Bangalore City: Blending the Old and the New in the Most Harmonious Way

Stepping out of your comfort zone to Embrace a growth mindset can feel daunting, especially after turning 30 – but again, it’s inevitable if you are looking for an upswing. I too was hesitant for the sudden change – moving from Pune to Bangalore – but the moment I set foot in the city, I understood why it’s often described as a place where modernity blends seamlessly with culture and traditions.

The first thing that caught my attention was the lush green plantations scattered all across the city — a soothing sight that instantly calms the eyes. While most of Bangalore is known for its traffic congestion, the place where I landed felt like a serene escape. With an AQI less than 100, minimal traffic, beautiful gardens, and ancient temples after every few kilometers, it offered a completely different side of the city.

What made my days even more delightful were the cozy cafés just 500 meters away, transforming ordinary moments into small celebrations. I was captivated by their susegad vibes—the perfect blend of harmony, music, and a laid-back atmosphere. Working from home gave me the flexibility to set up my workspace in these Homely cafés, where I could enjoy casual conversations with other professionals. Hearing their conversations, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by their passion—it’s clear why Bangalore is known as the startup capital.

But what truly stood out was the diverse crowd. It wasn’t just young professionals or the typical working crowd; I often saw elderly couples enjoying their time as well. It’s rare to see older generations frequenting cafés and restaurants simply to savor the moment, yet here, it felt so natural. It made me reflect—when was the last time my parents went on a café date, not for a planned occasion but simply to enjoy a weekend together? Probably only during travel or special celebrations. This simple yet heart-warming sight reminded me how beautiful it is to embrace life’s little joys at any age.

This city unknowingly reintroduced me to a culture I had long forgotten

Every morning on my walk, I find myself captivated by the intricate and vibrant rangoli adorning every courtyard. It instantly takes me back to my school days when I was deeply in love with this traditional art form. My sisters and I would meticulously craft rangoli for every festival, filling our home with colors and culture. My sister, in fact, often secured first place in rangoli competitions.

Longing for those cherished childhood moments, I visited a nearby store and bought some rangoli colors. Soon, I found myself creating rangoli again—not daily, but at least twice a week. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about it. Perhaps it’s the way it reconnects me with my hometown, reviving a sense of belonging to a culture that often fades when we transition to apartment living. Through each stroke of color, I rediscovered a piece of myself—one that I never want to lose.

There was a time when we effortlessly embraced ethnic fashion—draping ourselves in traditional outfits, adorning jhumkas, and tucking fresh gajras into our hair on festive days. While many of us have moved away from that, the women of Bangalore have carried this elegance forward, effortlessly blending heritage with modernity.

I’ve explored cities like Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi, but nowhere have I seen such a seamless fusion of culture and contemporary style. And I’m not generalizing, but most of the women I’ve come across—whether on the streets, in markets, cafés, or tourist spots—exude this perfect balance. There’s something undeniably captivating about a girl rocking a short kurti over jeans with statement jhumkas, effortlessly holding her own next to someone in a chic co-ord set.

It made me realize that confidence in one’s culture is the real style statement. When you understand that embracing tradition doesn’t make you any less modern, you move with a sense of ease and authenticity. Inspired by this, I found myself reaching for my ethnic wear, eager to infuse my wardrobe with more cultural charm. Not that I’m giving up my western wear, but I’m embracing more of my roots—because true fashion is about owning who you are.