Latest news with #Kempegowda
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Colours, culture , celebrations
Astroll through Bengaluru's buzzing streets during temple fair season will captivate you with dazzling decorations and baroque light installations. Localities compete for creativity — lights sway above narrow lanes, intricate floral patterns line the streets, and colourful arches light up the night sky. The hustle and bustle of devotees dressed in their best and vendors displaying their wares blend with the shimmering lights, creating an atmosphere of festive enchantment. You will find yourself pausing often, mesmerised by the artistry and devotion on display. The city of Bengaluru, which had always been a hub of culture, has now transformed into an electric canvas of faith and celebration. Jathres – or, annual fairs -- in Bengaluru are a vibrant expression of the city's multicultural and multireligious fabric. Bengaluru takes pride in its temple fairs as a fusion of local traditions with influences from diverse communities. Jathres may feature processions showcasing idols of local deities, as well as folk performances like dollu kunitha, veeragase, or kolaata. Diversity is equally reflected in the food at these fairs, giving visitors a taste of Bengaluru's culinary pluralism. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Historian Arenahalli Shivashankar Dharmendra Kumar says Bengaluru was a village cluster that later morphed into various localities we see today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brothers showcase turmeric and its golden status in Macanese cuisine MGTO Undo Each of these villages had its deity, worshipped an- A nually by residents for a bountiful year. 'There is a big difference between a jathre and a habba (festival). Jathres are celebrated by a whole village, while habbas are communityand family-level celebrations. Sankranti and Ugadi are the only ones we can call 'nelamoolada habbagalu' (native festivals). These festivals come from farmers and people who worshipped nature and wanted to relate to it. However, when Kempegowda founded Bengaluru in the 16th century, it already had Dharmaraya temple, and jathres in numerous places like Beguru and Madiwala had been going on for years,' he says. Asked why female deities are predominantly worshipped in these jathres, he says, 'Across South India, worship of the mother goddess in various forms always had prominence. Mother goddess was considered the protector of the land, one who provided people with bountiful harvest and nourished them. Hence, most jathre deities are goddesses.' Occasionally, we may get to see jathres of Lord Hanuman or Shiva, but it is usually a goddess who is called amma (mother) – Annamma, Muthyalamma, Plague Maramma, Pillekamma, Bandi Mankalamma, Maheshwaramma –- and the list goes on. Several jathres take place in and around Bengaluru. One of them is Karaga Jathre, which begins on the full moon day of the Chaitra Masa (March or April) of the Hindu calendar. The one associated with the Thigala community at Dharmaraya temple in Nagarathpete is the oldest. The 800-year-old temple predates the Kempegowda period by several centuries. A priest carries the Karaga, a tall floral pyramid, on his head, containing an earthen pot in which the goddess Adishakti is invoked. Accompanying him are swordwielding men from Thigala community, once a warrior clan that later took to growing vegetables and flowers. A unique ritual is when the priest visits Dargah of Tawakkal Mastan, a Muslim saint, seeking strength to carry the Karaga – a telling testament to Bengaluru's syncretic culture. There is hardly a Bengalurean who has not visited Kadlelekai Parishe in Basavanagudi, south Bengaluru, held for 3 to 4 days in the last week of Karthika Masa in Hindu calendar. The lore is that farmers seeking to appease Basava, Lord Shiva's sacred bull, offer their first groundnut crop every year. At Parishe, one can see heaps of varieties of groundnuts sold around the famous Bull temple, Dodda Ganesha temple and Bugle Rock Park. The whole area is packed with stalls selling food seen only in rural jathres, attractive shopping items for all age groups, numerous rides and games for all age groups, and visitors are mesmerised by the electric atmosphere. In the busy Majestic area is the temple of Annamma Devi, considered the guardian goddess of Bengaluru since the Kempegowda era. Bengalureans visit this shrine on Subedar Chatram Road on special occasions such as childbirth, weddings, after buying a vehicle or while starting a venture. Originally 'Hannamma' as her presence was made known at a fruit orchard, the name later became 'Annamma'. It is believed she wards off all evil from entering the city. Annamma Devi Jathre is celebrated on a grand scale during March-April. The temple idols are 'loaned' to devotees in other areas celebrating Annamma Devi Jathres and restored to their original place after celebrations. Devotees say the goddess wields power to cure sicknesses and fulfil wishes. The main jathre includes a Karaga. 