BLR Hubba, a cultural festival for Bengaluru residents, is back with its third edition

Bengaluru, as a city, may be bursting at the seams and slowed down by traffic woes, but that does not stop the city from brimming with start-up ideas even when it comes to the performing arts. BLR Hubba is one such event that came into being in 2023.

Launched with an idea to make Bengaluru a cultural hub, BLR Hubba, is inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The festival, anchored by UnboxingBLR, and supported by the Government of Karnataka, is back with its third edition with an array of programmes to be held across Bengaluru from January 16 to 25. “The festival, curated as a citywide event, brings together music and dance performances, theatre, visual arts, heritage walks, talks, local cuisine, and folk arts, and is primarily aimed at Bengaluru residents. It will feature 800 artistes,” says V. Ravichandar, chief facilitator of BLR Hubba.

 Akila Palipana will present ‘Dhwani Roopa’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

This year, the festival includes 12 thematic ‘hubbas’, he adds. “The origin of BLR Hubba can be traced to the Unboxing BLR Foundation, a non-profit initiative by Prashanth Prakash and Malini Goyal. In their book, Unboxing Bengaluru: The City Of New Beginnings, they proposed the idea of a city-wide arts festival that would make Bengaluru an arts and culture hotspot. “We are known for start-ups, technology and for our civic problems. But can we also be known as a hub for arts and culture? Hence the name ‘Hub’ba,” shares Ravichandar, a Tamilian based in Bengaluru, who works pro-bono for the festival and many artistic projects in the city.

‘Pi Thadoi’ by Kalakshetra Manipur is also a part of the Hubba | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

All the events at BLR Hubba are open to the public. “But, this year, we have introduced a voluntary donor pass system priced between ₹250 and ₹450. “This is to ensure a certain level of commitment from attendees to be present at the venue, and not to generate revenue,” reveals Ravichandar. “The funding for the Hubba comes through sponsorships and private donations. The government does not fund the event but acts as a facilitator, providing permissions and logistical support”, he adds.

‘Aboriginal Cry’ will be staged by Akhoka Theatre | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

BLR Hubba 2026 will be inaugurated with Namma Jatre, a showcase of folk traditions, by the Karnataka government. There will be a total of 350 events, including dance performances, theatre, food, street celebrations and activities for children. Events such as ‘Vishesha Hubba’ (celebrating Karnataka, its diversity, languages, communities and more), ‘Nataka Hubba’ (theatre), ‘Makkala Hubba’ (children’s festival), ‘Pi Thadoi’ by Kalakshetra Manipur, ‘Mrcchakatikam’ by Natanakairali and Bhoomija, ‘Anuraga’ by Rohini Banerjee, ‘Rang Birangi Lavani’ by B Spot Productions, Yakshagana puppetry ‘Choodamani Lankadaha’ by Bhaskar Kogga Kamath and troupe — form part of the line-up.

 V. Ravichandar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The earlier editions of the Hubba were held in December, but this year, the event is taking place in January. “just after Makara Sankranti. It is a better time as there are lesser chances of rain and the cost logistics are better. BLR Hubba 2026 will also extend to Whitefield, Jayanagar, J.P. Nagar, and Kanakapura Road besides central Bengaluru,” shares Ravichandar. More details about the festival are available on BLR Hubba website.