Bengaluru’s famous Kadalekai Parishe, the annual peanut festival, is all set to bring together the flavors of tradition and the essence of community from November 13th to 17th in Malleshwaram, and from November 22nd to 25th in Basavanagudi. This heritage celebration of peanuts, history, and culture is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Bengaluru's rich traditions.
A Festival Rooted in Rural Heritage and Legends
Kadalekai Parishe, an event that dates back to the time of Bengaluru's founder, Kempe Gowda, has grown into one of the city's most cherished cultural celebrations. Held annually on the last Monday of the Hindu month of Karthika, the festival is a tribute to Basava, the sacred bull Nandi, revered as Lord Shiva’s mount.
The Origins: A Legend of Faith and Blessings
The legend behind Kadalekai Parishe tells of a time when the farmers of Sunkenahalli were plagued by an unusual problem—a bull would wreak havoc on their peanut crops just before harvest. Desperate, they sought the counsel of their ruler, Kempe Gowda. His solution was to honor the divine Basava by constructing a temple in his name. In exchange for the bull’s blessing, the farmers vowed to offer the first yield of their peanut harvest every year.
In another version of the tale, when the farmers tried to chase away the bull, it fled to a nearby hill and turned into stone, revealing its divine nature as Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Moved by this miraculous event, the farmers built a temple in his honor.
Yet, the story didn’t end there. The stone bull began to grow, much to the alarm of the local community. Fearing its unchecked expansion, they embedded Lord Shiva's trident on the bull’s head, halting its growth.
Basavanagudi: The Bull Temple and Beyond
The temple that stands today, ‘Basavanagudi’, meaning "Bull Temple" in Kannada, commemorates this legend. Built during the reign of Kempe Gowda, it has become a symbolic landmark in Bengaluru. In the 1900s, as the city expanded, the surrounding suburb was named after this temple, cementing its place in the cultural fabric of the region.
Every year, this fair brings a wide variety of peanuts cultivated from regions across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Vendors gather at the fair, offering everything from three-seeded long peanuts to two-seeded varieties, and even peanuts with dark brown or pale pink seeds. The two-day fair at Basavanagudi and the festival in Malleshwaram showcase an abundance of farm-fresh peanuts, making it a haven for peanut lovers.
Not just Kadlekai - A Fair like atmosphere
The Kadalekai Parishe is not just about peanuts; it’s a festive experience for all ages. The lively atmosphere extends from Ramakrishna Ashram Circle to BMS College, where hundreds of vendors display local handicrafts, toys, traditional sweets, and decorative
items. You'll find stalls selling channa (fried gram), puffed rice, bathas (hard candy), kalyanaseve(sugar candy), and other regional treats. The marketplace also offers colorful toys, ceramic pottery, wooden items, and even eco-friendly bags as the fair is declared plastic-free this year.
For children, there are swings, merry-go-rounds, and other games to enjoy, while artisans offer their hand-painted creations, lanterns, ribbons, and jute bags. Rangoli and mehendi artists add to the festive vibe, ensuring there’s something for everyone at this vibrant event.
Eco-Friendly and Vibrant Celebrations
This year, the festival has taken a significant step toward sustainability. Plastic-free initiatives ensure that visitors can enjoy the festivities with a smaller environmental footprint, as only paper bags and eco-friendly bags are provided. With more than 400 stalls and an expected footfall of over 8 lakh people, the fair is a massive success for both farmers and small-scale traders, offering them the opportunity to reach a broad audience.
At Malleshwaram, the fair will take place from November 15th to 17th, while in Basavanagudi, it will be held from November 22nd to 25th. This year, visitors can expect robust security measures, with hundreds of volunteers ensuring smooth management of the crowd. The inauguration on November 15th at 4:30 PM will be graced by dignitaries like Veerappa Moily, DK Shivakumar, and Sivaraj Tangadagi.
A Heritage Experience for All
The Kadalekai Parishe is more than just a fair—it's an experience that brings together the local community, farmers, and visitors in celebration of Bengaluru's heritage. Whether you're interested in the historical significance of the festival,
the traditional snacks, or the local crafts, this event offers something for everyone.
Join us on an unforgettable journey through Bengaluru’s cultural heart and heritage. Unhurried’s heritage walks offer a deeper understanding of the city's history, stories, and iconic landmarks. To truly experience Bengaluru's traditions, don’t miss out on Unhurried's immersive tours.
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