Bengalureans harvest joy on day 2 of Suggi Huggi festival

Bengaluru: Bucolic spirits reigned at Jakkur grounds for the second straight day on day 2 of Suggi Huggi, organised by Byatarayanapura MLA and revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda, in association with the Times of India, to mark Makar Sankranti festival.With the aroma of jaggery and rice in the air, women in vibrant saris and men in traditional panches and with shalyas swaying on their shoulders strutted around the venue of the harvest festival, which drew nearly 20,000 people.The final day kicked off with a sacred Rashi Puja performed by Meenakshi Sheshadri, wife of Krishna Byre Gowda. The ceremony saw ragi and various millets being worshipped, followed by the pouring of the grains into an earthen pot. Traditional hearths were aglow as the traditional cooking method created a nostalgic ambience. Savithramma, the minister's mother, led the ceremonial pouring of rice into the pot, followed by the family's participation. More than 10 women, each with their uniquely decorated pots, began cooking rice, chanting "Pongalo… Pongal!" A rangoli competition too was in full swing, with over 30 women showcasing their artistry by creating gigantic, intricate designs. "I've never seen women draw such huge rangoli designs, and it is beautiful to see such creativity. For a generation used to seeing only stickers as rangolis in front of their houses, these beautiful patterns are sheer delight," said Archana Kumar, a resident of Jakkur.Folk art forms like Goravara Kunitha, Gaarudi Gombe, Tattiraya, and Veeragase were performed as chande beats rent the air. "I have only seen these in the movies, and to see it today in front of me was so amazing," said Kunal Gowda, a 13-year-old visiting Suggi Huggi for the first time.Livestock from Mandya, Chikkaballapur, and Kolar districts were huge draws. Children also had their moment to shine in a Sankranti-themed drawing competition, while a women's tug-of-war injected a playful, sporty spirit into the day's events.Traditional bullock cart rides and kite-flying offered a nostalgic journey into rural Karnataka. The trundling rides provided a rare chance for children to experience village life in the midst of the urban setting.The highlight of the day was the Kicchu Haayisodu ritual — an auspicious event held on Makar Sankranti — where cows decorated in colourful paraphernalia ran across a bed of fire, symbolising prosperity and good harvest.As the sun set, standup comedian Sonu Venugopal had the crowd in fits of laughter while singer Vasuki Vaibhav mesmerised with his melodious music. Krishna Byre Gowda and his wife joined Vasuki on stage and shook a leg, to cheers from the audience.HAPPY VISITORSS Shreshtha | Sahakarnagar resident I'm so happy to have a break from the usual tech-driven lifestyle and immerse myself in this traditional festival with my family. It feels wonderful to reconnect with my roots and experience the cultural essence of Karnataka right here in the cityK Rishan | Jakkur resident Seeing this cultural fair in my neighbourhood for the first time was a fantastic experience. The entire setup was vibrant and brimming with tradition. I loved exploring the variety of activities, from kabaddi games to buguri spinning, and the Avarebele mela Charan C, Arun S & Chandan JA | part of minister's teamBringing back traditional culture and roots to an urban community like this is an inspiring initiative. Being part of such a grand and meaningful event feels truly heart-warming. It's not just about the festivities; it's about reviving a sense of belonging and pride in our heritage