till midnight.”

The Gujarati Samaj will host Dandiya Raas 2026 from October 16 to 18 at Vistar Resort in Electronic City. The samaj is inviting traditional singers and orchestra teams from Gujarat, with authentic garba being the main attraction.