Kempegowda Jayanti: Cart-pulling oxen rekindle Bengaluru’s long-forgotten tradition

Bengaluru: On the eve of Kempegowda Jayanti, something beautiful unfolded in Bengaluru: Revival of Bandi Devara Utsava — a bullock cart procession that reflects the agrarian traditions and cultural symbols passed on since the times of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru.

On Thursday evening, decorated carts pulled by 10 pairs of adorned oxen were part of a procession that was taken out from the BBMP headquarters at NR Square to Kempegowda’s statue in front of Vidhana Soudha through Cubbon Park. The spectacle, which was being taken out for the first time in the city, left motorists and onlookers spellbound. The event was organised by Bandi Devara Utsava Samiti to make the youngsters familiarise with the cultural heritage of the state, especially the Vokkaliga community in South Karnataka.

The procession featured an Okala Deepa (a huge lamp made out of rice flour), followed by carts that carried sweets which were later distributed near Vidhana Soudha. Men and women, dressed in traditional attire, were part of the procession. Yakshagana, Veeragase, Patakunitha, Karadi Kunitha, Somanakunitha and Dollu Kunitha artistes added colour to the event.

“We realised that even our children were unaware of who Kempegowda was.

They know Silicon Valley, but not the visionary who laid the foundation of Bengaluru. It’s time to show our generation the cultural tradition and history this tech city once had,” said Satyashree VJG from Vokkaliga community.This symbolic march was not intended to disrupt traffic or create a spectacle. Instead, it was a moving classroom, weaving through the same paths where Bengalureans now rush in cabs, scroll through phones, and hustle between meetings.

It reminded onlookers that behind every Metro pillar and glass building lies a foundation built by hands that once held ploughs.Neelakanta R Gowda, a participant, said: “We don’t want to preach history; we want people to see and feel it. That’s why we brought the Bandi back to the streets. It is important to teach our kids the significance of Kempegowda.”Why bullock cart?Thalakaadu Chikkarange Gowda, who is researching on Kempegowda, said: “The bullock cart has prominence in Indian history, and it is considered a sacred material for farmers. The Vokaliga community also has a close connection with the cart. When it comes to Kempegowda, history says Ranabyregowdaru, with his family and six other brothers, migrated from the then Hoysala dynasty from Kanchi to their motherland Aavthi near Nandi Hills.

Ranabyregowda is the forefather of Kempegowda, who formed Bengaluru. Hence, we have brought 10 pairs of bullock carts as a tribute to Kempegowda and his family.”