Direct connections: Farmers and consumers unite at Kadalekayi Parishe in Malleswaram

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Bengaluru recently hosted the Kadalekayi Parishe, also known as the groundnut festival, in the lively area of Malleswaram from December 2-4.

This celebration highlighted the city's culture and treated visitors to the delicious smell of roasted groundnuts, colourful handicrafts and different food varieties.

A unique moment in the festival was the grand abhisheka, a ceremonial bathing, of the Nandi idol, the sacred bull at the temple. In a spectacular display, 1,000 kilograms of groundnuts were poured over the idol.

The groundnuts were then shared with devotees as prasadam, a sacred offering. Among the various highlights of the fair, the main draw is the 20-foot Nandi bust crafted from eight quintals of groundnuts showcased at the groundnut fair.

The festival centred around the beautiful Kadu Malleshwara Swamy Temple. People gathered to pay their respects and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The nearby streets turned into a busy market, with farmers from Selam and Vellore in Tamil Nadu and Chikkaballapur in Karnataka offering a variety of groundnuts at affordable prices.

A Selam farmer shared, "Typically, middlemen handle customer interactions, leaving us in the dark about the market. This event allows us to connect directly with consumers."

His wife added, "We used to sell a large cylinder of groundnuts for Rs 20 or Rs 25, but today I learned the same is sold for Rs 60 or even Rs 100."

Highlighting the advantages of cultivating groundnuts in red soil, a farmer/ seller from Vellore emphasised, “Growing in nutrientrich red sand enhances plant health, boosts nutritional content, and promotes sustainable farming for higher yields and benefits to farmers and consumers.”

However, he noted, “Despite consistent quantity due to less rain this year, the groundnuts are slightly smaller and less flavorful, impacting the overall quality.”

While people shopped, the air was filled with the tempting smells of a variety of groundnut-related dishes and other snacks as well. Hungry visitors could also try chaat, pani puri, steamed and spiced yams, taro root and other popular street snacks for a different taste experience.

The festival catered to all ages with an entertainment zone featuring games, rides, and inflatables.

While some residents living around the temple expressed their frustration about their homes transforming into a marketplace every year, a few individuals, notably women, seized the opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade products.

They set up stalls right outside their homes, offering a delightful twist to the traditional groundnut experience with freshly steamed groundnut bhel.

One resident/vendor shared her perspective, saying, "Last year, I was so frustrated with the noise, pollution, and everything. But this time, I decided to turn things around. I sourced groundnuts from the festival on day 1, steamed them, and created a flavorful bhel, selling them here for Rs 30 per plate. "I've managed to generate a profit of Rs 15 per plate."

She further noted that several homemakers in the area have embraced this opportunity to sell their creations and earn a profit, turning what was once a source of irritation into a platform for entrepreneurial endeavours.