The residents of Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru embraced a vibrant Sunday morning as the third edition of Happy Streets took over a traffic-free stretch at Ideal Homes. The event, powered by Bhima Jewellers, transformed the ordinary road into a dynamic public space brimming with fitness, music, creativity, and community engagement, reaffirming the neighbourhood's love for people-centric Sundays.
A Morning of Mindful Beginnings and Energetic Rhythms
The day commenced on a serene note with a calming yoga session conducted by Sarvebhavanthu Sukhinah Yoga. This mindful start seamlessly transitioned into a guided meditation by Heartfulness, allowing participants to centre themselves. The atmosphere soon warmed up with live singing performances by Mic & Melody and From Mug to Mic, creating a relaxed and feel-good vibe that drew appreciative crowds.
The energy levels soared when Swingers Dance Inc took centre stage with an energetic Zumba and fitness dance routine, turning spectators into active participants. Adding a competitive twist to fitness, Apple Fitness hosted a engaging squat challenge that saw youngsters, adults, and seniors cheering each other on.
Engagement for All Ages: From Karate Kids to Conscious Living
Children were at the heart of the festivities across the venue. Little Angel Montessori School set up a sensory activity zone for hands-on play, while Bell and Bakes Bicycles became a hub for young cyclists. A major highlight was the demonstration by students of Aravind Universe Karate Training School, some as young as four, who impressed the audience with sharp, disciplined moves.
Creativity flowed at art and craft stalls by DK Kalakari Art and Craft, Prashree Arts, and NeeRav Arts Village, where visitors created handmade souvenirs. The themes of sustainability and conscious living were prominently highlighted by Hasiru Sele and GreenMic, attracting residents keen to learn about eco-friendly practices.
Cultural Beats and Civic Awareness Create Lasting Impressions
Cultural expressions added immense charm to the event. Graceful performances by the MDA Mudras Dance Academy brought rhythmic storytelling to the street. A thoughtful and popular attraction was the stall by Reclaim Constitution, where visitors queued up to collect artistically presented copies of the Indian Constitution, blending civic education with art.
The festive mood reached its peak with a thunderous and electrifying performance of Dollu Kunita. The powerful drumbeats sent pulses of energy through the crowd, with many breaking into spontaneous dance, effectively turning the street into a living, celebrating community.
Voices from the Community: Nostalgia, Joy, and Togetherness
The event resonated deeply with residents, who shared their heartfelt experiences.
Dr Shankar A, a pathologist, noted the event's value for senior citizens, calling it an "open, inclusive space" to socialize and relive memories. Residents Prashanth MJ & Pallavi MJ described the atmosphere as meditative and positively charged, making them want to slow down and enjoy the moment.
For Yogesh & Ashwini, attending with their daughter Samiksha, the event was special. "Seeing and playing games that were part of our childhood brought back a strong sense of nostalgia," they said. Rachna BM, Sushma Anand Rao & Soujanya N called it a much-needed break for RR Nagar, praising the unifying energy of activities like Zumba.
Mamatha Nandish, who attended with her daughter Tanishka, felt the event was enriching enough to be called 'Knowledge Street'. She appreciated how children learned about the Constitution and traditional games in an engaging way. Shreesha Bharadwaj and family enjoyed the simple pleasure of getting a caricature made, noting how the event fostered a warm sense of belonging by bringing familiar and new faces together.
With its successful blend of fitness, art, music, mindfulness, and folk tradition, the third edition of Happy Streets has firmly established itself as a cherished Sunday-morning ritual in Bengaluru, proving the power of reclaiming public spaces for life, culture, and genuine human connection.
