Karnataka has a multi-religious and a multi-cultural population. Hence a variety of festivals are held in the state. Karnataka like most of its southern neighbors has several temples which also account for a number of festivals being held each year. Dusshera, the most important Hindu festival is celebrated with extravagance over a period of ten days. This festival was started by the rulers of the Vijaynagar Empire. Other festivals celebrated in Karnataka are Yugadi, Karaga celebrated at the Darmaraya Temple and Rajyotsava Day. Makara Samkramana, Sri Ramanavami, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Deepavali are the other festivals celebrated in Karnataka along with the rest of the country. The fairs which are held in Karnataka are Sri Vithappa Fair, the Godachi Fair, Shri Yellamma Devi Fair and Banashankari Devi Fair.
