The Sri Guru Tipperudra Swamy Chariot Festival, celebrated annually at Nayakanahatti in Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district, Karnataka, is one of the most magnificent and spiritually significant festivals in the region. Dedicated to Sri Guru Tipperudra Swamy, a revered 15th–16th century Hindu saint and spiritual leader, this festival draws thousands of devotees from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, all eager to seek blessings and participate in the rituals. The festival is held during the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually in late February or early March, and spans several days of devotional activities, traditional ceremonies, and a vibrant fair atmosphere.
The centerpiece of the festival is the Rathotsava or Chariot Festival, where a giant, intricately decorated wooden chariot carrying the Utsava Murthy of Sri Guru Tipperudra Swamy is pulled through the streets by a large crowd of devotees. This ritual is considered a highly meritorious act, symbolizing faith, devotion, and community unity. The festival also features the auction of the Mukti Flag (Dwaja), a ritual regarded as extremely auspicious, where devotees bid generously to participate in the ceremony. Throughout the festival, the temple premises come alive with devotional singing, traditional music, folk performances, and vibrant processions, creating a mesmerizing blend of spirituality and cultural heritage.
Beyond its religious importance, the festival serves as a cultural gathering, bringing together people from different backgrounds in a display of faith, devotion, and communal harmony. Devotees believe that participation in the chariot procession and the associated rituals can bring blessings, fulfillment of wishes, and spiritual merit. The festival also supports local artisans and vendors through its fairs and stalls, offering traditional food, handicrafts, and souvenirs. With its rich traditions, elaborate rituals, and electrifying festive spirit, the Sri Guru Tipperudra Swamy Chariot Festival stands as a living testament to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Chitradurga.