Bagalakote Holi is considered to be very special and famous in the Country. It has a legacy of centuries. Even though Bagalakote faced many losses due to Alamatti backwaters, the Holi celebrations never fade.
Bagalakote Holi is a symbol of social equality for several eras now. The Peshwas began the celebration of Holi in Bagalakote to eradicate social discrimination and untouchability.
There is a uniqueness in the Holi celebration here. Killa, Venkatapete, Halpete and now Navanagara are the hotbeds for the Holi celebration.
Peshwas gave Nishan (the feather for Dufli) to the head of the City. Even today they carry that Nishan to Dalit areas and invite them with due respect for Holi celebrations. The spark to burn Kamadeva is being brought by the said Dalit community. Later the festival officially starts with the burning of Kamadeva at Killa.
Playing dufli is the main part of this festival in North Karnataka. Dufli playing begins on the very next day of Shivaratri. And the dufli playing competitions are held between groups and the winners are awarded attractive cash prizes and are also felicitated. The rhythm of Bagalakote dufli is not seen anywhere.
One more interesting fact about the Bagalakote Holi celebration is that Nawab of Savanur use to like the rhythm of dufli, and use to present Gold medal to the youth in those days.
In 1987, Bagalakote dufli players represented the State at Flower Fair in New Delhi. It remains a proud moment for the people of North Karnataka till date.
