Although not new, the concept of weekend as perceived and
practised in Western countries started acquiring popularity and practical force only
recently in Bangalore. Weekend here means the whole of Saturday and Sunday for some or
half of Saturday and Sunday for some others, but it does clearly mean Sunday for almost
everyone. And unlike in western countries, Bangaloreans do not enjoy their weekends by
totally switching themselves off from their routine and packing off to places away from
home, although they still have some definite ways of 'spending' their weekly holidays.The
weekend habits of Bangaloreans generally vary from family to family and person to person,
depending on the social and cultural background as well as the shifting economic status,
in addition to changing personal tastes and preferences.
Apart from taking it easy and performing personal and family chores that demand attention
at least once a week, people in the middle class have no particular agenda for their
weekends. They do, of course, watch their favourite TV programmes, especially those
featured during the weekends, go to clubs in the evenings and maybe, visit the houses of
their friends are relatives or even watch a movie occasionally. Several Sundays in the
year are also spent in attending social and religious functions such as marriages, birth
or wedding anniversaries and housewarming. The religious minded, of course, go to temples
or churches and many of them participate in weekly Bhajans (mass singing of prayers) or
listen to musical discourses.
Of late, particularly with more and more corporate and government organizations
introducing the 5-day week system, people have started putting their weekend to better
use, with proper planning. While those with strong hobbies or interest in professional
growth take up weekend coaching programmes-computers, management, dance, art, foreign
languages, yoga, etc.-others with an adventurous spirit opt for trekking, rock-climbing
and similar outdoor activities for which Bangalore and its surroundings offer ample
opportunities and facilities. Spots like Crazy Waters, Mega Bowl and many health resorts
where one can relax meaningfully and rejuvenate have been coming up in growing numbers all
around the city. The city also offers many attractive spots for wild life enthusiasts,
bird watchers and nature lovers, and gardens such as Cubbon Park and Lalbagh for weekend
relaxation. In addition to all these, there are literary unions, drama and movie
associations, science clubs, philatelic clubs and a host of other avenues for people with
specialized personal and professional interests to unwind creatively. Also special
lectures, intellectual meets, exhibitions and exclusive edutainment events are organized
by the Rotary Club, Lions Club and such other forums, at auditoriums and leading hotels.
And with the growing diversity of the tastes and tendencies and interests of the local
people duly sustained by increasing income, Bangalore's social calendar for the weekends
is getting more and more packed and colourful week by week.
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