Eleven Days in Summer

Eleven Days in Summer by Sunitha Srinivasan is a vivid exploration of Bengaluru’s ancient Karaga festival, a deeply revered tradition of the Thigala community, who worship Adi Shakti Draupadi as their Divine Mother. Centred around the historic Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in KR Market, the book traces the eleven-day celebration marked by ritual austerity, myth, and devotion.

Drawing on nearly three years of research, the author blends history, oral traditions, and immersive observation to portray a community that has preserved its identity through centuries of change. The narrative links the festival’s origins to ancient Dravidian worship and the legend of Draupadi, culminating in the powerful image of the Karaga priest carrying the sacred vessel.

More than a festival account, the book reflects on continuity, inclusivity, and cultural memory, revealing the enduring spirit beneath Bengaluru’s modern surface. It is Sunitha Srinivasan’s third book, following her works on the histories of Travancore and Cochin.