Namma Jaatre unveils Karnataka's artistic riches

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: On Sunday, the Namma Jaatre festival brought the streets of Bengaluru to life, showcasing Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and art.

The two-day event, held at Ravindra Kalakshetra, was part of the larger Unboxing Bengaluru Hubba initiative, celebrating the city's unique identity.

The festivities commenced with a grand procession from Vidhana Soudha, culminating at Ravindra Kalakshetra.

The procession was a spectacle of colours and traditions, featuring over 200 folk dancers, musicians, vibrant Rathas (chariots), majestic elephants, and flower-decked Palakkis (palanquins).

At the heart of the festival lay the vibrant Craft Village at Ravindra Kalakshetra where artisans from different cities across Karnataka displayed their exquisite handiwork such as banjara Emrodiary, Navalgund durrie, Chanapattana toys, Belur stone items, Lavancha decorative items, handmade jewellery, mod pottery products and so on were being sold by the original craftsmen.

Visitors were able to get firsthand the unique authentic Karnataka handmade products and enjoyed the intricate handlooms, shimmering jewellery, and handcrafted wooden and clay figurines.

The event featured an art room, providing a creative space for artists to sit, paint, and engage in meaningful interactions with fellow artists.

A visitor originally from Coorg, now settled in Bengaluru, shared, "Being born and raised in a city, my daughter and son never had the opportunity to truly experience Karnataka's culture. Now, they are embracing their roots and developing a genuine appreciation for it.”

Namma Jaatre wasn't just about appreciating art and craft. The air was filled with the aroma of delicious regional dishes from various corners of Karnataka, such as honey and other sweets from Coorg, Bun butter gulkand, varieties of pickles and powders, and so on.

The event served as a tribute to Karnataka's rich cultural heritage. Organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture and Kadambari, a renowned group for performing and fine arts, Namma Jaatre provided a platform for artists to share their talent and passion with the world.

Performers’ plight spotlights festival's facilities shortcomings

A notable drawback of this festival was the lack of facilities for the over 200 dancers who travelled across the state to participate.

These participants were not provided with essential amenities such as washrooms, accommodation, or proper meals.

Expressing their concerns, a group of Dhol performers from Udupi stated, "While we were given food, it was insufficient. Our performance was scheduled for the evening, and after performing from Vidhan Soudha to here, there were no proper toilets, changing rooms, or areas for us to rest or relax."

Namma Jaatre festival proved to be a vibrant celebration of Karnataka's rich cultural heritage, uniting diverse traditions and art forms under the bustling streets of Bengaluru.

The grand procession, showcasing vivid colours and traditions, set the tone for an immersive experience.

The Craft Village offered a display of the state's unique handiwork, with artisans from various cities presenting authentic products.