Cubbon Band Stand brings Bengaluru's Sundays to life

Time of India

22-05-2025

At the heart of Cubbon Park, the century-old Band Stand is no longer a relic of the past. Every Sunday morning, from 8 am, it comes alive with music and dance, marking a revival of Bengaluru's cultural heritage.
Heritage Beku, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, is making the bandstand the centre of public life again. The Revival Series is an initiative to preserve and celebrate Bengaluru's history and culture through live performances. From Carnatic music to Bharatnatyam dance to festive choirs, the bandstand hosts a diverse range of artistes every Sunday.
'WE ARE BRINGING ART BACK TO THIS FORGOTTEN CORNER OF THE PARK'
'Cubbon Park has always held a special place in the hearts of Bengalureans.
The revival effort took root slowly, seeded by nostalgia and a deep desire to bring music and life back to this forgotten corner of the park,' says Priya Chetty Rajagopal, founder of Heritage Beku. 'The series is not only about events but also about creating a cultural vibe in the heart of the city,' she adds.
'IT'S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE RECONNECT'
'Reconnecting with a historical space through cultural experiences is not just nostalgic, it's necessary.
Cities across the world have long treated their parks as sites for cultural congregation. Bengaluru, with its rich heritage and creative community, deserves the same. Artistes are eager to participate, the public is engaged, and the park provides the perfect stage,' says Priya.
The real magic of this revival is not just the return of music and movement to the Band Stand, but the way it reconnects the soul of the city to its most cherished memories, which makes Cubbon Park more alive
Priya Chetty Rajagopal, founder, Heritage Beku
'A LOST FEELING IS NOW BEING REVIVED AT CUBBON PARK'
The events focus on Indian classical and traditional art forms. But curating the events comes with its pros and cons; however, at the Revival Series, artists come purely for the nostalgia.
Priya explains, 'Finding artistes was a challenge, especially ones willing to perform pro bono. Yet, many responded with enthusiasm. For them, the band stand wasn't just a stage. It was a symbol of memory, belonging, and pride.'
'GLAD TO BRING BACK THIS TRADITION'
'There is a different magic when people perform at Cubbon Park. Every single artist tells us it was a privilege and an honour to perform here. Their creative souls are at a top level just being in that space.
We're proud to be part of something like this, and we are glad to bring back such an important tradition to Bengaluru,' says Priya.
'IT IS MORE THAN JUST PERFORMANCES'
'Art in public spaces makes culture accessible. It breaks down barriers and reminds us that art doesn't belong in closed auditoriums alone. There's something inherently non-transactional about it. It's a gift to the city,' said Ruam M, a member of the group.
Just being in that space, watching an artiste perform, under the open sky, surrounded by nature, is unexpectedly moving
Ruam M
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