BLR Habba, the citywide cultural fest for Bengaluru residents is back with its third edition

Bengaluru, as a city, is fast growing and may be slowed down by traffic problems, but that doesn’t stop the city from being brimming with start-up ideas, even when it comes to performing arts. BLR Habba is an event that came into existence in 2023.

Launched with the idea of ​​making Bengaluru a cultural hub, BLR Hubba is inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. UnboxingThe festival, powered by BLR and supported by the Government of Karnataka, is back with its third edition with a series of events being held across Bengaluru from January 16 to 25. “Organized as a city-wide event, the festival brings together music and dance performances, theatre, visual arts, heritage walks, talks, local cuisine and folk arts and is primarily for Bengaluru residents. It will feature 800 artistes,” says V. Ravichander, chief architect of BLR. Habba.

Akila Palipana will present ‘Dhwani Rupa’. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

He further said, this year the festival includes 12 thematic ‘Habbas’. “The origins of BLR Habba can be traced to Unboxing BLR Foundation, a non-profit initiative by Prashant Prakash and Malini Goyal. In their book, unboxing bangalore, He proposed the idea of ​​a city-wide arts festival that would make Bengaluru a hotspot of arts and culture. “We are known for start-ups, technology and our civic issues. But can we also be known as a hub of art and culture? Hence the name ‘Hubba’,” says Ravichander, a Bengaluru-based Tamil who works pro bono for festivals and various artistic projects in the city.

‘Pee Thadoi’ by Kalakshetra Manipur is also a part of Habba. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

All events at BLR Hubba are open to the public. “But, this year, we have introduced a voluntary donor pass system ranging between ₹250 and ₹450. “This is to ensure a certain level of commitment of attendees at the venue, not to generate revenue,” explains Ravichander. “Funds for Habba come through sponsorships and private donations. The government does not fund the event but acts as a facilitator, providing permissions and logistical support”, he Said further.

‘Aboriginal Cry’ will be staged by Akhoka Theatre. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

BLR Habba 2026 will be inaugurated by the Government of Karnataka with Namma Jatre, a performance of folk traditions. There will be a total of 144 events including dance performances, theatre, food, street festivals and activities for children. Such as ‘Vishesh Habba’ (celebrating Karnataka, its diversity, languages, communities and more), ‘Drama Habba’ (theatre), ‘Makkal Habba’ (children’s festival), ‘Pee Thadoi’ by Kalakshetra Manipur, ‘Mrichchakatikam’ by Natankairali and Bhumija, ‘Anuraga’ by Rohini Banerjee, ‘Rang Birangi Lavani’ by B Spot Productions, Yakshagana puppetry. The program is part of the ‘Chudamani Lankadaha’ line-up by Bhaskar Kogga Kamath and troupe.

V. Ravichandra Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The first editions of Hubba were held in December, but this year the event is being held in January. Ravichander says, “Just after Makar Sankranti. This is a better time as chances of rain are less and cost logistics are better. BLR Habba 2026 will extend to Whitefield, Jayanagar, JP Nagar and Kanakapura Road apart from Central Bengaluru.” More details about the festival are available on the BLR Hubba website.