The environs of Kaikondrahalli Lake on Sarjapur Road came alive on Saturday with a flurry of cultural and sporting activities.

People from various walks of life took part in the day-long Kere Habba (lake festival) with gusto and enthusiasm.

The event, organised by Mahadevapura Parisara Samrakshane Mattu Abhivrudhi Samiti (MAPSAS) and neighbourhood volunteers, saw children turning out in large numbers.

Apart from the theatre and music, the activities including traditional games, bird watching, cycling and interactive sessions on nature kept the participants engaged.

“In Bengaluru, there are very few breathing spaces left. It is important to preserve and create more spaces like this. And ‘Kere Habba’ or lake festival aims to drum up the support of residents and organisations in our initiative to conserve the water bodies,” said Vidya Gomati of Kaikondrahalli Lake Committee.

The lake festival aimed at raising awareness, increasing community participation and fostering an appreciation of lakes in the City was successful with people staying back at the venue till late evening.

Lalithamba B V, a resident of HSR Layout and a first-timer to lake festival, said that she found bird watching activity exciting. “The lake was in a bad shape four years back but with the community involvement and efforts by citizens, the water body has been reviewed,” she said.   “Kaikondrahalli lake is a virtual extension of my home, my workout coach and oxygen for my soul. Can a mall with its closed walls, junk food and cheap trappings match it one bit,” questions  Shilpi Sahu, a resident and an active volunteer of the lake. 

While the BBMP has funded the major infrastructure works at Kaikondrahalli lake, the citizens’ committee MAPSAS is now the keeper of this lake.