'Kere Deepotsava': Breath of light illuminates lake

Kaudenahalli lake looked bedecked as it was illuminated with 7,000 lamps that were lit-up as part of the eco-friendly `Kere Deepotsava’ programme organised by BBMP, the United Way Bengaluru and K R Puram Kere Mattu Parisara Samrakshana Trust.

Over 500 people from the neighbourhood and from schools and colleges came together to decorate the periphery of the lake with earthen lamps.

MLA B A Basavaraj, Mayor G Padmavathi and environmentalist Dr Yellappa Reddy were the chief guests at the event. Addressing the gathering, Basavaraj appreciated the efforts of the community to celebrate Deepavali without firecrackers. He added that more lakes should be rejuvenated in this manner.

The Kaudenahalli lake was revived by BBMP, in association with United Way Bengaluru, to minimise sewage being let into the lake.

Dr Reddy explained the significance of lighting diyas by saying that the natural oils used destroy bacteria and virus in the surroundings and the smoke also purifies the air.

The diyas were lit using a mix of different natural oils such as sesame, neem and mahua, along with essential oils such as lemongrass and lavender for aroma.

‘Wake the Lake’

Manish Michael, executive director of United Way said, “Kere Deepotsava is an initiative under our ‘Wake the Lake’ campaign to encourage communities to come together near lakes and to highlight the importance of lake conservation.”

Children were engaged in a session of leaf-painting while women took part in a rangoli competition.