Ragi Kana: A rustic celebration of Karnataka in the heart of Bengaluru | Bengaluru News
Amidst the rush of city life lies a market that transports you to the heart of organic farms and closer to nature. Ragi Kana, a weekly cultural hub, comes alive every Sunday at a school on Bannerghatta Road with its vibrant rural market. From organic khadi clothing and groceries to local delicacies, performances, and conversations — it’s a lively celebration of culture, community, and conscious living.How this rural market beganGayathri Krishna, a core member of the team that organises the weekly market, shares, “We started Ragi Kana about eight years ago with the idea of connecting people who value conscious living with the finest organic products — directly from farmers and artisans. It was also a way to help people experience the richness of traditional Karnataka culture.”What’s in a name?“The spot where the Ragi Kana market is now held was once used for threshing ragi crops. In Kannada, ‘Kana’ means threshing — and since we also offer a variety of ragi-based products, the name Ragi Kana felt like the perfect fit,” shares Gayathri.
A platform for women entrepreneursRagi Kana is more than just a neighbourhood flea market — it’s a space that uplifts and empowers small-scale women entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers. Take Radhamma, a 75-year-old farmer, for instance. Despite her son working in a large multinational company, she says, “I can’t live without Ragi Kana. I love being here and don’t want to depend on anyone.” Then there’s Asma, who started out as a volunteer at the market. Inspired by the environment, she eventually began selling naturally grown produce from her hometown, turning her passion into a livelihood.
More than 50 vendors from across Karnataka set up their stalls here, and the entire earnings go directly to them
– Gayathri Krishna, core committee member of Ragi Kana
Reconnect at Ragi Kana with a digital detox In today’s fast-paced, digital world where children are often disconnected from real-life experiences, Ragi Kana offers a refreshing escape. Many young parents bring their kids here to help them discover and appreciate the cultural roots of Karnataka. “We make it a point to visit Ragi Kana at least once a month,” shares a regular visitor. “It’s a chance to reconnect with our roots — there’s so much for children to see, explore, and learn.”
What makes Ragi Kana special?
- Weekly workshops on topics like sustainability, natural farming, weaving, natural dyeing, healthy eating, poster-making, and more
- A strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers
- A chance to experience the rich folk music and dance traditions of Karnataka
- A zero-waste, plastic-free environment promoting eco-conscious living
What you will discover at Ragi Kana?
- Authentic khadi saris, kurtas, and shirts
- Handloom saris from Ilkal and Narayanpet
- Freshly harvested organic vegetables and seasonal fruits
- A range of organic millets, groceries, and cold-pressed oils
- Nutritious snacks like ragi laddoos, nippat, and millet huri hittu
- Traditional food stalls serving ragi mudde, bisi bele bath, and saaru
