Kadalekayi Parishe 2025: Bengaluru’s Groundnut Festival – Dates, History & Cultural Significance
Celebrate Kadalekayi Parishe 2025 (November 17–21)! Discover the 500-year-old legend of the Nandi Bull, the significance of offering the first groundnut harvest, and the vibrant folk culture of Basavanagudi.
The streets of South Bengaluru are about to be transformed by an irresistible aroma—the scent of freshly harvested and roasted groundnuts. It is that time of the year again! The Kadalekayi Parishe (Groundnut Fair) returns, marking one of Bengaluru’s oldest, most cherished, and vibrant folk festivals.
Starting today, November 17, 2025, the iconic fair is set to bring together devotion, community, and the rich agrarian culture of Karnataka, spreading across Bull Temple Road and Gandhi Bazaar in Basavanagudi. Whether you are a local resident or a newcomer to the IT City, the Parishe offers a fascinating glimpse into the soul of old Bengaluru.
The Ancient Legend: Nandi, the Protector of Crops
The origin of Kadalekayi Parishe is rooted in a fascinating 16th-century legend connected to the foundation of Bengaluru itself.
Centuries ago, when Basavanagudi was a small village surrounded by groundnut farms, farmers faced a serious problem: a raging bull would savagely destroy their ready-to-harvest crops, especially on full moon nights.
Desperate for a solution, the farmers prayed to Basava (Nandi), the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva, revered as the protector of crops.
According to the legend, the farmers’ prayers were answered in two powerful ways:
- The destructive bull miraculously turned into a stone idol, revealing its divine nature as Nandi.
- Magadi Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru, built the magnificent Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi) around this idol.
To honor the miracle, the farmers made a solemn promise: every year, they would offer the first yield of their groundnut harvest to Lord Basavanna as a sign of gratitude. This simple act of devotion grew into the massive community fair we celebrate today.
2025: A Festival of Gratitude and Growth
The traditional fair is held annually on the last Monday of the Hindu month of Karthika. For the first time, this year’s festival is officially extended from the traditional two days to a massive five-day celebration, running from November 17 to November 21, 2025.
The event will be inaugurated on November 17 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, beginning with a special pooja and the symbolic procession of 21 decorated Basavannas (bulls) to the temple.
The Agrarian Heart of Karnataka
The Parishe serves as a crucial link between Bengaluru’s tech landscape and the state’s agricultural backbone. Farmers from various nearby districts, including Magadi, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapur, and even bordering regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, converge here.
They bring thousands of sacks of freshly harvested kadalekayi directly from their fields, allowing citizens to buy the best quality groundnuts at prices often cheaper than market rates.
Supporting Small Vendors
In a continuing move to support small-scale traders and farmers, the Muzrai Department has waived the daily tax collection for roadside groundnut vendors along Bull Temple Road, ensuring the benefits directly reach the community. The streets will also be illuminated with decorative lighting throughout the extended duration of the fair.
What to Explore: A Feast for the Senses
Kadalekayi Parishe is far more than just a market; it’s a vibrant, chaotic carnival that is a feast for the senses. The entire stretch from Ramakrishna Ashram Circle to Bugle Rock and Gandhi Bazaar turns into a pedestrian haven.
Must-Experience Flavors
Beyond raw, boiled, roasted, and salted peanuts—which are piled high in mountains on the street—visitors can indulge in regional treats:
- Peanut Delicacies: Look for creative, modern twists like kadlekai holige (groundnut-filled sweet flatbread), peanut ladoos, and savory peanut chutneys.
- Traditional Fair Food: Savor classic Bengaluru street food like Bajji, Bonda, Churmuri, and traditional sweets such as Batthaas (colored sugar candies) and Kalyana Seve (sugar-coated gram).
- The Signature Sweet: Don’t miss the crunchy, sweet, and utterly nostalgic Kadalekayi Chikki (peanut brittle).
Culture, Crafts, and Community
The fair is a cultural kaleidoscope, especially for young people and visitors unfamiliar with old Bengaluru:
- Shopping: Hundreds of stalls sell traditional handicrafts, colorful bangles, clay trinkets, wooden toys, and decorative items.
- Cultural Programs: Look out for evening programs organized by BBMP and the Muzrai Department, showcasing folk arts, village dances, and musical performances.
- Temple Run: Pay a visit to the nearby Dodda Ganesha Temple and, of course, the sacred Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi), the historical center of the festival.
Travel Tips for the Extended Fair
Kadalekayi Parishe is an event that embodies quintessential Bengaluru culture. Given the extended five-day duration for 2025, plan your visit wisely:
- Best Time to Visit: Go on weekday mornings for calmer crowds or late evenings for the full festive glow and lights.
- Payment: Many small vendors are farmers or small-time traders and still prefer cash.
- Traffic: Bull Temple Road is closed to traffic. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot.
- Sustainability: The festival continues its push for sustainability, so carry your own cloth bag or be ready to purchase an eco-friendly bag at the stalls.
Join us in celebrating this deep tradition that seamlessly bridges Bengaluru’s urban heart with Karnataka’s invaluable agrarian heritage.