Bengaluru welcomes long weekend

Bengaluru: With the extended weekend kicking in, Gandhi Jayanti, Ayudha Pooja, Dasara, on Sunday, followed by Bakrid on Monday, DC takes a look at various cultural activities and programmes in the city.

These will include Durga Pooja pandals and Garbas. Those citizens keen on a holiday break are heading to nearby tourist spots. In full swing, are the ‘dandiya nites’. For the many Gujaratis residing in Bengaluru, Dasara is incomplete without the sound of dandiya batons. Dandiya events are being organised at Gujarati community halls in Peenya and Vijayanagar, MLR convention hall in JP Nagar and at the Palace Grounds.

The events start as early as 5.30 pm and go on till 11 at night. Sarmistha Mehta from Ahmedabad, was gearing up for a memorable dandiya night at Palace Ground as she shopped at Koramangala on Thursday to get the right outfit. She said, “I am very excited to be part of the massive crowd there.”

For Bengalis, there are quite a few places to celebrate durga puja in the garden city, right from Koramangala, Indiranagar, BTM layout, RBANMS Ground to Jayamahal. Bengalis were seen thronging these pandals attired in their traditional cotton sarees, enjoying eastern delicacies, while cultural activities go on till 11 at night. Puja will continue till October 4.

Meanwhile, many seized the opportunity to escape from the bustle of city life over the weekend. Raghubir, a travel agent, commented, “Almost all our vehicles are booked. Kerala, Goa and Coorg are the favourite destinations followed by Gokarna and Puducherry.”

Many see the festive month as a chance to boost their business, especially the hotel industry. There are food and drink carnivals at all city bars, pubs and restaurants, offering discounted prizes on drinks and food.

Durga puja venues: Koramanagala, Indiranagar, BTM layout, RBANMS Ground and Jay Mahal

Dandiya venues Gujarati community halls in Peenya and Vijayanagar, MLR convention hall in JP Nagar and at Palace Grounds.