"The spirit of Bangalore"

For centuries, a lot has been said about Bangalore. Garden city, Silicon Valley of India, fastest growing cosmopolitan and so on. But what exactly is the spirit of Bangalore? What is that part of Bangalore most outsiders fail to see in the first instance?

It is said that King Veeraballa was lost during one of his hunting trips. An old lady found this hungry traveler and offered him a simple meal of baked beans (Benda kaalu). The king was touched by the hospitality offered to a stranger. He was the first to experience the true spirit of Bangalore. He called the place Benda Kaalu ooru which eventually came to be known as Bangalore.

The Punjabi’s, the Tamilians, the Gujrathi’s, the marathi’s, all of them who came to Bangalore in search of livelihood were welcomed and today they live here in perfect harmony.  Religion has never been barrier for celebrating festivals. Come diwali and there are lights and crackers shining in every house. Eid finds people wishing and hugging each other on the road and the aroma of the Biryani fills everywhere. Eager faces wait in anticipation to pick up their presents from under the Christmas tree. Such is the spirit of Bangalore.

The hot cups of filter coffee, the crispy masala dosas and the frothy mugs of beers are pretty much a part of the life of every Bangalorean. We find joy in little things, we stand by each other, we respect all religions and co exist in perfect harmony.  Such is the spirit of Bangalore.  Live well, laugh often and love much.

By: Preethi Prabhu, GoBangalore