Our History

The early 1960s marked a vibrant era for Kannada pride and cultural resurgence. It was the time of the Kannada movement, spearheaded by luminaries like Shri Ku Ra See, Shri Aa Na Kru, and Shri Ma Ramamurthy, who sought to inspire self-esteem and unity among Kannadigas. Against this backdrop of cultural awakening, a group of spirited youths at Vinayaka Cycle Mart on DVG Road, Basavanagudi, found themselves drawn to a shared purpose.

Led by Shri G K Gopal, the cycle mart owner, along with his brother Shri G K Obhaiah and friends such as A Mariyappa, Gangadhar (later a celebrated figure in Kannada cinema), Shri Shivashankar, and Shri Sundar, the group frequently discussed literature, language, and culture. Their passion for Kannada heritage culminated in the formation of Shri Vidyaranya Vichara Vinimaya Kannadigara Sangha.

This youthful collective, rich in ideas but modest in resources, turned to drama as a means to fund their aspirations. Renowned playwright Basher lent his support, crafting the play Ranakahale. The group took to the stage themselves, performing the play to a packed audience at the Town Hall. The success of the show earned them a modest profit of Rs. 300, which became the seed money for a bigger dream. Thus, Shri Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha was born, with Shri Ku Ra See presiding over its inauguration.

The Evolution of Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava (BGU)

In 2008, the Ganesha Festival underwent a transformative rebranding, emerging as Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava (BGU). This shift was driven by a dynamic new generation of leaders who infused the festival with fresh energy and a contemporary appeal while staying true to its cultural roots.

The reimagined festival celebrated the vibrant spirit of Bengaluru, blending the city's rich traditions with modern influences. The youthful team brought a distinct flavor to BGU, ensuring it resonated with audiences of all ages. From classical music and traditional dance to performances by popular playback singers and film artists, the programming offered something for everyone while maintaining a strong connection to Indian culture, heritage, and history.

Rise of Youth Power

Founders of the Sangha at some point thought of transferring the reigns from the old brigade to the younger generation. As few youths from the family of founding members and there friends were active in the sangha since 1998. In 2003 the responsibility was handed over to the younger generation. Led by A Mariyappa's son S M Nandish transfer of responsibility went off very smoothly. Obalesh and Chandrashekar, sons of G K Gopal, Nataraj s/o Veerabhadraiah, Vasanth s/o Satyanarayana, Krishna s/o G K Obaiah, Subramanyam s/o V Muthu were the young brigade delegated to take forward the activities of the sangha. These young enthusiasts' changed the sangha by infusing new blood.

S M Nandish and his team brought in professionalism and brand equity to the Utsava. Team mobilized youths, acknowledged elders advice, reciprocated to contemporary issues and concerns. "These things lead us to success" says S M Nandish. With its ever growing popularity, increase in audience numbers, venue of the Utsava was shifted again in 2007 to A P S college grounds.

A Festival for the Masses

The rebranding transformed BGU into a cultural phenomenon. Crowds began flocking to the festival in unprecedented numbers, filling the grounds for all 11 days to witness performances by renowned celebrities. The growing popularity of BGU necessitated a larger venue, leading to its relocation to the expansive National College Grounds in Basavanagudi.

With its rising stature, the festival also brought increasing responsibilities. However, the committed young team of the Sangha managed every detail seamlessly, ensuring that the grandeur of the Utsava remained intact year after year.

The Role of Women

The rebranding also marked the inception of the Sangha's women's wing, which became an integral part of organizing the Utsava. Since 2008, this dedicated group of women has played a pivotal role, contributing to every aspect of the festival, from planning events to collecting donations. Their efforts have significantly enhanced the festival's success and inclusivity.

A Yearlong Effort

Behind the scenes, BGU is the result of meticulous yearlong preparation. The entire team works tirelessly to bring the festival to life, ensuring it continues to uphold its legacy while embracing innovation.

Today, Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava stands as a shining example of how tradition and modernity can harmoniously coexist, reflecting the spirit of a city that thrives on its rich cultural heritage and progressive vision.