Bagalkot Holi Halage Mela in Bengaluru on Sunday

Bengaluru: A group of 10 Bengalureans hailing from Bagalkot have come together to bring the experience of the Halage mela to the city on Sunday. The ‘Bagalkote Holi Halage Mela’ will be held at Sardar Patel Grounds, Rajajinagar. 

The 500-year-old tradition, held in the North Karnataka town for 15-20 days after Shivaratri, comprises upbeat folk music that is performed on instruments like the halage, shenai, kani, jhumar, and nishan. 

Regardless of caste, creed or gender, artistes perform across the district and music competitions are held, says Nagaraj Hundekar, one of the organisers of the event. 

"We aim to bring this festive spirit and celebration to people here. Music will be performed by two groups — the Bhagat Singh Halge Tanda from Bagalkote and the Chow Bazaar Geleayara Balaga from Guledgudda,” he added. 

The event will include a two-and-a-half-hour musical performance by the two groups. “We hope to bring the Holi rituals and playing with colours next year,” he adds. The event is free for all to attend. 

Event details 

'Bagalkot Holi Halage Mela' on March 9, 6.30 pm, at Sardar Patel Grounds, near Vidhyavardhaka School, 1st Block, Rajajinagar. Entry free. 

For more details, call 7019149330.