Bengaluru's Sankranti Weekend: City Transforms into Vibrant Festival Zone
With a holiday conveniently placed at the week's end, many Bengalureans might consider packing bags for a quick getaway. However, this Sankranti weekend presents compelling reasons to stay right in the city. Bengaluru is bursting with cultural energy, offering a sensory feast that rivals any distant vacation spot.
BLR Hubba: A Cultural Extravaganza
BLR Hubba stands as the centerpiece of Bengaluru's festive spirit. This multicultural celebration turns the city into a vibrant playground for arts, music, theatre, and food. Organized by UnboxingBLR in partnership with the state government, the festival features over 250 free events across more than twenty venues.
Freedom Park serves as the central hub. The ten-day celebration kicks off with Namma Jaatre at Vidhana Soudha. It spans twelve thematic 'Hubbas' to cater to diverse interests.
- Vishesha Hubba showcases folk arts and traditional music.
- Futures Hubba hosts conversations on technology and creativity.
- Thindi Hubba offers rich culinary experiences.
- Makkala Hubba provides dedicated fun for children.
World-class performances by artists like Marty Friedman and Sonor bring global culture to local audiences. V Ravichandar, chief facilitator of BLR Hubba, explains their vision.
"We aim to highlight Karnataka's traditional art forms like Yakshagana and Talame," Ravichandar said. "Cultural Utsavas feature old games, food, and history. Heritage walks across the city help people reconnect with Bengaluru's roots."
The festival also presents regional street food with creative twists. Interactive installations for children encourage learning beyond mere play. The goal is to make public spaces come alive, foster community spirit, and help residents connect deeply with their culture.
When: January 16 to 25, from 8 AM to 10 PM
Where: Freedom Park, BIEC, Sabha, and multiple locations across the city
Lalbagh Flower Show: A Blooming Spectacle
Bengaluru's historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden hosts the much-awaited Lalbagh Flower Show 2026. The park transforms into a vibrant spectacle of colors and fragrances, offering a perfect start to any day.
The thirteen-day exhibition, titled 'The Journey of Tejaswi', celebrates the life and environmental legacy of KP Poornachandra Tejaswi. Expert horticulturists curate elaborate floral arrangements and themed gardens.
Visitors can admire seasonal flowers including orchids, roses, and marigolds. Highlights include moving animal tableaux on eco-vehicles and a photo gallery featuring 150 birds. The show displays around 35 lakh flowers, including exotic varieties like azaleas and camellias.
New additions this year include twenty-five new varieties of calla lilies. The exhibition also features 250 entomological specimens, 400 fibre-root sculptures, and 35 large wood carvings.
When: January 16 to 25, from 7 AM to 7 PM
Where: Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Tickets: Rs 80 for adults, Rs 30 for children
Suggi Habba: Traditional Community Celebration
Suggi Huggi offers a two-day festive outing packed with music, performances, and activities for all age groups. Organized by Byatarayanapura MLA and revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda's team, this event celebrates local culture and tradition.
Attendees can explore food stalls and the Avare Bele Mela. Competitions in rangoli, drawing, and folk dance add to the lively atmosphere. Traditional games such as kabaddi, tug-of-war, and pot-breaking bring a rural flavor to the urban setting.
Bullock cart rides further enhance the wholesome community celebration, making it a perfect family destination.
When: January 17 and 18, from 11 AM to 9 PM
Where: Jakkur Grounds
Art Mantram: Creative Dialogues Across the City
Art Mantram Trust launches a ten-day citywide festival titled "Creative City Bengaluru: Dialogues & Discoveries". With free entry, this festival celebrates art, ideas, and civic imagination through exhibitions, performances, and public conversations.
The event brings together leaders from industry, governance, technology, and the arts. Eight international artists will participate, enriching the cultural exchange. Thematic seminars explore crucial intersections.
- Art & Heritage discussions delve into cultural preservation.
- AI & Art sessions examine technology's role in creativity.
- Wellbeing & Art conversations focus on urban wellness.
Highlights include artist residencies, the DrishyAM Arts Village, city walks, and inclusive cultural performances. This festival aims to spark meaningful dialogues about Bengaluru's creative future.
When: January 15 to 25, starting at 10 AM
Where: National Gallery of Modern Art, Vasanth Nagar
This Sankranti weekend, Bengaluru truly becomes one big festival zone. From free cultural events at BLR Hubba to the natural beauty of Lalbagh's flowers, the city offers endless opportunities for celebration and connection. Residents need not look beyond their own neighborhoods for an unforgettable holiday experience.
