Festivals form an integral part of Mangalore culture. Festivals celebrated in Mangalore highlight the rich traditions and customs of the people. Along with the major national festivals like Deepawali and Dussera the city of Mangalore also celebrates other prominent festivals which offer the insights of socio-cultural life of the people of Mangalore. Aati is unique festival of Mangalore celebrated in Aati month (Ashadh month of lunar calendar).  The festival is mainly celebrated by     Nalke community. They consider the Aati month to be the most inauspicious. They believe that during this month all evil spirits come alive and try to harm the human life. On the occasion of the festival they are found praying Kalraja a holy spirit which is believed to be protector of the people from the evil spirits in Aati month. Kati festival also witness like folk dance and songs and other cultural activities.  

Celebration of Dussera festival in Mangalore is one of the biggest events in the city. It is celebrated for ten day and symbolizes the victory of the truth over the evil. Apart from these above mentioned festival the city of Mangalore also hosts myriads of cultural events round the year.