Green Twist to Traditional Sankranti Celebrations: A Tale of Cultural Roots and Sustainable Living

In the midst of bustling city life, the HSR Citizen Forum brought forth a remarkable event that celebrated the vibrant Sankranti festival, fusing culture and sustainability in a beautiful blend at Swachagraha Kalika Kendra, Sustainability Training Centre. This enchanting experience became a testament to the power of community, tradition, and eco-conscious living.

Reviving Village Charm in the Heart of the City

The essence of rural Sankranti celebrations was recreated right in the lush green surroundings of Kalika Kendra, offering a harmonious fusion of age-old customs and sustainable practices. Activities such as:

• Cooking Pongal on Firewood: a traditional Indian dish that embodies the spirit of the harvest festival was cooked using firewood, maintaining the authenticity of a village celebration while showcasing sustainable cooking methods.
• Kolata Performances: a traditional dance form heralding the harvest season, accompanied by the beat of the Kol (a small stick instrument), weaved a magical atmosphere, reminding us of forgotten village tales.
• Bhagavad Gita Chanting and Bharatanatyam: the rhythm of Bhagavad Gita chants filled the air, giving away to graceful Bharatanatyam performances, where every dance movement narrated the intricacies of Indian mythology.

Gratitude to Nature: Harvested Crops and Compost Worship

Amidst these delightful celebrations, an exceptional feature emerged – the worship of harvested crops and compost from the Kendra. A symbol of gratitude towards Mother Nature, this act emphasised the importance of sustainability and highlighted the significance of promoting eco-friendly practices in everyday lives. This powerful gesture reaffirmed the celebration's commitment towards nature and sustainable living.

Incorporating Eco-consciousness and Educating with Joy

Children attending the event smiled and played with cows as part of the cow worship ritual. A practice where cows were bathed, decorated, and fed, transformed the event into a joyful and educational experience, enhancing the children's understanding of sustainable living.

As BN Ratnakar, a member of the HSR Citizen Forum, revealed:

Our aim was to bring the spirit of traditional community celebrations into an urban setting. Events like these help residents reconnect with their cultural roots while promoting eco-conscious living.

Communities and Sustainability: The Power of Collective Change

The Sankranti celebration crafted an impactful message: modern urban spaces can hold on to their traditions and, at the same time, nurture eco-conscious living. The HSR Citizen Forum aims to make such sustainable events a regular feature and inspire more communities to embrace green practices in festivities.

Event attendee Raj, from Ploggers Army, encapsulated the essence:

The event showcases how modern urban spaces can preserve and celebrate traditions while being mindful of the environment. Attendees are left with joy, nostalgia, and environmental awareness.

Conclusion

In a world striving to attain balance between tradition and modernity, the HSR Citizen Forum's Sankranti celebrations demonstrated the impact of cultural revival and eco-consciousness coming together. Presenting a unique opportunity for urban inhabitants to reconnect with traditions and nurture sustainable living, the event served as a shining example for communities and their collective change for a greener future.

Don't forget to check out some stunning glimpses from the event in the GALLERIES.