Dasara Celebrated at the Kempegowda International Airport

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), in collaboration with the Kannada & Culture department, Government of Karnataka is celebrating Dasara, a prime festival of South India through a 10-day long spectacle at KIAB. The festival entails a plethora of activities, which will invigorate the cultural senses of visiting guests and transiting passengers. During the festival period the kerb side, will don a bright and festive look, setting the stage for varied activities and performances in an attempt to spread the joy among its guests through music and art. Traditional folk art covering the gamut of music, dance, drama and storytelling by troupes will be showcased during this time. Other performances include classical and folk dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Katak, and Nritya Vyvidya, as well as devotional songs, Vachana and Carnatic music. The festival is on until October 22nd 2015.

Dasara, the state festival of Karnataka, is a reflection of the rich inheritance, dating back to the Vijayanagara kings of the 15th century. A celebration of this vibrant festival captures the sentiment of belonging and pride that the people of Karnataka possess. Through the Government’s support the 10-day extravaganza at KIAB aims to celebrate this sense of belonging and provide a platform for artists to showcase their art to a global audience.

Mr. G V Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, BIAL said, “Airports are a touch-point for the travelers to interact with the region and we have so much to showcase to the world. Since the operations of this airport began, we have worked closely with the Government of Karnataka to promote the region and its deep heritage. This festival is a great way to introduce our guests to the diversity of our land and brings together the richness of our culture, tradition and art on one stage. As the Gateway to South India, our efforts have always been to offer a unique South Indian experience to every guest who uses our airport.”

In keeping with the tradition, a display of heritage gombe (dolls) will welcome travelers at KIAB this Dasara season. Over a period of nine days, travellers can witness a revival of this historic celebratory practice, where dolls are displayed in households set up on a stepped platform with nine tiers, signifying the duration of the festival. This initiative is part of the airport’s continuous commitment to preserving the culture and craftsmanship of the region The Dasara Gombe is on display at the Terminal Kerb until Oct 26^th, 2015.

With a strong commitment to the Government of Karnataka, KIAB has taken several initiatives to showcase to the world, the strong legacy of the state. The airport not only reflects the city’s dreams, but also the culture, ethos and landscape of the state of Karnataka. The celebration of Dasara is another opportunity to represent the various facets of the state to guests; more importantly establish the tradition of the region. As the Gateway to South India, the airport aims at creating memories of the state, in a new and refreshing way that has a lasting impression.