KARWAR
The Dindi festival held during the Jatra Mahotsava at the Narayana Temple in Amdalli village of Karwar taluk became a colourful celebration of folk culture, drawing thousands of visitors. Known for its strong traditional roots, this year’s event amazed crowds with its grand mock show, or Hagarana Jatre, which blended heritage with fresh creativity.
The biggest attraction of the festival was the huge costumes of animals, birds, and mythological figures. Giant models of fish, dinosaurs, storks, tigers, chimpanzees, zebras, and turtles moved through the procession, surprising spectators with their bright colours and beautiful decoration. More than a hundred people worked together to create these replicas, and villagers applauded the youth who carried the heavy structures on their shoulders while dancing.
The mythological section also stood out, especially the artistic display of the Ganga flowing from Lord Shiva’s head. The creative use of lighting made the scene look almost real, giving the procession a divine touch. Large models of Anjaneya, Bhishma’s bed, various forms of Krishna, and ghostly characters added drama and excitement. A touching moment came when many villagers joined hands to show respect to the Shirdi Sai Baba costume.
The festival also shared important environmental and social messages. Costumes representing wild people highlighted forest conservation, while a mock school scene used humour to share lessons on social responsibility. These thoughtful additions were well received by the crowd.
Behind the success of the festival was the hard work of local youth, especially from the Halakki and other communities. Without financial support, they collected bamboo, cloth, paints, lights, and paper materials on their own and worked for months to create the grand displays. Their dedication aimed to keep the village’s tradition alive.
This year’s Dindi festival turned Amdalli into a vibrant cultural centre, proudly showcasing the beauty and richness of local folk art.
