Kadalekai Parishe: Celebrating Bengaluru’s Iconic Groundnut Fair

The celebrated Kadalekai Parishe or “Groundnut Fair”, is set to return to Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, on the last Monday of Karthika masa that would be on November 25 and 26 in the year 2024. The Kadalekai Parishe showcases the heart and soul of a Basavangudi.

How many days is Kadalekai Parishe Celebrated?

The Kadalekai Parishe is celebrated on the last Monday of Karthika month. However the celebration is not just limited to Monday, it starts off on Friday and goes on till Tuesday.

In the year 2024, the Kadalekai Parishe will be celebrated between Nov 22 to Nov 26, with November 25 as the main event.

Check the below video to see how Basavangudi is preparing to celebrate the groundnut harvest festival.

Why is Kadlekai Parishe Celebrated?

The Kadalekayi Parishe is celebrated for harvesting the first yield of the groundnut crop, wherein a lot of farmers from Karnataka congregate at the Bull Temple each year to seek blessings for a good harvest. This tradition encapsulates the cultural essence of the region, this annual festival occurs around the sacred Bull Temple and Dodda Ganesh Temple. 

What is the story of Basavanagudi? Story of Big bull/dodda basava & kadlekai parish ?

Many legends are associated with the big bull, the most prominent being the “Kaldlekai parse” or “groundnut fair”. According to local legends, this area was well-known for its rich cultivation of groundnuts. One fine day, a huge bull appeared in the region and started damaging the crops, which worried the farmers, who tried their best to stop the bull. Despite their best efforts, the bull continued its activities.

The farmers soon realized that the bull was none other than the divine bull “Nandi” that belonged to Lord Shiva. The bull was pacified after the farmers accepted to offer their first groundnut harvest to the bull. Hence eventually a temple was built for the bull. This commemorates the famous groundnut fair or Kadalekai Parishe beside the temple.

The Basvana Gudi is a huge temple complex that houses several other famous deities such as the Dodda Ganapati, Karanji Anjaneya, Kala Bhairava, Subrahmanya, Renuka Yellama

How to reach the Bull Temple/Kadalekai Parishe?

The best way to reach Parishe would be by metro – Take the green line & alight at “National College”. You can reach the fair by a short walk or by auto rickshaw. 

What to expect?

• Heaps of different varieties and qualities of groundnuts are spread out in the area surrounding the Bull Temple, the Dodda Ganesha Shrine, and the Bugle Rock Park in Basavanagudi, 
• Handicrafts and Artisans: Stalls showcasing local handicrafts, textiles, pottery, and artwork created by skilled artisans.
• Hawkers selling Toys, earrings, bangles, and rice-name keychains can be found in plenty
• Regional Cuisine: A culinary journey with stalls serving traditional snacks like corn, tapioca chips, sugar cane juice, soda carts, potato twisters, and many more that are authentic to Basavangudi.
• Games and Rides: Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and traditional games for children and adults alike.

Local fairs like the Kadalekai Parishe are more than just events; they are celebrations of life, community, and the timeless traditions that bind the people of Bangalore together. Visiting these fairs definitely provides an opportunity to experience the unique charm of Basavangudi, its people, and its cultural legacy.