BLR AIRPORT MARKS KARNATAKA’S NAADAHABBA DASARA

Bengaluru, October 2026: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) is set to celebrate Karnataka’s iconic festival, Naadahabba Dasara, with a week-long cultural celebration from October 12–17. As Bengaluru’s gateway to the world, BLR Airport sees itself as an extension of the city and a cultural gateway to Karnataka, bringing the state’s traditions, stories and creative heritage into the passenger journey.

The celebrations will bring Karnataka’s art, traditions and heritage to life through live performances, installations, festive experiences and interactive moments across the airport.This year, that approach goes beyond showcasing Karnataka’s cultural heritage to making cultural discovery an integral part of the passenger experience. 

Speaking on the celebrations, Shalini Rao, Chief Marketing Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, "At BLR Airport, we believe every traveller should experience the warmth, culture and spirit of Karnataka. That belief is at the heart of our Naadahabba Dasara celebrations, which bring the state's rich heritage to life through music, dance, puppetry, traditional games and specially curated culinary experiences. From October 12 to 17, passengers, visitors, partners and the people of Bengaluru can immerse themselves in six days of festivities that celebrate the many facets of Karnataka's culture. 

A key highlight will be the Dasara Gombe at the T2 Arrival Forecourt from October 12–17, curated by Padma Shri awardee and puppeteer Anupama Hoskere. The display revives the Gombe Habba tradition of festive doll displays, bringing the stories, traditions and significance behind the dolls to life for travellers. Karnataka’s puppetry traditions will also come alive through Togalu Gombeyatta, presented by ninth-generation puppeteer Gunduraju and his team on October 16, from 6–8 PM at the T2 Arrival Forecourt.

Passengers can further 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 curated by Kavade will feature traditional Karnataka board games including Huli Kuri, Saalu Aata, Aligulimane, Chowkabara and Spiral Snakes & Ladders.