Latest news with #BandiDevaraUtsava
Time of India
10 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Kempegowda Jayanti: Cart-pulling oxen rekindle Bengaluru's long-forgotten tradition
1 2 Bengaluru: On the eve of Kempegowda Jayanti, something beautiful unfolded in Bengaluru: Revival of Bandi Devara Utsava — a bullock cart procession that reflects the agrarian traditions and cultural symbols passed on since the times of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. On Thursday evening, decorated carts pulled by 10 pairs of adorned oxen were part of a procession that was taken out from the BBMP headquarters at NR Square to Kempegowda's statue in front of Vidhana Soudha through Cubbon Park. The spectacle, which was being taken out for the first time in the city, left motorists and onlookers spellbound. The event was organised by Bandi Devara Utsava Samiti to make the youngsters familiarise with the cultural heritage of the state, especially the Vokkaliga community in South Karnataka. The procession featured an Okala Deepa (a huge lamp made out of rice flour), followed by carts that carried sweets which were later distributed near Vidhana Soudha. Men and women, dressed in traditional attire, were part of the procession. Yakshagana, Veeragase, Patakunitha, Karadi Kunitha, Somanakunitha and Dollu Kunitha artistes added colour to the event. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "We realised that even our children were unaware of who Kempegowda was. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo They know Silicon Valley, but not the visionary who laid the foundation of Bengaluru. It's time to show our generation the cultural tradition and history this tech city once had," said Satyashree VJG from Vokkaliga community. This symbolic march was not intended to disrupt traffic or create a spectacle. Instead, it was a moving classroom, weaving through the same paths where Bengalureans now rush in cabs, scroll through phones, and hustle between meetings. It reminded onlookers that behind every Metro pillar and glass building lies a foundation built by hands that once held ploughs. Neelakanta R Gowda, a participant, said: "We don't want to preach history; we want people to see and feel it. That's why we brought the Bandi back to the streets. It is important to teach our kids the significance of Kempegowda." Why bullock cart? Thalakaadu Chikkarange Gowda, who is researching on Kempegowda, said: "The bullock cart has prominence in Indian history, and it is considered a sacred material for farmers. The Vokaliga community also has a close connection with the cart. When it comes to Kempegowda, history says Ranabyregowdaru, with his family and six other brothers, migrated from the then Hoysala dynasty from Kanchi to their motherland Aavthi near Nandi Hills. Ranabyregowda is the forefather of Kempegowda, who formed Bengaluru. Hence, we have brought 10 pairs of bullock carts as a tribute to Kempegowda and his family."
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
Bengaluru revives Bandi Devara festival
Bengaluru: witnessed the revival of a centuries-old tradition on Wednesday as the three-day Bandi Devara Utsava began with community participation and cultural pride. The festival, associated with the agrarian traditions of the Vokkaliga community, is being observed on a public platform after being confined to private family rituals for years. Organisers said the event aims to reconnect younger generations with ancestral customs and highlight the cultural symbols that have long shaped the identity of the Vokkaligas. The festival will culminate on Kempegowda Jayanthi, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the city's founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. Jayaram Raipura, a senior IRS officer and honorary president of the festival committee, described the event as more than just a celebration. 'This is a cultural movement. What was once an individual household ritual is now a unifying public celebration. Kempegowda's people-centric legacy continues to inspire us,' he said. The bullock cart, central to the Bandi Devara tradition, took symbolic centre stage. Recalling an incident where an elderly woman refused to donate her family's cart due to its sacred significance, Raipura said, 'It's more than transport. It's a cultural heirloom that speaks to our history.' Plans are in the works to establish a museum dedicated to Vokkaliga heritage, where bullock carts will be a key feature. Dr. Talakadu Chikkarangegowda, festival committee president, said the inaugural day featured the 'Sihi Hanchuva' programme, with traditional sweet distribution scheduled during the procession on Thursday. The president of the Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha, B. Kenchappagowda, urged the community to embrace the festival with renewed enthusiasm. 'This is about preserving and honouring our cultural roots. We must continue the Bandi Devara festival with greater grandeur each year,' he said. On Thursday, the formal inauguration will be held in front of the BBMP head office, followed by a procession of 12 decorated bullock carts. The route will pass through Hudson Circle, the Central Library, the High Court, and Gopal Gowda Circle, before concluding at the Kempegowda statue near Vidhana Soudha, where rituals and Arati will be performed.
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Bengaluru Revives a Historic Cultural Tradition with Bandi Devara Festival
Bengaluru: Bengaluru witnessed the revival of a centuries-old tradition on Wednesday as the three-day Bandi Devara Utsava began with community participation and cultural pride. The festival, associated with the agrarian traditions of the Vokkaliga community, is being observed on a public platform after being confined to private family rituals for years. Organisers said the event aims to reconnect younger generations with ancestral customs and highlight the cultural symbols that have long shaped the identity of the Vokkaligas. The festival will culminate on Kempegowda Jayanthi, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the city's founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. Jayaram Raipura, a senior IRS officer and honorary president of the festival committee, described the event as more than just a celebration. 'This is a cultural movement. What was once an individual household ritual is now a unifying public celebration. Kempegowda's people-centric legacy continues to inspire us,' he said. The bullock cart, central to the Bandi Devara tradition, took symbolic centre stage. Recalling an incident where an elderly woman refused to donate her family's cart due to its sacred significance, Raipura said, 'It's more than transport. It's a cultural heirloom that speaks to our history.' Plans are in the works to establish a museum dedicated to Vokkaliga heritage, where bullock carts will be a key feature. Dr. Talakadu Chikkarangegowda, festival committee president, said the inaugural day featured the 'Sihi Hanchuva' programme, with traditional sweet distribution scheduled during the procession on Thursday. The president of the Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha, B. Kenchappagowda, urged the community to embrace the festival with renewed enthusiasm. 'This is about preserving and honouring our cultural roots. We must continue the Bandi Devara festival with greater grandeur each year,' he said. On Thursday, the formal inauguration will be held in front of the BBMP head office, followed by a procession of 12 decorated bullock carts. The route will pass through Hudson Circle, the Central Library, the High Court, and Gopal Gowda Circle, before concluding at the Kempegowda statue near Vidhana Soudha, where rituals and Arati will be performed. Distribution of sweets and cultural performances will follow. Organisers said they hope the festival, in time, will evolve into a city-wide annual event on the lines of Mysuru Dasara, celebrating not only tradition but also regional identity and civic pride.
