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Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) is bringing Karnataka's festive spirit to travellers through a six-day Naadahabba Dasara celebration featuring traditional dolls, folk performances, handicrafts, music and interactive cultural activities. Running from 12 to 17 October 2026, the initiative transforms the airport into a cultural showcase, offering passengers and visitors a glimpse of Karnataka's rich heritage during the festive season.
The celebration is designed to make cultural discovery part of the travel experience, allowing people passing through Bengaluru to engage with local traditions rather than simply treating the airport as a transit point.
Dasara Gombe Brings Traditional Storytelling to the Airport
One of the main attractions is the Dasara Gombe installation at Terminal 2's arrival forecourt, curated by Padma Shri awardee and puppeteer Anupama Hoskere. Inspired by Karnataka's traditional Gombe Habba, the display brings together dolls, handcrafted figures and stories reflecting the state's cultural traditions.
The installation introduces travellers to the artistic heritage associated with Navaratri and Dasara, when households across southern India arrange dolls depicting mythological stories, everyday life and cultural scenes.
The airport is also showcasing Karnataka's traditional art forms through interactive experiences, including Channapatna doll painting, terracotta figurine painting and traditional board games. These activities give visitors an opportunity to engage directly with local craftsmanship and discover the skills behind the finished creations.
Folk Performances and Puppetry Add to the Festive Experience
Live performances form another highlight of the celebrations. The programme includes folk dances, vocal recitals, cultural performances and traditional leather puppetry.
A Togalu Gombeyaata performance by ninth-generation puppeteer Gunduraju and his team is scheduled for 16 October. The traditional art uses intricately crafted leather puppets to bring stories to life through movement, narration and performance.
The airport is also extending the celebration into its food offerings. A collaboration involving chef Ranveer Brar and 080 Lounges, titled “A Dasara Challenge. A Karnataka Answer,” invites people to share their favourite Dasara recipes. The winning recipe is intended to be recreated by 080 chefs and served to travellers at participating lounges on 20 October.
Airport Positions Itself as a Cultural Gateway
Shalini Rao, Chief Marketing Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), highlighted the intention behind the initiative.
“At BLR Airport, we believe every traveller should experience the warmth, culture and spirit of Karnataka.”
The initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate regional art and heritage into the passenger journey, helping visitors experience something distinctive about their destination even before leaving the airport.
The celebrations are taking place across designated areas of Terminals 1 and 2 on different dates. On 14 October, activities are scheduled at Terminal 1's departures area after security, near Anand Sweets. On 15 October, activities move to Terminal 2's arrival forecourt, while events on 16 and 17 October are planned for Terminal 2's domestic departures area, after security near Hamleys.
For Bengaluru residents, the programme offers a festive cultural outing, while visitors and international passengers gain an introduction to Karnataka's traditions, crafts and performing arts.
By bringing local storytelling, traditional games, handicrafts and cuisine into the airport environment, BLR Airport is highlighting how travel infrastructure can also serve as a platform for cultural exchange and regional tourism.
