Thousands Gather at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru for First 'Freedom Habba'

Thousands of people gathered at the Vidhana Soudha premises in Bengaluru to take part in the first-ever 'Freedom Habba', held to commemorate the 80th Independence Day. The celebration transformed the state's administrative headquarters into an active public space filled with cultural activities, exhibitions, and performances.

Nearly 40 contingents participated in the event, reflecting the regional, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Karnataka and the country. The participants included pourakarmikas, Asha workers, farmers, scientists, and defence personnel, who walked alongside various cultural troupes from across the city and the state.

Visitors at the venue explored several dedicated zones, including the Makkala Mela, which hosted games, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops for children. Families also visited stalls offering food, handicrafts, textiles, organic goods, and lifestyle products set up across the grounds.

The event featured historical and artistic exhibits, including the Freedom Path, which highlighted Karnataka's contribution to the Indian independence movement with district-focused displays on Belagavi, Shivapura, and Chitradurga. A 200-foot Freedom Wall was also set up, providing space for citizens to write, paint, and create collaborative artwork reflecting on the concept of freedom.

In the evening, the celebrations concluded at the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha with the Freedom Concert, which included performances by artists such as M D Pallavi and Raghu Dixit.