The year 2025 concluded on a vibrant and communal note for the residents of Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru. The final edition of The Times of India's Happy Streets initiative transformed a key stretch of the locality into a bustling, car-free zone of joy and activity on a Sunday morning.
A Morning of Diverse Engagements
From 6:30 am to 9:30 am, the 12th Cross Road near Mount Carmel English School in Ideal Homes Township shed its usual traffic for a celebration of community spirit. The event featured a wide array of stalls and activities catering to diverse interests. Civic awareness took center stage as Reclaim Constitution distributed copies of the Preamble, while Heartfulness offered peaceful guided meditation sessions.
Art found its many expressions through Mandala art workshops by Prashree Art and hands-on creative experiences at DK Kalakari Arts and Crafts. The core of the event remained fitness and movement. Apple Fitness allowed participants to try simple gym equipment, while Bell and Brakes Bicycle Store offered bicycle trials. Best Club Roller Skating introduced many to the thrill of skating.
Energy, Culture, and Sustainability
Cultural performances and workshops added colour and dynamism to the atmosphere. Shivathi Dance Academy, NeeRav Arts Village, Sarvebhavanthu Sukhinah Yoga, Swingers Dance Inc, and Aravind Universe Karate Training School all contributed to the energetic vibe. A strong focus on sustainability was evident, led by Hasiru Sele, which demonstrated composting, zero-waste practices, and promoted paper bags. GreenMic hosted innovative games using eco-friendly products, adding a playful touch to the eco-conscious message. The initiative was presented by Bhima Jewellers.
Voices from the Happy Streets
The true success of the event was reflected in the experiences shared by attendees from across the city.
Geetha Jeevani (48), a resident of RR Nagar, noted that the event transforms slow Sunday mornings into an uplifting experience that motivates for the week ahead.
Jaya Sancheti (28), a teacher, eagerly awaits Happy Streets for its positive energy and her favorite Zumba sessions.
For Ramya Rao (42), also a resident and teacher, the massive turnout and infectious energy provided a rare chance to connect with neighbours.
Namita Jain (41), a first-time attendee, was glad her son insisted she come, appreciating the range of activities for both children and adults.
The event's appeal drew families from other parts of Bengaluru. Nalina V (45) and her daughter Yaashitha (18) travelled from Electronics City for a mother-daughter bonding experience, rediscovering traditional games like tops.
Deepti (36) and Arihant Bhandari (40) from Chamarajpet, veterans of Happy Streets since its 2017 Church Street debut, came for their children and enjoyed the energizing Zumba.
Sandeep Kumar (34) and Nayanika HD (31) from Jnanabharathi found it a refreshing year-end experience that offered quality family time through dance and sketching.
First-timer Suleel Shetty and family, also from Jnanabharathi, discovered the event through a newspaper ad. They found it refreshing and expressed a desire to see more traditional Indian games for children, evoking nostalgic memories.
The collective sentiment was clear: Happy Streets at RR Nagar successfully fostered community bonding, promoted health and creativity, and provided a uniquely joyful and positive platform to bid farewell to the year.
