Banawasi Village

Banawasi Village lies in the district of Uttar Kannada in the state of Karnataka in India. Located deep in the forests of Western Ghats, this beautiful pristine village is a is becoming a hot tourists destination. Tour to this village will definitely transport you to the good old days of the rural India. The region not only presents the rustic rural beauty, but also offers an enriching cultural experience. The best time to plan out the trip to the Banawasi village lies between the month of September to March.

History :
Banawasi was one the capital of the Kadamba Kings who established the first Kannada Empire in c.e 345AD. It is the same place where Pampa, the poet of Kannada, wrote his epic poems. It was also the ancient place of learning where scholars from other states used to came and settle down here.

Occupation of the Banawasi Villagers :
Most of the Banawasi villagers are the artisans who have learn this unique art from generation to generation. They are expert in making sandalwood carvings, baskets, pottery, black smithy, shoe mending, rangoli, basinga making and many more. On the tour to the Banawasi village do not forget to purchase the famous yakshagana mask. Most of the villagers have now also turned into the agriculturist. Some of the famous crops grown in this area includes rice, sugarcane, arecanut, and various spices.

Famous Tourists Attractions :

Madhukeshwara Temple :
Built around 1500 years ago, Madhukeshwara temple is the major attraction of Banawasi. It is around this the village has grown. The temple provides the earliest evidence of the architectural splendor of the ancient times of the Kadamba dynasty. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary :
It you are a bird lover, than Banawasi village, is the right place to be at. You can make a visit to Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, located at the distance of 12 km from the village. You can carry the pair of binoculars to engage yourself in bird watching and taking pictures of its scenic beauty.

Festivals of Banawasi Village :

Car Festival :
Car festival is the biggest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Karnataka. It falls in the month of March every year. People pray to God to get peace and prosperity. It is an attraction for thousands of people outside and within the state. The merry making of the festival includes grand feast among the villagers. They adorn themselves with the new dresses, women wear heavy jewelry and men wear traditional dresses. It is one such festival in karnataka which unites the people irrespective of their caste and religion.

Mahashivratri :
Another major festival celebrated in the Banawasi village is Mahashivratri. People from all around the world gather at Madhukeshwara temple to celebrate this grand festival. Mahashivratri fallson the sixth night of the dark Phalgun (Feburay or March) every year. It is the same night when Lord Shiva performed Tandava. People keep fast on this day and offer prayers, milk, sweets and flowers to the idol of the Lord Shiva. It is also believed that on this day Shivaji and Parvati tied knot.

Kadambotsava : Kadambotsava is a cultural festival celebrated for continuous two days in the month of December. It is feted every year by the Karnataka Government in remembrance of the Kadamba Empire. Musical bands and folk dancers all gather at Kadambotsava to celebrate this grand cultural festival.