Kadlekai Parishe: A Centuries Old Tradition Comes to Life in Bengaluru!
In the heart of Bengaluru, amidst the vibrant streets of Basavanagudi, an age-old tradition brings the city together: Kadlekai Parishe, the annual groundnut festival. Held every year since the 16th century, this unique celebration transforms the streets into a buzzing fairground, honoring both the harvest season and a fascinating legend.The Story Behind The Festival Kadlekai Parishe’s origins trace back centuries when villages around Basavanagudi were major hubs for peanut cultivation. Farmers, however, faced a peculiar problem—mysterious night raids on their crops. Keeping vigil one fateful night, they discovered the culprit: a magnificent bull wreaking havoc in the fields.Believing it to be Nandi, Lord Shiva’s divine bull, the farmers pleaded for mercy, promising to offer the year’s first groundnut harvest in return. They even built a shrine to honor him, which later became the iconic Bull Temple or Basavanagudi. Some legends credit the temple’s construction to Bengaluru’s founder, Kempegowda, while others say it was the farmers’ own doing. Regardless, this promise gave rise to the tradition of offering the first harvest, leading to the celebration of Kadlekai Parishe.When and How Long Does It Last?This year the festival started on 26 November. The festival is celebrated annually on the last Monday of Karthika Masa in the Hindu calendar, coinciding with November or early December. While officially a one-day affair, the festivities often extend for nearly a week, as vendors arrive early to claim prime spots and stay until their stock sells out.What Happens at Kadlekai Parishe?Kadlekai Parishe is as much about devotion as it is about community spirit. The festival begins with a special pooja at the Bull Temple, where farmers and devotees offer their first harvest to Nandi in gratitude.The streets of Basavanagudi, stretching from Ramakrishna Ashram Circle to BMS College, transform into a bustling marketplace. Stalls sell every variety of groundnut—roasted, raw, boiled, or dry—directly from farmers, often at prices cheaper than market rates. But it’s not just peanuts that draw the crowds; numerous stalls offer toys, snacks, decorative items, and balloons, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.Source: Google ImagesFor farmers, Kadlekai Parishe is more than a celebration; it’s a vital economic opportunity. The fair provides a platform to sell their produce directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring fair profits. For Bengaluru’s residents, it’s a chance to connect with the region’s agrarian roots, even if just for a day.So, whether you’re in search of the freshest peanuts, a slice of Bengaluru’s history, or just a festive outing, Kadlekai Parishe promises an experience as rich as its roasted groundnuts.
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