It is time to munch on some groundnuts once again as Bengaluru is all set for the much awaited and historic annual groundnut festival -- the Kadalekayi Parishe. Planning for a zero-garbage event, the BBMP has banned the use of plastic during the three-day festival.
The fair will begin after a formal pooja at the Dodda Basavanna Gudi (The Big Bull temple) and Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi on Monday morning with the Mayor, the local MLA and the corporators in attendance.
All the arrangements have been made for the event, said BS Sathyanarayana, the local corporator. “We met with the BESCOM officials and sought uninterrupted power supply for the event. Over 300 police personnel will be deployed to ensure safety at the event. We will erect 10 watch towers for the police,” he said.
Sathyanarayana also stressed that initiatives are on to spread awareness about the harmful effects of plastic among the groundnut sellers and visitors. “We have banned the use of plastic covers, we will penalise whoever is found using plastic. Visitors are directed to carry cloth bags. They should not bring plastic covers from home. We have strictly directed the sellers too not to use plastic of any sort,” said Sathyanarayana.
He said that the event is more or less similar to that of last year’s. Many cultural events including folk dance, songs and orchestra will be held at the Narasimha Park in Basavanagudi.