Karaga (festival) - The Karaga Carrier

The Karaga Carrier

The Karaga carrier is taken from his home by the members of the Dharmaraya Temple. The carrier's wife takes on the role of a widow. Her mangala sutra (necklace symbolizing marriage) and bangles are worn by her husband and she is not to see him or the Karaga until the conclusion of the festival. The Tigalas, who hold Draupadi as their principal deity, believe that Draupadi Shakti (power) brims over during the Karaga festival and the Karaga carrier dressing as a female is symbolic of Draupadi. The Karaga is expertly balanced on the carrier's head. The carrier is practically in a trance even as he dances along with the Veerakumaras.The Veerakumaras hit the swords on their bare chest telling dik-di dik-di.

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