Kaivai is inspired by Bengaluru's Karaga festival - know about cultural fest that honours Draupadi

Filmmaker Jayathirtha has begun working with actors Dhanveerrah and Megha Shetty for his upcoming film, Kaiva. Reportedly, the story is inspired by true events that took place during a Karaga festival in 1983.

Speaking to a portal, the filmmaker said, "I have a special love towards folk culture which can be seen in all of my previous films. The main plot point took place during the Karaga festival, during the Karaga festival, which spurred me to showcase it on-screen with all its glory." 

 

About Karaga Festival

The Karaga festival is an integral part of Bengaluru's intangible heritage. It is the city's oldest religious event that is celebrated annually. The festival celebrates the city's secular character and significant historic layer. Being a symbol of harmony between Hindus and Muslims, the festival takes place in the central part of the city.

It begins with rituals at Sampangi Tank in Central Bengaluru.  The festival focusses on the birth of Draupadi in the form of Adi Shakthi to fight the demon Timarasura.

The festival is celebrated for 11 days.  A frenzied Veerakumaras accompanies the Karaga carrier. According to the tradition, the Veerakumaras can execute the carrier if he stumbles and lets the Karaga fall.

According to rituals of Mahabharata, particularly in the vastrakshepa (stripping) of Draupadi, the exile of the Pandavas, and the death of Draupadi's sons at the hands of Ashwathama. It is believed that after the trials and tribulations, she emerged as a symbol of strength and ideal womanhood.

About Kaiva

Kaiva, a 2023 Kannada directed by Jayathirtha.  The movie is based on the real events that took place in Bengaluru in 1983. Kaiva stars Dhanveerrah and Megha Shetty and the music is composed by  B Ajaneesh Loknath. This movie is scheduled for release on December 8, 2023.