As I walked by, I happened to see two men dressed in unusual attire.
I stopped for a moment to see what was going on and realized that there were Ugadi celebrations happening in and around the vicinity of Rajajinagar.
Ambience was prearranged to symbolize a village atmosphere.

Ugadi marks the commencement of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon’s orbit. It is during this day when the mantras/prayers are recited and predictions for the New Year are made.

The event began with the predictions for the year. Increase in prices of gold and silver, occurance of minor disturbances in and around the country. (I am not sure of what this really meant) were few of the predictions. Predictions with respect to each sun-sign were made as well.

Post this session was a 10 minute performance by professionals playing the drums or the dolakh as they are commonly known.

In succession to this was a dance illustration which was performed by the two men who portraying Veerabhadra. The dance form depicts the story of Veerabhadra, who was created by Lord Shiva to teach a lesson to his father-in-law Daksha. Lord Shiva was not invited for the famous Yagna performed by Daksha which was the cause for his anger. He became more furious when, Dakshayani, (daughter of Daksha) was insulted when she went to see the Yagna. It was then Lord Shiva performed the Thandava dance. Lord shiva had chosen Veerabhadra to go and destroy the ceremony (Yagna). This angry mood is depicted in the dance form.

This is a rare event that one gets to witness in a city like Bangalore.
The traditional Ugadi celebration was really unique and a pleasant one indeed!

This was organized by Shivakumar Hosamani, a social worker. Kudos to him and his team for the for organizing such an event.