'According to my mother, temple idols were hundreds of years old. Annamma loved her devotees and would fulfil vows taken by them. In turn, devotees made offerings to the goddess through puja, donations, or in the form of money or jewels. The piety of people for Annamma is deep and astonishing,' says Shwetha Rajeshwari, a resident of Adugodi. Muthyalamma Devi Jathre is a car festival of Muthyalamma Devi, also considered gramadevathe of Shivajinagar. The temple on Seppings Road is said to be 400 years old and Devi is known to save people from famine and diseases. Another jathre of Muthyalamma Devi, organised in Bettahalsoor village near Bengaluru, is a celebration of devoutness and folklore. Held for five days beginning from the evening of Ramanavami every year, it attracts huge crowds. The jathre is known for devotees walking barefoot on burning coals as an offering to the Goddess. Another important temple fair in Bengaluru is Gangamma Devi Jathre, associated with ancient Gangamma temple in Malleswara. According to folk expert Dr Arun Joladakudligi, urban fairs have become more commercialised. 'These fairs, once spiritual and rustic, have morphed into marketplaces that cater to both religious and commercial interests,' he says. 'One needs to closely study urbanised jathres of Bengaluru through several viewpoints. Most of these events are usually managed by certain communities. However, in an urban set-up, everyone, regardless of their caste and creed, actively takes part in jathres of their locality. This creates a temporarily secular atmosphere. When we look at the past, people from different professions, different households contributed to the local jathre in their capacity. Everyone in the village benefited from it. Now, this structure has changed,' he says. Technology has helped beam jathre proceedings live to the whole world. With Bengaluru's growing appeal as a cosmopolitan city, jathres have garnered attention from international tourists. Every element of jathre reflects the spirit of Bengaluru. These events are a reminder that amid skyscrapers and startups, Bengaluru's heart still beats to the rhythm of community and cultural pride.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
One city, many tongues ooru retold in many languages
Bengaluru's multilingual character, rooted in its history of welcoming diverse communities, is a defining feature. While Kannada remains prominent, Hindi and English are increasingly common, especially among certain groups. Despite concerns about language chauvinism, the city's inclusive spirit endures. On a narrow lane off Brigade Road on a cloudy Sunday afternoon, a minor argument broke out over parking a two-wheeler. While there was nothing new about the spat, it bore a distinct Bengaluru signature. One argument, two men, three languages. While one was speaking in Kannada, the other switched between Urdu and Tamil, trying his best to go as close to the other's language as possible. Across the city, we often encounter conversations – not just such arguments – which involve two or more languages in an exchange of information, wishes, feelings, and ideas. Sometimes, there is even a crude mixture of regional tongues, which makes us wonder which language to classify the 'strange' dialect under. There are numerous memes and comic videos that portray the multilingual nature of the Bengaluru resident in creative ways. A Bengalurean manages to give directions, conduct business, and even argue in multiple languages, however imperfect in using them. This linguistic feature predates the arrival of diverse communities to the city's large PSUs during the decade following India's Independence. Kempegowda, the city's founder, is known to have welcomed diverse communities of traders, weavers, goldsmiths and artisans to the city in the 16th century. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The evolution of Bengaluru from the distinct entities of the city (pete) and Cantonment, which merged around the early 20th century and grew to take the shape of the metropolis it is today, is a tale that is repeated so often that it is almost clichéd. However, this pattern of growth that the city underwent still explains the current distribution of languages in Bengaluru. While Kannada remains the language on the streets in, say, Nagarabhavi, it is not really the lingua franca of Marathahalli or HSR Layout. Though many might know and understand Kannada (or even Tamil or Telugu), they tend to start a conversation in Hindi and switch to Kannada in case the other person speaks it. Karnataka's consistent inclusion of Hindi in its school curriculum facilitated easy communication with the migrant population from northern India. According to Dr Na Someswara, the specific linguistic markers of the city's different parts no longer remain the same. 