Bengaluru’s cultural calendar is warming up as BLR Hubba 2026 begins its journey with a set of engaging Makkala Hubba pre-events, offering art, storytelling and shared community experiences ahead of the main festival starting January 16.

Currently on view is “Nose Squats”, an intriguing public art installation by Siddhartha Kararwal, displayed at the War Memorial on Brigade Road. At first glance, the installation shows a man struggling to lift an oversized nose, creating a playful visual. Look closer, and it becomes a layered commentary on pride, ego and self-image in urban life. Crafted using rexine with a gold finish, the artwork reflects on excessive consumption and how self-importance is constantly negotiated within city spaces, inviting passersby to pause, reflect and question.

This weekend also features two interactive pre-events designed to bring children, families and communities together through storytelling and creativity.

On Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 AM, Atta Galatta hosts a Mixed-Age Storytelling and Art Session, curated by Mudito x Zuva Life. This 90-minute gathering is intentionally unstructured, encouraging people of all ages to sit together, paint, listen and talk. With storytelling led by elders and hands-on art-making, the session focuses on connection rather than performance, creating a welcoming space for shared experiences across generations.

Earlier in the weekend, on Friday, January 3, an Interactive Storytelling Session for children will take place at the Yeshwantpur Community Center (Jana Sahaaya NGO). Led by Swetha U and Ankita H, the session places children at the heart of the narrative. Instead of listening passively, participants actively shape the story by making choices that influence the plot, characters and outcomes, encouraging imagination, confidence and collaborative thinking.

Looking ahead, BLR Hubba 2026, beginning January 16, will unfold as a city-wide celebration of cultural expression across multiple hubs. Key highlights include Nartisu Hubba, featuring Svāhā, a powerful flow arts performance with fire, light and pyrotechnics by Svaha Visual Arts; Nataka Hubba, showcasing Second Class Queer, an award-winning solo play by Kumar Muniandy exploring queer identity and diaspora; and Thindi Hubba, where food designer Kabyashree Borgohain presents Zero Waste Cooking, transforming discarded ingredients into imaginative dishes.

Neighbourhood celebrations will come alive through Rasthe Hubba, including the Richards Town Rasthe Hubba, where Clarke Road turns into a vibrant community space filled with music, markets and play. For young minds, Makkala Hubba will feature Build-a-Story, a 10-day interactive installation by Leewardists and BBLOX Design, inviting children to reimagine Bengaluru through creative play.

The complete festival schedule is available on the official BLR Hubba website.