Bengaluru's Cubbon Park date event sparks public backlash, gets scrapped
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The listing sparked widespread outrage among Bengalureans, prompting the horticulture department to file a police complaint against the company. The event, marketed as a fun and relaxed opportunity for "genuine connection through meaningful conversations and laughter", offered 90-minute dating sessions for individuals aged 18 and above. According to ticketing platform website, the sessions were scheduled every Sunday from August 3 to 24, beginning at 5pm.
The horticulture department, which oversees the administration of Cubbon Park, said it did not grant permission for such an event. G Kusuma, deputy director of horticulture, confirmed that the department became aware of the issue only Thursday evening and took immediate action.
"They are fixing charges to organise date meet-ups in Cubbon Park, which is a public space. We have submitted a written complaint at the police station, requesting immediate action," she said.
The move has drawn strong criticism from citizens, conservationists, and regular park visitors, who say such activities commercialise a public and culturally significant space. "This is our city's breathing space. I come here every evening with my grandchildren," said Aruna Krishnamurthy, a retired teacher. "We don't need strangers turning it into a dating zone. It's a public park, not a private resort."
Ravi Kumar, a college student and member of a weekend book club that meets at Cubbon Park, chipped in, "I was shocked when I saw the event listing. There are so many places in Bengaluru for such private events. Why disturb a community space like Cubbon?"
On social media, outrage spilled over. An X user named Sneha posted, "Who permitted such a useless thing? How dare they conduct this blind date? Why is there no action yet?"
A senior police official said, "The organisers have now given a written statement assuring that they will not conduct such activities in the future. The programme has been cancelled."
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Bengaluru: The city's iconic Cubbon Park, known for its peaceful walks, family gatherings, and cultural ambience, was at the centre of a controversy Friday after a ticketing platform began promoting a paid "blind date"event inside it. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The listing sparked widespread outrage among Bengalureans, prompting the horticulture department to file a police complaint against the company. The event, marketed as a fun and relaxed opportunity for "genuine connection through meaningful conversations and laughter", offered 90-minute dating sessions for individuals aged 18 and above. According to ticketing platform website, the sessions were scheduled every Sunday from August 3 to 24, beginning at 5pm. The horticulture department, which oversees the administration of Cubbon Park, said it did not grant permission for such an event. G Kusuma, deputy director of horticulture, confirmed that the department became aware of the issue only Thursday evening and took immediate action. "They are fixing charges to organise date meet-ups in Cubbon Park, which is a public space. We have submitted a written complaint at the police station, requesting immediate action," she said. The move has drawn strong criticism from citizens, conservationists, and regular park visitors, who say such activities commercialise a public and culturally significant space. "This is our city's breathing space. I come here every evening with my grandchildren," said Aruna Krishnamurthy, a retired teacher. "We don't need strangers turning it into a dating zone. It's a public park, not a private resort." Ravi Kumar, a college student and member of a weekend book club that meets at Cubbon Park, chipped in, "I was shocked when I saw the event listing. There are so many places in Bengaluru for such private events. Why disturb a community space like Cubbon?" On social media, outrage spilled over. An X user named Sneha posted, "Who permitted such a useless thing? How dare they conduct this blind date? Why is there no action yet?" A senior police official said, "The organisers have now given a written statement assuring that they will not conduct such activities in the future. The programme has been cancelled."
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