Bengaluru, 10 Jan

Do you miss flying kites or riding bullock carts? Amid Bengaluru’s fast-paced life, the Suggi Huggi festival at Jakkur Ground from 10 to 12 January offers Bengaluru a taste of tradition.

Organised by Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the vibrant Sankranti celebration is designed to transport the City’s residents to a village-like atmosphere, reconnecting them with their cultural roots.

In its second year, the festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors. Last year, approximately 10,000 people attended, and this year, the event has expanded with over 100 stalls showcasing a wide range of cultural attractions. From traditional music and dance performances to unique crafts from across Karnataka, the festival promises to be a sensory delight.

As visitors explore the lively stalls, they encounter artisans from State and beyond.
Latha Mahalakshmi, an employee at Sunshine Academy in Bengaluru, displayed magic books with erasable pages that quickly captured the attention of curious parents. "These magic copybooks help children write, learn, and reuse them," she told Salar News.

For Bengaluru resident Ananya Rao, the festival was a visual feast. "The vibrancy of the stalls, the lively music, and the warmth of the community make this festival a treat for the senses," she said.

The festival also brought in artisans from other states, adding to the event’s diversity. Ramesh Rar travelled 2,380 km from Dehradun to present Banjara handicrafts from Uttarakhand, featuring reused fabric and intricate embellishments, in the festival.

Similarly, Shabbir, an artisan from Agra, displayed crystal replicas of the Taj Mahal, while Ghulam Sarwar from Uttar Pradesh showcased exquisite handmade carpets from Bhadohi.

Raman, a Kalaburagi-based artisan, shared his family’s legacy of handcrafted artificial jewellery. "We’ve been in this business for two generations, making these pieces at home," he said.

 Similarly, Niveditha from Ramanagara displayed colourful wooden and lacquerware crafts from Channapatna, known as the "town of toys." "Each handcrafted piece is unique," she said.

Among the many entertainers, magician Mohammed Zakir from Dehradun captivated the crowd with his enchanting tricks, leaving both children and adults mesmerized by his sleight of hand.