Freedom Habba: Vidhana Soudha to become stage for Bengaluru’s many cultures this I-Day
The Karnataka government has announced 'Freedom Habba,' a cultural festival to be held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Independence Day. The event will feature community parades, folk performances, and exhibitions to celebrate the city's diverse cultural heritage.
Why it matters
This initiative represents a shift in how Independence Day is celebrated, focusing on public participation and cultural integration in a major Indian city.
From Kodagu to North Karnataka and from Tamil and Bengali communities to those from the North-East, people who have made Bengaluru their home will take to the streets around Vidhana Soudha in traditional attire on Independence Day as part of the State government’s newly announced Freedom Habba.
The theme for the event is “Namma Ooru. Nimma Ooru. Ellara Bengaluru”.
Announcing the initiative on Wednesday, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the day-long celebrations are planned to transform Vidhana Soudha into a cultural corridor, with community parades, folk performances, music, crafts and regional cuisine replacing the usual Independence Day celebrations. “Freedom is best celebrated when the people themselves become the celebration,” the Minister said.
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