|
Introduction 
The capital of Karnataka state is
thriving modern business center, dubbed the 'Silicon Valley' of
India, whose gracious garrison town features are being remodelled in
the image of India's mall-loving middle class. It likes to think
it's more in tune with Mumbai and Manhattan rather than the rest of
Karnataka, and has been scathingly described as a city ' in search
of a soul '. The pace of life, like the intellectual and political
climate, is brisk. hardly a day goes by without some new controversy
boiling over across the front pages of it's also regarded as one of
India's most progressive and liberal cities, as far as social
attitudes go. Tourist brochures call Bangalore the 'Garden City',
but nothing could be further from the truth. It's attractions are
limited, but it does have a congenial climate and good transport
connections, and it's a useful place to arrange trips to Karnataka's
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. If you need a break from
life on the road, it's bars and restaurants can provide some
much-needed light relief. While you are sinking a few beers and
munching on pizza, you can contemplate the pros and cons of modern
India's cionfused but headlong rush into the 21st century.
History
Bangalore, the 'Garden City Of India' and capital of the State (1000 m above
level ) was founded in 1537 AD by a Vijaynagar chieftan Kempe Gowda. The legend
goes that the King Veera Ballala of Vijaynagar once lost his way while hunting
in a forest. Hungry tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick of forest where
he met an old woman. When he asked for food she gave him some baked beans (Benda
Kalu in Kannada ). To the King this humble meal tasted better than those served
in palace. To commemorate the incident, he called the place 'Benda Kaluooru'
(place of baked beans ) and this in time transformed into Bangalore. In the 18th
century it was the stronghold of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. Today it is the
fifth largest city of India and country's main industrial city which includes
industries like aircraft, telephones, electronics etc.
Festival
Bangalore celebrates regional,
national and religious festivals with pomp like other parts of the
country.
Dussehra: The pride of Karnataka's festivals is Dussehra. It
is a celebration that lasts for ten days. The rulers of Vijayanagara
Empire used to celebrate Dussehra with remarkable brilliance. The
rulers of Mysore continued the tradition. The Maharaja of Mysore
used to hold a Durbar for 9 days and on the 10th day went in a
procession on a caparisoned elephant. With the ending of the royal
rule, a picture of Bhuvaneshwari, the patron goddess of Karnataka,
is taken out in procession. It is a unique and significant festival
of the Hindus.
Yugadi: The Kannadiga new year day of Yugadi that falls on
the second half of March or early April is celebrated with devotion
and delight.
Bangalore also celebrates the national festivals of Independence
Day, the republic day and the birthday of Gandhiji. Religious
festivals like Makara Samkramana, Sri Ramanavami, Janmashtami,
Ganesh Chaturthi, Deepavali, Christmas, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha
etc. are celebrated in harmony.
Best
Season
Although the weather of Bangalore is pleasant
throughout the year, it is best visited in the winters.
|
|
