Sampangiram Nagar Kalyani bedecked with oil lamps

BENGALURU: The Sampangiram Nagar Kalyani in the heart of the city was all aglow on Monday night, with thousands of diyas and oil lamps burning bright on the steps of the tank.
The stepped tank was at the centre of Kere Karthika Somawara celebrations for the 16th year in a row.
According to BR Govindaraju, one of the 20-odd volunteers who cleaned up and renovated the kalyani 16 years ago using the local corporator’s funds, people keep pouring in till midnight on the occasion.
“We have been religiously following this tradition. For us it is a celebration of the rich history of the kalyani as they say it goes back to Kempegowda’s times. Twenty years ago, nobody would even turn this way. A few of us cleaned it up and today people come from far and near,” he said, adding that the diyas keep burning till the next morning.
Approxmately 3000-4000 people turned up at the Kalyani to participate in the festivities and puja. Venkatesh Koppalkar, a resident of Nandini Layout, said he does not miss joining the Kere Karthika Somawara celebrations for the world.
“This is a specially significant month. I make it a point to come here for seva as it is conducted very well and with piety. Distance doesn’t matter,” says the auditor.
Same goes for HR Manjunath. Although now living in Vijaynagar, he returns to his earlier place of residence every year.
“It’s a community effort and everyone living in the vicinity contributes. I used to live here years ago and take part annually. Even now, I cannot help but come. This year, I also brought my co-workers from Dollars Colony,” he said.
With two temples in the premises, the steps are also dotted with statues of gods. Young and old could be seen lighting the lamps strategically placed on the steps. Several youngsters were entrusted with refilling the oil in the lamps and handing out candles. Prasad was also given to devotees after a long firework display.
Annapoorna, a local, said that she is a regular attendee for the last six years. “It is a very auspicious time and the Kalayni is transformed. We come to pay our respects and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere,” she said.