Bengaluru: Seeking to foster a stronger sense of belonging among the millions who now call Bengaluru home, Karnataka govt announced Bengaluru Jaatre, a 10-day celebration of art, culture, food, heritage, music and community life, from Dec 4.Announcing the initiative Saturday, Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the city, which has grown into a global technology and economic hub, also needs spaces that bring people together and help residents connect beyond work and daily routines. “Bengaluru is much more than a place where we live and work. It is a city built by people from different languages, cultures and backgrounds. Bengaluru Jaatre is an opportunity for the city to come together and celebrate itself,” Gowda said.Unlike conventional festivals held at a single venue, the jaatre will be spread across the city with events planned at parks, lakes, playgrounds, educational institutions, museums, cultural centres and other public spaces. “There will be no single jaatre ground and no single central stage. Bengaluru itself will become the stage,” Gowda said.The festival is being modelled on Karnataka’s traditional oora habba or village fair, where entire communities come together to celebrate. The idea, officials said, is to recreate that spirit in a city of millions through the theme, “Many People. Multiple Cultures. One City.”Govt departments and agencies will organise a range of free-to-attend programmes, including music, dance, theatre, literature, heritage walks, exhibitions, food festivals and community events. Officials said most events will not require registration, though registration for limited-capacity programmes will open around 15 days in advance.
