An ode to Bengaluru

I have been living in Bengaluru for more than 20 years now and can confidently say that this is my second home. I moved here after marriage. Both my daughters were born here, and they have now grown into beautiful young women.

If I look back, Bengaluru has given me and my family more than we could have asked for. We have made lifelong friends, and built memories to last a lifetime.

Initially, we stayed in Banashankari in South Bangalore, a neighbourhood with its own old-world charm. Our house was quite close to the Sri Venkateshwara Temple. We would often have dinner at Upahara Sagar near the BDA complex. Our favourites were always their signature gobhi manchurian and the ever-comforting masala dosa.

The BDA complex also had several eateries, and it quickly became one of our favourite places to sip on fresh sugarcane juice and try a variety of street food. Visiting Bull temple, Lal Bagh and Baneerghatta Zoo were our cherished weekend rituals. Jayanagar market was a perfect place for shopping and trying traditional eateries.

Later, we moved to east Bangalore which was almost like starting a new life. High-rise apartments, tech parks, a cosmopolitan crowd and the diversity of people who lived here turned everyday life into a celebration of diversity.

Over the years, we have made friends from different states of India and have learned so much about their culture, customs and cuisines. My daughters have cherished every bit of growing up here.

Our love for Bengaluru has only grown over the years. It’s like lip-smacking dosas, crisp on the outside and soft inside, paired with sambhar that warms the soul and tri-colour chutneys, bursting with a cultural mix. And then, of course, the iconic filter coffee, strong, aromatic, that reflects the warm vibe of the city and always leaves us asking for more.

Namma Bengaluru, you rock!

Sunaina Dadhwal, Bengaluru