Maya Bazaar 2026 back in Bengaluru for two days
The Maya Bazaar festival returns to Bengaluru for two days, focusing on inclusivity with a majority of stalls run by LGBTQ+ and marginalized entrepreneurs. The event features live performances and aims to provide a platform for community businesses to reach mainstream audiences.
Why it matters
The festival serves as a significant cultural initiative for economic empowerment and social integration of marginalized communities in India.
Maya Bazaar, one of India’s biggest inclusive market festival is coming to Bengaluru on October 10 and 11. Founded by Sanam Dembla and Veena Kulkarni in Goa , the festival has become more inclusive with every passing year, and this edition will feature over 130 entrepreneurs and various events slotted for Maya Manch, the festival’s live performance segment.
This year, nearly 80-90% of stall owners are from LGBTQ+ and marginalised communities, while the stage will see performances from the likes of rapper Saniya MQ from Mumbai and the Tamil Nadu-based, all-women rap-collective Sollisai Sistahs, and a dance-off among others. A traditional performance by the Jogappas, a transgender community located primarily in northern Karnataka, will open the Bazaar.
Kris, operations head at Maya Bazaar, says, “Sanam wanted to provide upcoming entrepreneurs in the community a platform to showcase their businesses and at the same time, help them reach mainstream audiences.”
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