Posted 30 May 2023 in Art and Festival

The best cultural festivals to experience in Hubli

Hubli is a major city of Karnataka located in South India. Dharwad is the administrative headquarters, and Hubli is the commercial centre of northern Karnataka and the developing industrial, automobiles and educational centre. The history of Hubli dates back to the Chalukyas times.

Participating in a destination's local celebrations is the best way to appreciate the place you are visiting. This way, not only do you get a taste of the state's culture but also get a better understanding of the importance of each event. Karnataka is one of those states where you may enjoy the greatest of art, history, and festivals, all in one place. Various activities, ranging from dance festivals to pujas and patriotic celebrations, may be discovered and enjoyed. If you happen to find yourself in Hubli, make a point of attending some of the most well-known festivals in the state. Many of the festivals held here are dedicated to art, religion, or changing of the seasons.

Witness these top cultural festivals in Hubli

When you arrive in Hubli, you will be greeted with exhibitions, performances, and delectable sweets. So, get out and experience some of the most popular festivities in the state while spending quality time with your friends and loved ones. Here is a list of festivals that are celebrated in Hubli that you should not miss. Continue reading to learn about the many festivals that are observed in Hubli.

1. Pattadakal Dance Festival

Pattadakal, one of Hubli's dance festivals, attracts many visitors each year. It is held at the town's temples, which were built in the 7th century and have since been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its significance. This event should not be missed by art and dance lovers.

2. Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is another one of the most important harvest festivals in Hubli and it is celebrated every year on 15th January. Also known locally as the Hubli Festival, this is one of the most well-known celebrations in the state and across India. With celebrations dedicated to the Sun God, colourful decorations can be seen everywhere, including magnificent rangolis that some people make in front of their houses. Schools and universities are also decked up in bright colours to encourage students to participate in the event. If you want to see one of the most important festivals in Hubli, then this should be on your itinerary.

3. Ugadi

According to the Hindu calendar, this festival, also known as Gudi Padwa, celebrates the beginning of the new year. According to folklore, it was on this day that Lord Brahma began creating the cosmos. This central festival, in Hubli, is celebrated with great zeal, and much planning and preparation. Homes and temples are adorned, and a special dinner is prepared for guests. Numerous individuals say that it is an ideal day to invest in a new asset or to start a new business enterprise.

4. Vairamudi Festival

The Vairamudi Festival is one of the well-known celebrations in Hubli. Lord Vishnu’s idol is decorated with diamonds (that initially belonged to Mysuru's former King) during this event, which takes place at an important pilgrimage site in Melkote. Every year, over 400,000 pilgrims attend the celebration. In addition, the idol is carried through the streets of the city in a colourful procession, which is a unique feature of the festival.

5. Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most exciting festivals observed across India; however, the celebrations in Hubli are a bit different from the rest of the country. Temples and dwellings are decked with flowers and leaves to welcome Lord Ganesha, with decorations beginning many days before the initiation of the festival.

6. Rajyotsava

Rajyotsava, which is celebrated with vigour and enthusiasm, commemorates the foundation of the state and is another prominent event on the list of festivals. On this day, which is celebrated as Karnataka's national festival, a holiday is proclaimed in all schools, institutions, and workplaces to allow for the celebrations to take place. Traditional dances are performed, the state flag is flown everywhere, and sweets are handed out to everyone in attendance. All religious communities in Hubli celebrate it to the fullest extent possible.

7. Deepavali

Deepavali or Diwali is one of the most important holidays in India. Also called the Festival of Lights, it is celebrated to mark the occasion of Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom in the epic Ramayana. The whole city of Hubli is decked up in lights, many varieties of delicacies are made for you to indulge in, and people visit each other's homes to hand out sweets.

Places to visit in Hubli

There are many places that you should visit while you enjoy the festivals in Hubli. Find a list below.

Chandramouleshwara Temple: This majestic temple, which was built during the rule of the Chalukyas, about 900 years ago, is a must-see option. Dedicated to Chandramouleshwara, the temple is carved out of black granite and has magnificent sculptures that add to the overall splendour of the structure.
Banashankari Temple: This temple was built in the 13th century from stone. It is yet another spectacular achievement of the Chalukyas, who were known for their architectural prowess. This majestic beauty, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva, is nothing short of a masterpiece that is difficult to locate anywhere else.
Unkal Lake: This renowned lake is stretched over 200 acres and is centred on a stunning monument of Swami Vivekananda. Unkal Lake is a prominent tourist destination in the area. It is a well-known picnic site that is surrounded by beautiful green trees and plants, which creates a relaxing ambience for those who come. According to legends, the lake is 110 years old.
Siddharoodha Math:It is said that Sri Sidharoodha Swami took his samadhi here, in 1929, and this monastery was founded by his devotees. Siddharoodha Math is a prominent monastery in India. Popular names like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi were regular visitors to this location. This location continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Hubli-Dharwad region.

