Bengaluru's Vanishing Heritage Sparks 10-Day Cultural Festival
Bengaluru, once famous for its beautiful gardens and relaxed lifestyle, has transformed into a non-stop technology center. This rapid change worries retired IPS officer Jija Harisingh deeply. She sees the city's soul disappearing under concrete and traffic.
"People only talk about potholes, traffic jams, and overcrowding now," Jija Harisingh states with concern. "But what happened to our culture? Where did our heritage go? We are losing the true spirit of this city."
Creative City Bengaluru Festival Begins Today
This concern led directly to Creative City Bengaluru: Dialogues & Discoveries. The 10-day festival starts today across multiple locations in the city. Organized by the Bengaluru-based Art Mantram Trust, it combines art displays, public discussions, and shared experiences.
For Jija Harisingh, the festival represents much more than typical cultural events. "This initiative focuses on creating shared moments, amplifying diverse voices, and encouraging collective thinking," she explains. "I want Bengaluru residents to stop, sit up, and really reflect on what matters."
Short Conversations for Busy Minds
The festival opens with a series of focused, brief conversations. These sessions are designed specifically for today's shortened attention spans. "People simply don't have mental space anymore," observes Jija Harisingh. "So every discussion must be sharp, meaningful, and impactful."
One key conversation centers on heritage, art, and the urban landscape. This topic holds special importance for the retired officer. "Many residents don't even realize Bengaluru has heritage buildings," she reveals. "Someone actually asked me, 'Heritage buildings? In Bengaluru?' That question truly hurt."
She highlights the steady disappearance of iconic structures. "Numerous buildings mentioned in historical books no longer stand. Even heritage walks face challenges today because too few structures remain."
Bridging Technology and Art
Another festival segment intentionally connects art with artificial intelligence. This approach draws Bengaluru's technology community into cultural dialogue. "This is India's Silicon Valley," Jija Harisingh points out. "But many tech professionals struggle with stress management, relationships, and self-awareness."
She firmly believes art can provide essential balance. "If their mental space fills with art, culture, and meaningful dialogue, it won't be occupied by anxiety and negative thoughts."
"Everything starts as an idea. Then it becomes a dream. You talk about it long enough, and one day, it becomes real," reflects Jija Harisingh.
Looking Inward: Ecology and Wellness
The final conversation turns inward, examining ecology, wellness, and urban restlessness. "We see road rage, depression, substance abuse—even among children," she notes. "This city was once a pensioner's paradise. Now, genuine calm is hard to find."
She emphasizes the festival's deeper purpose. "These dialogues are really about discoveries within our own minds," Jija Harisingh adds. "Who are we as Bengaluru citizens today? Can we at least pause, step back, and reflect?"
The 10-day festival represents a conscious effort to reclaim Bengaluru's cultural identity. It invites residents to look beyond technology and traffic, rediscovering the city's heritage and soul.
