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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 4 Nov 2025, 12:53 IST
Kadalekai Parishe—literally the “Groundnut Fair”—is one of Bengaluru’s oldest community festivals, held annually around Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi. Beyond its vibrant marketplace of fresh groundnuts, craft stalls, and local foods, the fair is a rich source of current affairs and static GK Questions for competitive exams.
In 2025, authorities announced that the fair would run for five days—a notable extension designed to manage crowds, boost local trade, and continue efforts toward a plastic-free, zero-waste celebration.
This guide compiles exam-oriented GK Questions on Karnatka's Kadalekai Parishe, and it's background facts—spanning the 2025 updates (current affairs) and the centuries-old temple heritage (static GK)—so students can revise quickly and confidently.
What is the meaning of the term ‘Kadalekai Parishe’?
Answer: It means Groundnut Fair in Kannada.
Explanation: “Kadalekai” translates to groundnut and “Parishe” to fair—together denoting Bengaluru’s historic groundnut festival.
Where is Kadalekai Parishe celebrated?
Answer: In Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Explanation: The fair takes place annually along Bull Temple Road, near Dodda Basavana Gudi, one of Bengaluru’s oldest temples.
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When will Kadalekai Parishe 2025 be celebrated?
Answer: From 17 to 21 November 2025.
Explanation: Authorities extended the festival to five days, coinciding with the last Monday of Karthika Masam.
Why was the Kadalekai Parishe 2025 fair extended to five days?
Answer: To manage crowds and promote eco-friendly initiatives.
Explanation: The government increased duration to support traders, tourism, and a sustainable, zero-waste celebration.
What is the theme of Kadalekai Parishe 2025?
Answer:Zero-Waste, Plastic-Free Parishe.
Explanation: The 2025 edition emphasizes environmental responsibility under the slogan “Bring Your Own Bag.”
Who inaugurated Kadalekai Parishe 2025?
Answer:Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Explanation: The CM inaugurated the fair with a traditional puja performed to decorated bullocks.
What special ritual marked the Kadalekai Parishe inauguration?
Answer: A puja to 21 bullocks.
Explanation: This symbolic ritual honors Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, connecting the fair to its mythological roots.
Which month is Kadalekai Parishe traditionally associated with?
Answer:Karthika Masam.
Explanation: The festival always falls on the last Monday of this auspicious Hindu month.
In which Indian state does Kadalekai Parishe occur?
Answer:Karnataka.
Explanation: It is one of Karnataka’s signature folk festivals celebrated in the state capital Bengaluru.
What is the main agricultural product sold at the fair?
Answer:Groundnuts (Peanuts).
Explanation: Farmers from Kolar, Tumakuru, and Chikkaballapur bring their new harvests to sell here.
Why do farmers offer the first harvest of groundnuts at the Bull Temple?
Answer: To thank Nandi for protecting their crops.
Explanation: According to legend, a raging bull stopped damaging crops after the farmers made this offering.
What is the mythological origin of Kadalekai Parishe?
Answer: It began as gratitude to Nandi (the bull).
Explanation: Farmers believed their fields were saved by divine intervention and started this fair centuries ago.
Since which century has the fair been celebrated?
Answer: Since the 16th century.
Explanation: The tradition began during the time of Kempe Gowda I, founder of Bengaluru (1537 CE).
Who built the famous Bull Temple?
Answer:Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda I.
Explanation: The city’s founder constructed the temple to honor Nandi and established Basavanagudi.
What is the architectural style of the Bull Temple?
Answer:Dravidian architecture.
Explanation: The temple showcases classic South Indian stone architecture of the Vijayanagara era.
What is the height of the Nandi statue at Basavanagudi?
Answer: About 15 feet (4.5 m).
Explanation: It is carved from a single granite block, making it one of India’s largest monolithic Nandis.
Is the Nandi statue made from multiple stones?
Answer: No, it’s a single monolithic granite sculpture.
Explanation: The statue was carved out of one rock, symbolizing strength and devotion.
What does “Dodda Basavana Gudi” mean?
Answer:Big Bull Temple.
Explanation: “Dodda” = big, “Basava” = bull, “Gudi” = temple — aptly describing the sanctum of Basavanagudi.
What legend is linked to the Nandi idol’s growth?
Answer: The idol was said to grow until covered with groundnut paste.
Explanation: Locals applied groundnut paste to stop the statue’s miraculous growth, tying the ritual to the fair.
What empire did Kempe Gowda I serve under?
Answer: The Vijayanagara Empire.
Explanation: He was a regional chieftain who developed Bengaluru under Vijayanagara’s rule.
What is the connection between Kempe Gowda and Kadalekai Parishe?
Answer: He established the temple where the fair originated.
Explanation: His temple construction indirectly began the annual groundnut offering tradition.
What is the ‘Statue of Prosperity’?
Answer: A 108-foot bronze statue of Kempe Gowda I.
Explanation: It honors Bengaluru’s founder and stands at the city’s international airport.
Where is the Statue of Prosperity located?
Answer:Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
Explanation: The monumental bronze figure greets visitors arriving at the airport complex.
Who sculpted the Statue of Prosperity?
Answer:Ram V. Sutar.
Explanation: The same renowned artist who created the Statue of Unity (Gujarat).
What record does the Statue of Prosperity hold?
Answer:Tallest bronze statue of a city founder.
Explanation: It is 108 feet tall and listed in the World Book of Records.
What slogan was promoted during Kadalekai Parishe 2025?
Answer:“Come to the Parishe, Bring Your Own Bag.”
Explanation: This encouraged citizens to reduce plastic usage and embrace eco-friendly habits.