'There is a mixed crowd in most of these areas now. But I think a few areas like Basavanagudi and Chamarajpet have managed to preserve the authentic Kannada flavour,' he said. Dr Someswara is a household name in Karnataka. A physician by training, he is best known as Kannada's most prominent quiz master. He grew up in Malleswaram – amid roughly equal numbers of people speaking Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. 'We picked up those languages effortlessly. Also, they were comfortable speaking to us in Kannada,' he said. While Malayalis were rare, people speaking Urdu and Marathi were part of the city's linguistic landscape. A large Tamil community of workers developed on the southern outskirts of Malleswaram due to the establishment of textile mills that drew workers from Tamil Nadu , he pointed out. He recollected his frequent visits to Shivajinagar as a young boy. 'I used to look for spare parts from scrap dealers as I was interested in assembling radios and other electronics,' he said. 'Though the locality was Urdu-dominated, I could manage to converse in Kannada and develop good rapport with the people there.' Over the years, Dr Someswara has observed Hindi and English taking over the languages of the region. 'Today, we are often required to talk to shopkeepers and service staff in Hindi as they don't learn basic Kannada,' he said. Dr Jyothi Venkatesh, director of Bengaluru City University's Centre for Global Languages, draws inspiration from the city's multilingual character. 'For a language educator, the city's multicultural and multilingual landscape provides a rich context for teaching and learning languages. The presence of global tech companies and international communities further exposes learners to English and other foreign languages, making Bengaluru a natural laboratory for language acquisition, cross-cultural communication, and linguistic innovation,' she explained. A Kannadiga by birth and daughter of a diplomat, she studied French in Belgium in a local school, not as a foreign language, but as the native language of the locals. She was among the first students to pursue an MA in French at Bangalore University, before joining the department as faculty. She feels that the day-to-day experience in Bengaluru is often more multilingual than in many individual European cities. 'Kannadigas today are increasingly multilingual. However, among certain groups, such as the elite and urban populations, there is a growing tendency to rely primarily on English. This, sometimes, leads to a decline in deep Kannada fluency. At the same time, a strong counter current of cultural pride and language activism is emerging, aiming to preserve and promote Kannada amidst these changing linguistic dynamics,' she added. Of late, social media has been successful in tarnishing the city's image by portraying the people of Bengaluru as language chauvinists who make life miserable for those who cannot speak Kannada. So much so that the international Booker prize winner Banu Mushtaq had to clarify to 'national' media on behalf of the people of Karnataka. During a felicitation ceremony, she recounted how she responded to questions regarding intolerance in Karnataka. 'I had to explain to them how their actions have disturbed the inherently inclusive and tolerant culture of Karnataka,' she lamented. At the same time, it is also true that people tend to turn any argument into a language war and make it a point to bash 'outsiders'. Those unaware of the ground reality are often carried away by the exaggerated accounts of some unfortunate incidents. Sunil M Ghodke, an autorickshaw driver, attributed most of these fights to the tone and tenor of those in conversation. 'I come across people with both gentle and harsh demeanours in every linguistic group. In my experience, language has hardly been a problem,' he stated. Ghodke, a resident of Frazer town, speaks six languages, including his native tongue Marathi. 'I grew up in Bengaluru, but my origins are in Hubli. Around 500 Marathi-speaking people live in my neighbourhood,' he added. Amid all this, Bengaluru's spirit of inclusivity still stands tall as the city welcomes migrants with open arms. The need of the hour is mutual respect and, of course, accessible and innovative ways to learn Kannada and other languages. One such initiative by the Kannada Rashtra Telangana Association (KRTA) has been effective in helping children learn Kannada. These are children from Telugu-speaking families which have moved to Bengaluru. 'Many children are learning Kannada faster than their parents who are techies and have managed to learn very little Kannada,' said Sundeep Kumar Makthala, president, KRTA. He is inspired by the historical, cultural and linguistic ties between Telangana and Karnataka. 