Rashtrakuta Utsav in Kalaburagi district celebrates the imperial legacy of the Rashtrakuta dynasty at Malkhed, the historic capital once known as Manyakheta. The festival blends heritage walks, cultural performances and scholarly talks in an evocative riverside fort setting.
Did You Know?
- Malkhed, earlier called Manyakheta, served as the imperial capital of the Rashtrakuta empire for around a century and a half.
- King Amoghavarsha I, one of the dynasty’s greatest rulers, is associated with this capital and with early classical Kannada literature.
- The fort at Malkhed has multiple bastions and gateways that once guarded a thriving trade and cultural centre.
- Rashtrakuta Utsav showcases the dynasty’s contribution to art, religion, literature and architecture in the Deccan.
Highlights of the Event
- Inaugural ceremony at Malkhed with floral tributes, traditional welcome and addresses by scholars and dignitaries.
- Heritage procession from Malkhed Fort featuring folk troupes, school and college students, and traditional percussion ensembles.
- Folk arts such as dollu, pata kunita, halage vadana and garudi gombe turning village streets into open air stages.
- Lectures, panel discussions and exhibitions on Rashtrakuta history, inscriptions, literature and monuments across Karnataka.
- Food and craft stalls offering a glimpse of regional flavours, textiles and rural products from the Kalaburagi region.
Event Dates and Timings
Rashtrakuta Utsav is typically held as a multi day celebration, often scheduled in the cooler months such as late winter or early summer. Programmes usually begin with a morning inauguration and heritage procession, followed by daytime academic sessions and evening cultural performances. The exact dates and timings are announced locally each year.
How to Reach
Malkhed is located in Sedam taluk of Kalaburagi district, roughly 35 to 40 kilometres from Kalaburagi city by road. Kalaburagi is connected by rail to major hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, and has an airport with limited scheduled services. From Kalaburagi, visitors can hire taxis or use local buses to reach Malkhed and nearby heritage spots.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Check the final festival dates, venue details and daily programme before travelling, as schedules may vary by edition.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking around fort walls, village streets and open grounds.
- Daytime temperatures can be warm; carry water, sun protection and a light layer for cooler evenings.
- Be respectful at religious and commemorative spaces associated with local maths, temples and memorials.
Don’t miss this opportunity
Plan a heritage journey to Kalaburagi during Rashtrakuta Utsav and wander through Malkhed’s fort, folk parades and evening performances while discovering the stories of one of Deccan India’s most influential dynasties.