Shoppers thronged Bengaluru’s KR Market from midnight to buy flowers, fruits and other puja essentials, while roadside trading contributed to traffic congestion around the busy commercial area
Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami preparations brought large crowds to KR Market on October 20. Shoppers arrived from midnight to purchase flowers, fruits, lemons, pumpkins and bananas at competitive prices. Heavy footfall and traders occupying roads around Avenue Road and Town Hall disrupted traffic and created difficulties for commuters and emergency vehicles.
Bengaluru: The festive rush ahead of Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami brought KR Market alive as shoppers arrived in large numbers to purchase flowers, fruits and other puja essentials. From midnight, people gathered to buy lemons, pumpkins, bananas and other items needed for the celebrations.
The market attracts customers seeking fresh produce at competitive prices, including flowers and other goods brought by farmers from areas around Bengaluru. With festival preparations underway, the early-morning rush added to the usual activity in one of the city’s busiest trading areas.
However, the heavy footfall also led to traffic congestion on roads surrounding KR Market.
KR Market Festival Rush Causes Traffic Congestion in Bengaluru
Traders selling goods along Avenue Road and connecting roads between KR Market and Town Hall reportedly occupied sections of the carriageway, obstructing the movement of vehicles.
Two-wheeler riders faced difficulties navigating the busy roads, while the congestion also created problems for ambulances attempting to pass through the area.
Heavy crowds and traffic jams are common around KR Market during major festivals, when shoppers arrive to purchase flowers, fruits and other traditional items. The situation highlights the challenge of accommodating large numbers of shoppers while keeping roads accessible to commuters and emergency services.
Vijayadashami Holds Special Cultural Significance in Karnataka
Beyond the market rush, Vijayadashami carries deep religious and cultural significance in Karnataka, where it is celebrated as Nada Habba, or the festival of the state. The occasion marks the culmination of Navaratri and is associated with the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over Mahishasura.
According to regional tradition, the goddess defeated the demon king on the tenth day, restoring righteousness. The name Mysuru itself is traditionally linked to Mahishasura, whose story forms a central part of the city’s Dasara celebrations.
The festival’s royal traditions are associated with the Vijayanagara Empire, where the celebrations were known as Mahanavami. The Wadiyar dynasty continued the tradition in Mysuru from 1610, helping preserve its royal and cultural significance.
Mysuru Jamboo Savari and Traditional Vijayadashami Rituals
One of Karnataka’s best-known Vijayadashami events is the Jamboo Savari procession in Mysuru. The procession features the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari carried in a golden howdah, accompanied by traditional music, folk performances, military bands and cultural tableaux.
Families across Karnataka also observe traditions such as Banni Pooja, exchanging Banni leaves as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity, and Vidyarambham, the initiation of young children into learning. In some households, Gombe Habba, or the festival of dolls, concludes with the ceremonial putting away of the dolls.
As people prepare to observe the festival, Bengaluru’s KR Market reflects the practical side of the celebrations: families gathering their puja essentials, traders meeting seasonal demand and the city managing the crowds that accompany one of Karnataka’s important festive occasions.