'The ancient Kannada poet Pampa was closely associated with the Telugu states. The two states have a lot in common, including languages, history, food and festivals,' he said. The association has been sanctioned a Telangana Bhavan that was planned on the lines of a Kannada Bhavan in Hyderabad. 'It will be a centre of cultural exchange where we celebrate iconic Telugu festivals like Bathukamma,' Makthala said. Blending into the linguistic fabric of the city takes both effort and support. Letting go of resistance was all it took to start learning a new language in a city like Bengaluru. As someone rightly pointed out through a message written inside an autorickshaw, a photo of which went viral: 'Don't be a guest forever.'
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Day after Siddaramaiah denies leadership change, Shivakumar's 'chair' remark fuels speculation
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 12 (ANI): A day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ruled out any change in leadership and asserted he would complete his full term, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stirred speculation with a metaphor-laden remark, saying, 'It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft.' Shivakumar made the remark while inaugurating the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised by the Bangalore Bar Association on Friday. 'There are so many chairs, come and sit. It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft. If you look at yourself, you look like tyagis,' he said, addressing lawyers present at the event. His comments sparked fresh speculation amid rumours about a power-sharing agreement in the Congress, even as both leaders continue to deny any change in leadership. During the event, Shivakumar also announced a series of measures to support the Bar Association, including the allocation of 10 acres of land, financial grants, and annual awards in the name of Kempegowda. He said Rs 5 crore would be provided from the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) for the association's development, Rs 5 lakh annually for Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations, and two lawyers would be honoured each year with the Kempegowda Award. 'The solar grid system for the association building will be inspected within a week. There was talk about this earlier. You should get behind the officials and get the work done. Also, you said that this organisation needs land. Therefore, 10 acres of revenue land will be given to you based on availability. If there is land within 20 km of the city, find it yourself. Utilise the money we give you for good works that will benefit you,' Shivakumar said. 'Rs 5 lakh will be given to the Bar Association every year for the celebration of Kempegowda Jayanti. Rs 5 crore will be given from GBA for the use of the association. Kempegowda Award will be given to two lawyers every year,' Shivakumar said. He said the state government is committed to preserving the vision of Bengaluru's founder, Kempegowda, through the newly formed 'Greater Bangalore Authority'. He also announced that the government is planning to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in upcoming projects aimed at the city's growth, with support from both the Governor and opposition leaders. 'Bangalore is not a planned city. But Kempegowda was the one who built the city in a planned manner. He implemented Krishnadevaraya's ideas here. He built and lit up this town to promote trade and commerce. We have taken the initiative through the 'Greater Bangalore Authority' to save his values and ideas. The Governor has also cooperated, saying that Shivakumar has vision. Opposition leader Ashok is also a good public figure. He has also cooperated in this. In the coming days, there is a plan to spend Rs. 1 lakh crore on projects for the development of Bengaluru,' he said. 'We are the ones who started Kempegowda Jayanti and the authority. We are the ones who said that Kempegowda Jayanti should be celebrated in every town. I have taken the Bangalore Urban Development Department by storm. I have my own dreams for this city. Speaking at a media conference after coming out of Tihar Jail, I said that I was born a farmer, then a businessman, accidentally an education lover, and a politician by choice. I dreamed of becoming a politician in my school days. From there, I organised and raised it,' he added. On Thursday, CM Siddaramaiah dismissed speculation about a change in the state's leadership, calling it a media creation and stating that there has been no discussion on the matter in the Congress party. Speaking at a media conference at Karnataka Bhavan, Siddaramaiah asserted that the issue of change of Chief Ministers is a creation of the media, and there is no room for speculation. 