Bengaluru's Urban Heart Beats to Rural Sankranti Drum

Jakkur Grounds in Bengaluru recently became a vibrant hub of Karnataka's agrarian traditions during the Suggi Huggi Sankranti festival. Organized to celebrate the harvest season, the event successfully brought the essence of rural life to the urban setting. Attendees experienced a rich tapestry of village arts, folk performances, rangoli displays, and traditional games, fostering a deep connection to the state's farming heritage.

The festival offered a nostalgic journey through beloved rural pastimes, including kite-flying and bullock-cart rides, which were particularly popular among families and children. The Vasavi Avarebele Mela provided fresh produce and festive Sankranti delicacies. As evening descended, musical performances by the Barfi Band and a theatre production by Prabhat Arts added to the lively atmosphere, creating a multisensory celebration.

According to organizer Krishna Byregowda, the festival aimed to allow urban dwellers, especially children, to witness and appreciate traditional village celebrations and connect with local culture, farmers, and artisans. Visitors expressed their delight in experiencing the revival of fading rural traditions and the opportunity to share these cultural moments with their families, highlighting the event's success in bridging the urban-rural divide.