What food item is most famous at the fair?
Answer:Batthaas (salted groundnuts).
Explanation: Roasted and spiced peanuts are a signature snack sold by street vendors throughout the fair.
Which famous eatery is near the Bull Temple Road?
Answer:Vidyarthi Bhavan.
Explanation: The iconic dosa restaurant draws both devotees and tourists during the festival.
What types of vendors participate in the Parishe?
Answer: Farmers, craftsmen, and flower vendors.
Explanation: Stalls offer groundnuts, handicrafts, toys, and local produce from neighboring districts.
Which local districts send farmers to the fair?
Answer: Kolar, Tumakuru, and Chikkaballapur.
Explanation: These regions are known for their groundnut cultivation and actively join the Basavanagudi festival.
Why is Kadalekai Parishe important for students?
Answer: It’s a key topic for current affairs and Karnataka GK.
Explanation: Questions frequently appear in KPSC, school quizzes, and state civil service exams.
What environmental measures were taken in 2025?
Answer: Ban on single-use plastic and installation of waste segregation points.
Explanation: The Bengaluru civic body ensured sustainable waste management through public participation.
Which organization supported the zero-waste initiative?
Answer:Bengaluru Apartments’ Federation (BAF).
Explanation: The BAF worked with BBMP to educate citizens on waste segregation and recycling.
Which deity is worshipped during the fair?
Answer:Nandi (Basava), the bull of Lord Shiva.
Explanation: The entire festival revolves around offerings to Nandi as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.
What time of day does the fair usually start?
Answer: Early morning pujas followed by day-long bazaar activities.
Explanation: Rituals begin at dawn at the Bull Temple, then the street market opens to the public.
What is sold apart from groundnuts at the Parishe?
Answer: Handicrafts, toys, spices, and religious items.
Explanation: The fair functions as a traditional market that attracts artisans from across Karnataka.
How old is the Bull Temple as of 2025?
Answer: Around 488 years old.
Explanation: Built in 1537, it remains one of the oldest living shrines in Bengaluru.
What does Basavanagudi mean?
Answer:Town of the Bull.
Explanation: “Basava” means bull, and “Gudi” means temple in Kannada—denoting the area surrounding the Bull Temple.
Which body organizes the festival annually?
Answer:Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Explanation: The BBMP manages permits, sanitation, and security arrangements for the event.
What was the focus of traffic management in 2025?
Answer: Pedestrian zones and alternate routes.
Explanation: Police introduced road closures to ease congestion around Bull Temple Road.
What is the religious significance of Karthika Masam?
Answer: It’s considered an auspicious month for charity and devotion.
Explanation: Many South Indian temples observe festivals in Karthika, including this groundnut offering event.
What festival coincides with the Parishe season in South India?
Answer:Karthika Deepam.
Explanation: The lighting festival celebrated in Tamil and Kannada regions occurs around the same time.
Which local food items draw visitors besides groundnuts during Kadalekai Parishe?
Answer: Dosas, Idlis, Jolada Rotti, and sweets.
Explanation: Traditional South Indian foods are served in pop-up stalls and restaurants near the venue.
Which structure is closely associated with Basavanagudi’s heritage?
Answer:Bugle Rock Park.
Explanation: The historic park lies beside the temple and adds to the cultural significance of the area.
Also Check: The history of Karnataka, celebrated during Karnatka Rajyotsava, is a key part of India's national heritage.
What makes the Kadalekai Parishe unique among Indian fairs?
Answer: Its blend of agriculture, faith, and urban community.
Explanation: It’s a rare festival where city and village cultures merge through groundnut trade and devotion.
How does the Parishe benefit farmers?
Answer: Provides direct market access and fair prices.
Explanation: Farmers sell harvests without middlemen and gain visibility among urban consumers.
What precautionary steps did authorities take in Kadalekai Parishe 2025?
Answer: CCTV coverage and medical aid centers.
Explanation: Safety arrangements were enhanced to handle large public turnouts.
What is the estimated footfall for Kadalekai Parishe each year?
Answer: Over one lakh visitors.
Explanation: The festival draws tourists, devotees, and locals from across the city and neighboring districts.
Why is the Kadalekai Parishe also called a symbol of Bengaluru’s heritage?
Answer: It reflects the city’s agrarian roots and Kempe Gowda’s legacy.
Explanation: Even in a modern city, this event keeps alive its 16th-century traditions.
What is the takeaway message from Kadalekai Parishe 2025?
Answer:“Preserve heritage while protecting the planet.”
Explanation: The five-day plastic-free festival celebrates devotion, sustainability, and community spirit in modern Bengaluru.
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No, the fair itself is a public event held on the streets around the Bull Temple, so there is no entry fee. You only pay for the items you buy from vendors and for entry into specific temples, if applicable.
The fair is busiest in the evenings (after 5 PM) when the lights are on and families come out. For a less crowded experience and to see the fresh harvests, visit in the late morning or early afternoon.
Due to the 2025 traffic management plan, many roads around Bull Temple Road will be closed to vehicles. The best way to reach is by public transport (like the Namma Metro to Lalbagh or National College stations, then an auto-rickshaw) or by parking your vehicle at a distance and walking.
While groundnuts are the main attraction, the fair is a large market for traditional toys, handicrafts, clothing, religious items, flowers, and a wide variety of street food and snacks.
“Tradition meets sustainability.” The festival reminds students and citizens alike to honour heritage while safeguarding the planet.
Visit on Day 1 (Monday) morning to witness rituals or Day 2–3 evenings to enjoy the full festive street experience with minimal rush.