'The state Congress in charge (Randeep Singh Surjewala) has dismissed the question of a change in the Chief Minister, saying that there is no room for speculation on this issue. The media create these speculations, and there has been no discussion on the change of the Chief Minister in the Congress circle,' he said. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly said that they will abide by the high command's decision. 'It is natural that the issue of transfer of power should arise when the government has been in power for two and a half years. But there is no agreement on this,' Siddaramaiah said. He reiterated that the post of Chief Minister is not vacant and added that Deputy CM Shivakumar himself had said that the post of Chief Minister is not vacant. Responding to comments from some Congress MLAs expressing their opinion on the change, he said that they were expressing their personal opinions, not the party's decision. 'The speculation of the handover of power does not make any sense,' he added. (ANI)
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'It is difficult to find ... ': DK Shivakumar's 'chair' remark sparks fresh buzz; day after Siddaramaiah's leadership change denial
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar (Image credits: PTI) NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday triggered fresh political speculation with a cryptic comment involving "chairs" just a day after chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed any possibility of a leadership change and reaffirmed that he would serve a full term. Shivakumar made a metaphor-laced statement that drew attention while speaking at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised by the Bangalore Bar Association. "There are so many chairs, come and sit. It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft," he said, addressing a gathering of lawyers. "If you look at yourself, you all look like tyagis (those who renounce)," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The remark, delivered with a touch of humour, is being widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the ongoing buzz around a potential power shift in Karnataka, an issue that has resurfaced despite repeated denials from the Congress high command. "It seems many of you are very sacrificial by nature. Such a good building has been made with great chairs, make use of the opportunities when you get them," he added. The light-hearted remarks were seen by many as a veiled reference to the long-rumoured power-sharing arrangement within the ruling Congress, under which Shivakumar was expected to succeed Siddaramaiah halfway through the five-year term. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prijenosni laserski pištolji za zavarivanje, 50% popusta Saznajte više Undo Reports of such an informal agreement have persisted since the Congress formed the government in May 2023, with speculation that Siddaramaiah would lead for the first two-and-a-half years before Shivakumar took over. However, both leaders have publicly denied any such deal. During the event, Shivakumar also announced several initiatives to support the Bar Association, including the allocation of 10 acres of land, financial assistance, and annual awards in the name of Kempegowda. He said that the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) would provide Rs 5 crore for the association's development, and Rs 5 lakh annually would be allocated for Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations. Additionally, two lawyers will be honored each year with the Kempegowda Award. Speaking about infrastructure, Shivakumar mentioned that the solar grid system for the association's building would be inspected within a week. On the issue of land, he promised 10 acres of revenue land, depending on availability, and encouraged the association to identify suitable land within 20 km of the city for the government to allocate. Reaffirming the state's commitment to Kempegowda's legacy, Shivakumar highlighted the role of the Greater Bangalore Authority in preserving the founder's vision. He also announced plans for a Rs 1 lakh crore investment in upcoming urban development projects in Bengaluru, with cooperation from the governor and opposition leaders. He emphasised Kempegowda's planning and contribution to Bengaluru's early growth, saying, "Bangalore is not a planned city. But Kempegowda was the one who built the city in a planned manner. He implemented Krishnadevaraya's ideas here. He built and lit up this town to promote trade and commerce.' Shivakumar also reflected on his personal journey, stating, ' I have my own dreams for this city. Speaking at a media conference after coming out of Tihar Jail, I said that I was born a farmer, then a businessman, accidentally an education lover, and a politician by choice. I dreamed of becoming a politician in my school days. From there, I organised and raised it.'