Cuisines to try in Hubli

Hubli has a vast range of scrumptious food options. The bulk of the people are Savjis, who are noted for their love of hot and spicy food. Therefore, the population of the city enjoys its spicy food. The restaurants' specialities include the healthful jolada rotti oota, the tasty girmit, badanikao palya, and dharwad peda. Most residents in the city cook them at home, but these are also available at a variety of restaurants and culinary establishments.

Jolada roti: Jolada roti, made from jowar or maize flour, is a popular dish in Hubli and North Karnataka. It is high in nutrients and may be served with a variety of vegetables, curries and lentils. It's one of Bijapur's most popular meals, including stuffed brinjals, stuffed bell peppers, jawari pundi pallyas, jhunkad vadis and hesar kaalu. The ideal meal in Hubli is jolada roti with a vegetable curry, papads, chutney and raita, all served with a side of papad. Herb like shenga is common in Hubli and goes well with roti.
Badanekai palya: Hubli's Badanekai Palya is a traditional vegetable dish. To make this delectable vegetable curry, fresh brinjals are cut into small pieces and sautéd with red chilli, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, chopped onion, coconut, and tamarind. It may be found in local restaurants as well as in every Hubli household. Combining badanekai palya, curd, and nutritious rotis is popular in this part of the nation.
Girmit: The girmit is a popular tea-time snack in Hubli. It is light, crisp, and delicious. Apart from that, the preparation is really simple. Girmit may be made by combining puffed rice, spicy sev, sliced onion, tomato, fresh coriander, and green chillies. This is all you need to get started. Tamarind water, jaggery powder, and turmeric powder are all added to conclude the dish.
Mirchi vada: Hubli is well-known for its tea-time delicacies, including this one. It's perfect for those who like spicy food. To create this meal, just coat one large chilli in batter and deep fry it. A fragrant cup of tea is the ideal companion. This tasty snack is enhanced when served with a side of spicy, red-chilli chutney.
Peda: This delicious treat is a local favourite in Hubli. The major components are milk, khoa, and sugar. This wonderful dessert is available at almost every sweet shop in and around Hubli-Dharwad. Dharwad peda may be found in various regions of Karnataka, but the variety served in Hubli and Dharwad is the finest. During the holiday season, many homes cook it as well.

Travel tips

Even though the city is rapidly modernising, most streets and neighbourhoods remain secluded at night. As a result, travelling alone after 11 p.m. may not be a good idea. Traffic congestion is a regular occurrence during rush hour and might cause delays in your journey. In summer, the tropical environment of Hubli makes it unsuitable for travel because of the high humidity.

How to reach?

By air: Hubli airport provides excellent connectivity with the rest of India. You can plan your vacation with the IndiGo flight routes for a memorable trip.
By road: Regular bus service is provided from Hubli’s neighbouring towns and cities. Buses from both commercial and public transportation companies go to Hubli.
By rail: Hubli has a railway station which links it to major cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai. Mysore, Ajmer, Delhi, and Chennai. Trains to Hubli depart from adjacent towns at regular intervals.

How to get around

There are several transportation options available to travel within the city. Using the city and suburban bus service provided by the local government makes it easy. On the streets, there are also auto-rickshaws available to choose from. Be careful to bargain for a lower fee before getting inside the car since they do not charge according to the metre. Another convenient mode is to hire a private automobile or cab from one of the numerous vehicle rental companies.

Weather in Hubli

Warm, humid, and gloomy weather characterises the rainy season in Hubli; the dry season is hot and partially cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature normally ranges from 61°F to 97°F, with temperatures seldom falling below 56°F or rising over 101°F. Mid-February to mid-April is the best time of year to visit Hubli and enjoy activities such as swimming and surfing.

Best time to visit

December and May are the two busiest months for tourism in Hubli. Hotel and flight costs will be the most expensive during these months, but you may save money if you book early. Hubli is unlikely to draw many visitors in September. Expect to spend less if you plan to go during these dates.

Conclusion

If you are planning a vacation to Hubli, Karnataka, be sure to participate in the vibrant festivals and celebrations. Throughout the year, you will surely enjoy these events and get a glimpse of the rich culture of the South. So, go ahead and plan your Hubli vacation and participate in the festivals there.