ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ

NEWS – Bengaluru Karaga Festival celebrated HIGHLIGHTS • Historical Roots o The festival dates back 300 years and originates from the Mahabharata. o Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, plays a central role, creating Veera Kumaras to defeat Timirasura. o Draupadi promised to return each year during the full moon of Chaitra, leading to the Karaga festival o Karaga festival marks Draupadi's return in the form of Adishakti. o Devotees gather to celebrate this symbolic return. • Procession and Rituals o The procession begins at Shri Dharma Raya Swamy temple in Nagarathpete, Bengaluru. o A priest from the Thilaga community carries a flower-decked pyramid as part of the rituals. • Symbol of Unity o Karaga festival symbolizes unity between communities, including a visit to Astana e-Hazrath Tawakkal Mastan Shah Saharwardi Dargah

• National Panchayati Raj Day: Celebrated annually on April 24th to honor the establishment of the Panchayati Raj System in India, introduced in 1993 by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. • Grassroots Democracy: The system empowers local bodies, or Gramme Panchayats, to govern themselves and make development decisions, promoting participatory democracy and community involvement. • Empowerment and Development: Celebrating National Panchayati Raj Day reaffirms India's commitment to grassroots democracy, empowering rural areas, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. • History and Significance: Originating from ancient village councils, the Panchayati Raj System gained constitutional status in 1993, marking a crucial step in decentralizing political power and addressing local challenges effectively. • 2024 Celebration: The 31st anniversary of National Panchayati Raj Day will feature an award ceremony recognizing outstanding panchayats for their contributions to rural development.