Bengaluru Residents Embrace Rural Roots at Suggi Huggi Festival
Amidst the usual traffic jams and digital notifications, Bengaluru residents pressed pause on their busy city lives. They gathered at Jakkur Grounds for Suggi Huggi, a vibrant celebration of Karnataka's rich harvest traditions. This community Sankranti event, organized by Revenue Minister and Byatarayanapura MLA Krishna Byre Gowda, successfully recreated the authentic feel of a traditional village fair.
A Day Filled with Traditional Activities
The festival grounds buzzed with energy from early morning. Attendees participated in rashi puje rituals and watched the preparation of pongal, the classic harvest dish. Organizers distributed this special food to the public, spreading festive cheer. Children enthusiastically joined drawing and rangoli competitions, adding colorful creativity to the atmosphere.
Sports enthusiasts enjoyed thrilling kabaddi finals and exciting tug-of-war contests during the afternoon hours. These traditional games kept spectators thoroughly engaged. Folk performances and classic village games continued throughout the day alongside an interesting livestock exhibition. These attractions drew steady footfall from curious visitors.
Evening Performances Steal the Show
As dusk settled, curated cultural performances took center stage. The Rahul-Sara Music School presented melodious music, while Adwith Shashidhar delivered a graceful Bharatanatyam recital. However, the festival's true centerpiece emerged as '18 Days of Mahabharata' by Prabhath Arts International. This spectacular production captivated audiences with its grandeur.
Voices from the Festival Grounds
MS Krishna, a 58-year-old retired HR professional from Yelahanka, shared his thoughts. "This event offers a wonderful chance to relive village life," he said. "The presence of livestock, traditional activities, and open spaces feels incredibly refreshing. City residents should definitely experience this - it provides a much-needed pause from urban routines."
Swathi S, a 34-year-old techie from Hebbal, expressed her nostalgia. "Folk art, traditional performances, and even the food remind me of my younger days," she noted. "Unlike regular melas, some elements here feel quite rare. Watching children play and folk dances being performed brings back childhood memories. With so much Western influence today, folk culture is slowly disappearing. This festival gives it a valuable platform for revival."
Chaithra N, a 30-year-old techie from Agara Layout, reflected on cultural connections. "I studied in Kannada-medium schools and grew up singing janapada geethas and participating in village dramas," she recalled. "As we become more modern, we realize how much we miss our roots. No matter how urban our lives become, the connection to our culture and traditions always remains strong."
Seetharam D, 73, and his sister Prasanna Kumari, 70, traveled from Thanisandra to attend. "We came here to relax and enjoy traditional food made with ingredients like avarekai," Seetharam explained. "My brother visited from the US, and we wanted him to experience the cultural side we grew up with. This festival brought back many cherished childhood memories."
Manjunath RM, a farmer from Devanahalli (Mandibelle), highlighted agricultural awareness. "Farmers play an extremely important role for our nation," he emphasized. "City residents should understand our work, cattle rearing, and daily struggles. Events like this help people develop interest in agriculture and respect farming as a profession. This benefits us in many meaningful ways."
A group of friends from Kodihehalli - Gupthini N, Sneha A, Punyashree TN, and Punyashree N - shared their first-time experience. "The dances, decorations, and games beautifully showcase the spirit of Sankranti," they said. "Events like kabaddi and pot-breaking add to the excitement. Being here with friends made it truly enjoyable."
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Sharat Prabhath, director of Prabhath Arts, discussed the festival's significance. "Bengaluru rarely sees events that are deeply invested in culture and classical arts," he observed. "Being part of this festival feels special because our production, '18 Days', based on the Mahabharata, involves 50-60 artists and even live horses. Connecting with epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata helps people rediscover their roots. That's why such cultural celebrations remain absolutely vital."
The Suggi Huggi festival demonstrated how urban communities can successfully reconnect with rural traditions. It provided Bengaluru residents with a meaningful cultural experience while celebrating Karnataka's agricultural heritage. The event highlighted the enduring importance of folk culture in contemporary city life.