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Day after Siddaramaiah denies leadership change, Shivakumar's 'chair' remark fuels speculation
A day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ruled out any change in leadership and asserted he would complete his full term, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stirred speculation with a metaphor-laden remark, saying, "It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft." Shivakumar made the remark while inaugurating the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised by the Bangalore Bar Association on Friday. "There are so many chairs, come and sit. It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft. If you look at yourself, you look like tyagis," he said, addressing lawyers present at the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Warum Seniorinnen in Nordrhein-westfalen ausgerechnet diesem Schuh vertrauen Senioren-Ratgeber Undo His comments sparked fresh speculation amid rumours about a power-sharing agreement in the Congress, even as both leaders continue to deny any change in leadership. During the event, Shivakumar also announced a series of measures to support the Bar Association, including the allocation of 10 acres of land, financial grants, and annual awards in the name of Kempegowda. Live Events He said Rs 5 crore would be provided from the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) for the association's development, Rs 5 lakh annually for Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations, and two lawyers would be honoured each year with the Kempegowda Award. "The solar grid system for the association building will be inspected within a week. There was talk about this earlier. You should get behind the officials and get the work done. Also, you said that this organisation needs land. Therefore, 10 acres of revenue land will be given to you based on availability. If there is land within 20 km of the city, find it yourself. Utilise the money we give you for good works that will benefit you," Shivakumar said. "Rs 5 lakh will be given to the Bar Association every year for the celebration of Kempegowda Jayanti. Rs 5 crore will be given from GBA for the use of the association. Kempegowda Award will be given to two lawyers every year," Shivakumar said. He said the state government is committed to preserving the vision of Bengaluru's founder, Kempegowda, through the newly formed 'Greater Bangalore Authority'. He also announced that the government is planning to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in upcoming projects aimed at the city's growth, with support from both the Governor and opposition leaders. "Bangalore is not a planned city. But Kempegowda was the one who built the city in a planned manner. He implemented Krishnadevaraya's ideas here. He built and lit up this town to promote trade and commerce. We have taken the initiative through the 'Greater Bangalore Authority' to save his values and ideas. The Governor has also cooperated, saying that Shivakumar has vision. Opposition leader Ashok is also a good public figure. He has also cooperated in this. In the coming days, there is a plan to spend Rs. 1 lakh crore on projects for the development of Bengaluru," he said. "We are the ones who started Kempegowda Jayanti and the authority. We are the ones who said that Kempegowda Jayanti should be celebrated in every town. I have taken the Bangalore Urban Development Department by storm. I have my own dreams for this city. Speaking at a media conference after coming out of Tihar Jail, I said that I was born a farmer, then a businessman, accidentally an education lover, and a politician by choice. I dreamed of becoming a politician in my school days. From there, I organised and raised it," he added. On Thursday, CM Siddaramaiah dismissed speculation about a change in the state's leadership, calling it a media creation and stating that there has been no discussion on the matter in the Congress party. Speaking at a media conference at Karnataka Bhavan, Siddaramaiah asserted that the issue of change of Chief Ministers is a creation of the media, and there is no room for speculation. "The state Congress in charge (Randeep Singh Surjewala) has dismissed the question of a change in the Chief Minister, saying that there is no room for speculation on this issue. The media create these speculations, and there has been no discussion on the change of the Chief Minister in the Congress circle," he said. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly said that they will abide by the high command's decision. "It is natural that the issue of transfer of power should arise when the government has been in power for two and a half years. But there is no agreement on this," Siddaramaiah said. He reiterated that the post of Chief Minister is not vacant and added that Deputy CM Shivakumar himself had said that the post of Chief Minister is not vacant. Responding to comments from some Congress MLAs expressing their opinion on the change, he said that they were expressing their personal opinions, not the party's decision. "The speculation of the handover of power does not make any sense," he added.
