Namma Jathre – Our Festival of ‘Free’dom

by August 26, 2009 Environment

In early 2006, many non-profit and community based organizations like SICHREM, ESG, Sangama, OpenSpace, Stree Jagruti Samiti et al and individuals (like yours truly) working with marginalized persons and social issues in and around Bangalore felt the need for an open, informal gathering and expression of life, our spirit and beliefs. The idea crystallized into Namma Jathre, Our Festival signifying that it is an event by and for everyone.

When we first held the Jathre at Cubbon Park in November 2006, nearly 40 citizen’s groups and 7000 people including the general public participated. This increased to over 40 organizations and 10,000 people during the 2nd edition in December 2007. This year the festival travels to Freedom Park on Seshadri Road (Bangalore’s erstwhile jail opposite Maharani College) on 29th & 30th August 2009 from 10 am – 5 pm

Namma Jathre will be ‘free’ i.e., there will be no entry or participation fees. It is for children, and adults, for the elderly and the differently abled, to come and see modest efforts at creating a better world – a world as it should be; with lots of fun, laughter, song and dance.

Let us remember that the best things in life are free… and they are probably not ‘things’. Also, too much of our life is ‘paid for’ and commercialised though life is meant to be a celebration… And defending human rights is an expression of hope and confidence in the basic goodness of human nature-and that life must be a celebration for all.

So in this festival there will be: *Free entrance *Free participation *Free software *Free films *Free toys *Free books *Free Right to Information Clinic for a Corruption Free India

with * Song * Dance * Theatre * Painting * Clay Modelling * Food * Community crafts * Fair trade * Sports

…and lots and lots of fun and sharing for all age groups and interests.

Hope to see you there this weekend!

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009: Stills from Namma Jathre at ‘Free’dom Park on 29th & 30th August

Sections:

About Pushpa Achanta

Pushpa Achanta is a writer who enjoys volunteering, photography and poetry.
Read more by Pushpa Achanta

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Story

Environmentalists demand urgent financial and ecological audit of Kolkata’s Rabindra Sarobar Lake

by July 20, 2026 Environment
Kolkata's 'green lung' is facing degradation because of a lack of maintenance and poor utilisation of funds meant for its upkeep.

Rabindra Sarobar, affectionately known as the "Lungs of South Kolkata," is at a critical turning point. As a designated site under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), Kolkata's living ecosystem requires dedicated protection. Authorities are not supposed to use the lake as a commercial revenue generator for municipal expenses. However, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), as the custodian of the lake, has failed to safeguard this beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. Many Public Interest Litigation (PIL) matters remain pending before the Kolkata High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Yet, KMDA…

Continue reading

Similar Story

Why Uppal is getting hotter: Dense construction and reduced green cover increase temperatures

by , , , , and July 6, 2026 Environment
Data from 2015-2025 reveals how rapid urbanisation has intensified Uppal's heat risks, signaling the urgent need for blue-green infrastructure in Hyderabad.

Uppal is a suburb of Hyderabad, located in the northeastern part of the city. It is known for housing landmarks like the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium and has schools, government offices, industrial zones and commercial centres. The area experiences high temperatures due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect that operates within the city limits.  Our examination of Land Surface Temperature (LST) data covered the years 2015, 2020, and 2025 and shows how heat zones have expanded with warmer areas becoming larger. In Uppal, rapid urban development has changed the thermal balance. Dense construction and fewer trees  are creating  persistent…

Continue reading