Most of the popular Indian festivals are celebrated in the city, the most important being Dussera, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Eid, and Ganesh Chaturthi. Kodial Theru, also known as Mangaluru Rathotsava or the Mangalore Car Festival is a festival unique to the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community, and is celebrated at the Sri Venkatramana Temple.
The Catholic community's unique festivals include Monti Fest (Mother Mary's feast), which celebrates the Nativity feast and the blessing of new harvests.
The Jain Milan committee organises the Jain food festival annually, while festivals such as Mosaru Kudike, which is part of Krishna Janmashtami festival, is celebrated by the whole community. Sri Krishna Janmashtami witnesses the exuberant enactment of the God's childhood endeavours to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach. A matka or pot containing these is suspended high above the ground and groups of young men and children form human pyramids to try and reach the pot and eventually break it. Tiger Dance is a unique form of folk dance in Dakshina Kannada that fascinates the young and the old alike. Since tiger is considered as the favoured carrier of Goddess Sharada (the deity in whose honour Dussehra is celebrated), this dance is performed during the Dussehra celebration. It is also performed during other festivals like Krishna Janmashtami.
Aati, a festival worshiping Kalanja, a patron spirit of the city, occurs during the Aashaadha month of Hindu calendar. Aatikalañja is a ritualistic folk dance performed by the Nalke community. Kalañja is the name of a minor spirit who is in charge of the protection of the village folk during the month of July-August rainy season. Festivals such as Karavali Utsav and Kudlostava are highlighted by national and state-level performances in dance, drama and music.
The Tuluva community usually performs Bhuta Kola or spirit worship at night. Nagaradhane or snake worship is performed in the city in praise of Naga Devatha (the serpent king), who is said to be the protector of all snakes.
Along with the other Hindu festivals, Ganesh Puja and Navaratri are also celebrated here.
While in Mangalore, do see a Yakshagana performance — an elaborate dance form unique to Karnataka. The Kambala (buffalo race) is another exciting event.
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