Bengaluru: Several Bengalureans transformed a quiet Sunday morning into a vibrant celebration of community spirit at Embassy Manyata Business Park, as The Times of India's Happy Streets initiative turned a 500m stretch into a vehicle-free zone of joy and wellness.
The event, which will hold its grand finale on Sunday, Dec 1, drew participants of all ages who engaged in a diverse array of activities.From meditative yoga sessions to high-energy zumba classes, the street pulsated with life as professional drummers and freestyle dancers added to the festive atmosphere.
The event featured something for everyone – science enthusiasts created slime in interactive experiments, while sports enthusiasts tried their hand at archery, badminton and tennis.
Adding to the charm were special four-legged visitors as huskies and labradors roamed freely, becoming instant celebrities among children and pet lovers who eagerly snapped selfies with them. The cultural quotient was maintained with elements like rangoli making, where participants showcased their artistic skills.
The event's success was amplified by performances from various groups including Bengaluru Drum Jam, Kahe Vidushak Foundation and East Woods Music Academy. Beatboxer Salman Noor and the Blrgrooveco Team added contemporary flair to the celebrations.
Happy Streets is presented by Bhima Jewellers in partnership with Embassy REIT as the venue partner. The event also offers a range of fitness activities, including sports with Decathlon Play, zumba sessions with Swingers Dance Inc, and yoga by Vishwa Bhaavni Yoga Centre.
Quotes with Mugshots:
I attended Happy Streets in Mumbai, and attending in Bengaluru now feels very good as there are fun-filled activities for everyone. I learned rangoli and played badminton, which was refreshing. It feels good to have an entire street without vehicular traffic.
— Druthi Mehta, class 8 student
This is my second time coming to Happy Streets and I come for my son. He likes being outdoors and enjoys skating. He spent almost 20 minutes at the science experiment stall. Such exposure is important for kids rather than sleeping on weekends or watching TV or mobile phones.
— Major Kunal Kutupa, ex-army personnel
I came with my 15-month-old baby, Krithi. She has started walking, so this is the best place for her to freely walk around. These days, it's difficult for kids to come out unlike when we were young and used to run and play on the streets. We need more Happy Streets in Bengaluru.
— Sowmya C, chartered accountant
I am a sportsperson and it's nice to wake up on a Sunday morning and take part in different activities. Being healthy and fit takes out all negativity. It's a good initiative by The Times of India.
— Suraj, talent acquisition specialist at Manpower Group
I got to know about Happy Streets through The Times of India newspaper, and this is a wonderful concept to get people out on a Sunday morning, especially in Bengaluru. I came with my family and friends and was happy to see them all engaging and having a good Sunday morning.
— Piyush Nima, programme manager at a private firm
Initiatives like Happy Streets are a great idea. The current generation will get to know that we had streets free enough to play around. Such Sundays seeing everyone having their fun is overwhelming.
— Mangeshwar Rane and Shoba Rane, senior citizens
We have a four-year-old Husky and as pet parents, we have always been finding places where he can interact with people. When we take him to a park, some people are not okay. But since this is a pet-friendly place, he had fun and got a lot of attention.
— Adithya K, a pet parent