Bengaluru: Richmond Park and the streets around it got a festive look Sunday as residents of Richmond Town and Langford Town came together for Richlang Raste Habba, a neighbourhood-led event held as part of the city’s main culture and arts festival, BLR Hubba.From around noon, once nearly 150 vendors had set up their stalls, crowds began to arrive despite the afternoon heat. Food was the main draw, with the event seeing a higher concentration of food vendors than other similar street festivals.Visitors moved between stalls serving haleem, string hoppers, and a range of chaats that blended flavours from different regions and cuisines. Several stalls were run by local home bakers and small food entrepreneurs.The fifth edition of the annual gathering stood out for its strict zero-waste model. No disposable plates, cups or cutlery were allowed, including paper or leaf-based items. Tea was served in steel cups, while food was provided in reusable ceramic plates, with volunteers managing cleaning and reuse through the day.Richmond Park was reserved exclusively for non-profit and NGO stalls, alongside a small stage hosting performances. Locals were given priority both on stage and in stalls, alongside professional acts such as “flutebox” — a fusion of flute and beatboxing.Pets became an unexpected centre of attention, helping spark conversation among visitors. By evening, the event had drawn a steady crowd, reinforcing its aim of community-led, environmentally conscious celebrations in public spaces.
