Bengaluru, 23 Oct

For the first time, the Kadlekai Parishe will last five days, an official release said. Starting 17 Nov, the Bengaluru’s grand festival, held at Basavanagudi, will continue last year’s initiative of being “plastic free”. Similarly, no tax will be collected from roadside vendors on Bull Temple Road.

The inauguration will be held at Sri Basavanna Temple, Basavanagudi at 10am in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar. Last year’s Kadlekai Parishe saw nearly 5 lakh people attend, the release, which was issued after a planning meeting presided over Transport & Muzrai Minister, Shri Ramalinga Reddy said. The Muzrai department was hopeful that even more people will attend.

The inauguration will begin with a special pooja performed by inviting 21 Basavannas (bulls) to the temple.

The statement said that “there will be grand lighting decorations this year, extending to Bull Temple Road, Gandhi Bazaar, and NR Road for all five days”.

On the plastic free initiative, the statement said the State government would collaborate with NGOs for awareness campaigns aimed at shopkeepers and the public to help them understand not to use plastic.

Instead, the government will promote cloth bags under the slogan ‘Come to the Parishe, Bring Your Own Bag’, to help complete plastic ban.

 CROWD MANAGEMENT

Emphasis will be placed on health, sanitation, and cleanliness during the festival. Necessary arrangements will be made in coordination with the police department to prevent crowding and ensure safety, the statement said. The government will also repair street lights and deploy additional CCTV cameras at key locations, in addition to other safety measures.