Bengalureans make the most of Happy Street

Bengalureans reclaimed their streets as they danced, sang, skipped, skated, played, cycled and walked on Commercial Street, when Happy Streets, an initiative supported by the Bangalore Traffic Police, the Bangalore Commercial Association and The Times of India, kicked off on Sunday . With no vehicles allowed in from 7 am to 2 pm, Bengalureans made the most of the pollution-free street as they indulged in a whole lot of activities.Joggers, cyclists, yoga enthusiasts and an energetic performance by Ramnagara's dollu kunitha group set the tone for the rest of the morning.Happy Streets, a concept that has been popular in metros across the country , is finally a part of our city too. The first edition was inaugurated by Dr MA Saleem, additional commissioner of police (Traffic), who arrived at the stage on a bicycle. Also at the event was celebrity guest actress Sanjjanaa, a yoga enthusiast who now owns a franchise of Akshar Power Yoga in Koramangala, who jogged her way into the street. They were joined on stage by Hajee Sulaiman Rabbani, president of the Bangalore Commercial Association. Artist Baadal Nanjundaswamy , whose street paintings have been attracting public attention lately, also participated at the even sketching out a life-size bicycle on the road. Other attractions of the day included Masala Bhangra, a dance-based work out regime, freestyle fitness activities and a lot of hulahooping and juggling acts. A host of cultural performanc es and impromptu drum jams marked the close of one happy and carefree day.