|
|
|
|
Here in Bangalore the processions and the pujas were all carried out and the immersion of the statues too were done on the 27th and will continue to be immersed at intervals, so will other states but the fact being that Lord Ganesha (as he is known to devotees in Sri Lanka) is the State god of Maharashtra, all the fanfare actually builds up for 11 days within that state until ultimately it all concludes on September 6.
The full moon Poya Day that is happening around this time in September has some significance too in this matter and other festivities that take place in India.
As for example the present Onam festival which is underway in Kerala, the harvesting festival of the state, ended in a grand scale on the Poya Day.
|
|
Festivities that are celebrated countrywide here in India plays some kind of nostalgic role in some people's mind here in Bangalore, because if one look beyond the surface this city is crowded with workers who have come from all parts of the country, mostly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
There are still others from various other parts of India too who live and work here and each time a state is celebrating a festival, be it religious or cultural, there seem to be a bit of wander in their minds and faces as they cannot go home to celebrate those events which are not celebrated on a national level.
But Bangalore is an amazing city in this context. Once known as The Garden City of India, an image it is struggling to maintain with skyscrapers rising from all sides, today it is more recognized as the Silicone Valley of the East. A fact that was commended by former president Bill Clinton during his visit here some years back.
Founded by Kempegowda a village chieftain, Bangalore was a little village which was later developed by Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. It was considered a pleasant holiday resort with extended parks and lakes during British rule.
|
|
Since Independence the city was given priority in developing itself as a centre for science and research and a lot of support in that direction was extended by many governments that came into power during that era.
Today Bangalore is a booming city, both technically and population wise. Adding up to a 4.5 million over the years, it is a city that have attracted many outsiders from the state owing to its computer and software industry which has shot up to a national high over a short period of time. Youth from all over India has ended up working in association with the IT industry here.
Sometimes coming in with a minimal knowledge on the subject they sharpen their skills and end up been millionaires eventually living permanently here.
India is known to thrive on its diversity and this fact has been driven home here in Bangalore in a much bigger way than in the rest of India. People visit this place for various reasons.
Although it is considered a high rising cosmopolitan city today, there are many who still come here to visit the Sai Baba Ashram which is 20 kilometres east to the city in Whitefield's, known to be an elitist abode of the state of Karnataka.
Fashion Week
If fashion is a representation of urban development then Bangalore is proving again that it is nevertheless so. With the Wills India Fashion Week in process at present in Delhi, it is stated that at least one third of the 32 designers who are showcasing their Spring/Summer collections this year at this prestigious annual event, are from Bangalore.
It is also a city that has made many fashion statements with many international brands and labels and created a large set of chic elitist clientele that patronize them, also there are many from outside states that shop here and for many tourists Bangalore is a niche destination on their itinerary.
With hundreds of top brands of cars lining the streets during the rush hour, traffic jams and many stores selling a wide variety of goods ranging from clothes under international brandings, food of all varieties that are down to earth Indian or Japanese, Chinese, Mexican or Afghan or Italian, the city seems not to have given up on its traditional bindings in a hurry.
The Maleshwara Market is one such place that has its traditional roots yet intact. Famous for its fruit, vegetable and flower vendors, this little enclave, a couple of kilometres away from the main city, gives you a clue how diversity here in India works.
The Commercial Street, known for its variety, is believed to have goods sold at competitive prices. This is one place that is patronized by many visitors to the city. For lovers of art there are many galleries and museums, the famous Chitrakala Parishad known for its many activities involving arts and culture.
The Cubbon Park, a 3000 acre park laid out by the British, is a popular retreat among both visitors and the city dwellers alike.
Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat sits on one side of the park and on another side sits the beautiful red brick building housing the High Court with the Central Public Library sitting at its edge.
Bangalore is famous for its number of multiplex cinemas of which there are ones that tie up with international film releases simultaneously during their worldwide release. It is also home for over 200 English style Pubs that sprawl mainly around Brigade Road, MGM Road and Residency Road areas.
Being my sixth visit to this city, within my 12 visits to India in 11 years, it has not stopped amazing me every time I arrive here. Buildings are rising higher and it is getting more crowded which has made it also earn a top slot as the most polluted city in India.
But its serenity stays intact and the bewitchment that attracts outsiders to it has not changed its ways, probably a reason why I have ended up repeatedly coming here six out of the 12 visits to the land of our grand neighbour.
..................................
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|