Bengaluru airport showcases Karnataka’s heritage during Dasara

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru is celebrating Karnataka’s iconic Dasara festivities by showcasing the State’s art, traditions, and heritage through live performances, installations, festive experiences and interactive moments across the airport. The cultural celebrations will be on till October 17.

According to KIA: “This year, the approach goes beyond showcasing Karnataka’s cultural heritage to making cultural discovery an integral part of the passenger experience. Each activation is rooted in an authentic Karnataka art or craft form, allowing travellers to engage with the stories, skills, and traditions behind them. In doing so, the airport becomes more than a setting for festive décor, bringing the living heritage of Karnataka into the journey itself.”

A key highlight will be the Dasara Gombe at the T2 arrival forecourt, curated by Padma Shri awardee and puppeteer Anupama Hoskere. Karnataka’s puppetry traditions will also come alive through Togalu Gombeyatta, presented by ninth-generation puppeteer Gunduraju and his team on October 16, from 6 p.m. 8 p.m. at the T2 arrival forecourt.

Passengers can engage with Karnataka’s craft traditions through hands-on experiences across T1 and T2. The Channapatna Experience Centre invites passengers to paint traditional lacquered wooden toys, while the Terracotta Experience Centre offers figurine painting rooted in the State’s terracotta traditions. The games zone will feature traditional Karnataka board games, including Huli Kuri, Saalu Aata, Aligulimane, and Chowkabara.

Karnataka celebrates Dasara as ‘naada habba’ (state festival) with the iconic event happening in Mysuru. Different districts across the State also celebrate the festival in unique ways.