Bengaluru’s ‘Kadalekai Parishe’ goes green with paper bags initiative

This year’s iconic Kadalekai Parishe, the groundnut fair to be held in Basavanagudi, is embracing sustainability. Vendors will distribute groundnuts in eco-friendly paper bags crafted from recycled newspapers, marking a major step toward reducing plastic waste.

Also read: Bengaluru: 3-day Malleswaram ‘Kadlekai Parishe’ kicks off with fanfare and tradition

The Zero Waste Collective, a community-driven group, spearheaded the initiative in collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs, and educational institutions. The campaign, themed “Parishege banni, kai cheela thanni” (Come to the fair, bring your own bags), has already produced over 60,000 paper bags. Volunteers from neighborhoods like HSR Layout and RR Nagar played a pivotal role, contributing nearly 25% of the total bags distributed to vendors free of cost.

The collective’s efforts have involved residents across the city. Apartment complexes such as Prestige Bagamane Temple Bells, Salarpuria Serenity, and Skylark Greens organized workshops, teaching residents how to make paper bags using just two sheets of newspaper—without adhesives or staples. “It’s heartening to see even children participating, learning about recycling and sustainability,” Santosh Kumar, a volunteer and environmental advocate reportedly said.

Inspired by the festival’s traditions and disturbed by its plastic waste, members envision a greener celebration and hope everyone will bring their own bags.

Kadalekai Parishe takes place on November 25 and 26, celebrating Bengaluru’s heritage with a renewed commitment to the environment.