Children’s festival: Cubbon Park comes alive

Students of Balamandira Bengaluru performing Mallkamba in ‘Makkala Habba’ as the part of Children’s Day organised by Women and Child welfare department, Horticulture Department in association with various departments at Sri Chamarajendra Park (Cubbo

Various school children coming across Karnataka participated in ‘Makkala Habba’ as the part of Children’s Day organised by Women and Child welfare department, Horticulture Department in association with various departments at Sri Chamarajendra Park

Various school children coming across Karnataka participated in ‘Makkala Habba’ as the part of Children’s Day organised by Women and Child welfare department, Horticulture Department in association with various departments at Sri Chamarajendra Park

Various school children coming across Karnataka participated in ‘Makkala Habba’ as the part of Children’s Day organised by Women and Child welfare department, Horticulture Department in association with various departments at Sri Chamarajendra Park

Various school children coming across Karnataka participated in ‘Makkala Habba’ as the part of Children’s Day organised by Women and Child welfare department, Horticulture Department in association with various departments at Sri Chamarajendra Park

The usually tranquil Cubbon Park wore a colourful mask on Saturday with the ongoing children’s festival organised by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka.

The two-day festival ahead of Children’s Day at Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park saw participation by thousands of children.

Various sports activities, including wall climbing and role-playing, were organised for children apart from a number of stalls to give awareness about the various government schemes for children.

The children were enthralled to put on outfits depicting peacock, tiger, leopard etc, and click pictures in them.

Speaking to DH, Bhavana, a resident from Attibele said, “The festival is very well-organised and it is a good way to help these youngsters understand various aspects including safety, child rights etc. My kids enjoyed the games at the event.”

Spreading awareness

Numerous stalls by Women and Child development department educated the parents and children about child marriage, safety measures and what actions the police takes for juveniles etc.

Prof Raj Kumar, another participant with his grandson said, “The festival caters to youngsters of all age groups. Small children have many interesting activities such as singing and dancing, but even those approaching teenage have some stalls that educate about the different opportunities lying ahead of them through various schemes and it is a holistic approach.”

The two-day event is expected to witness more footfall on Sunday, and students from various schools are expected to participate in the event.

Competitions galore

Drawing and painting, fireless cooking, singing, dancing and fancy dress competitions are also organised for children.

Another attraction is the bandstand at Cubbon Park, which is completely decked with flowers, on its completion of hundred years.