Bengaluru Comic Con opens to packed crowds, city revels in pop-culture fever

Cosplay, global creators, Indian artists and live performances power an electrifying opening day at KTPO

Bengaluru, December 20, 2025:
Bengaluru’s pop-culture calendar got a major boost on Friday as the Maruti Suzuki Arena Bengaluru Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll, opened to an enthusiastic response at the KTPO Trade Centre, Whitefield. Fans poured in from early morning, turning the venue into a vibrant hub of comics, anime, gaming and fandom.

The sprawling convention centre came alive with colour as cosplayers of all ages stepped out in elaborate avatars, ranging from classic superheroes and wizarding icons to anime favourites and original characters. Families, students and young professionals mingled freely, lending the event a festive, carnival-like atmosphere.
This year’s edition features a strong lineup of international guests, who drew steady crowds through the day. Actor Robert Capron, known globally for his role as Rowley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series, interacted warmly with fans, sharing anecdotes and posing for photographs. Renowned comic book artist Peter Nguyen, whose credits span DC and Marvel titles, kept audiences engaged with live sketching sessions and signings. Adding to the star appeal was Chloé Hollings, the French-Australian actress and voice artist behind Widowmaker in Overwatch, who spoke about her journey in gaming, film and voice acting.

Equally prominent was the spotlight on Indian creators, with more than 20 homegrown artists, illustrators and storytellers showcasing their work. Popular names such as Savio Mascarenhas, Alicia Souza and Sumit Kumar (Bakarmax) connected directly with readers, highlighting the growing strength of India’s comic and graphic art ecosystem.
The opening day schedule was packed with panel discussions, creator interactions, anime quizzes and special sessions with Amar Chitra Katha. The Bengaluru Comic Con Cosplay Contest emerged as a major crowd-puller, with participants competing for a daily cash prize of ₹30,000.
Live performances added to the buzz, with hip-hop, rap, experimental music and illusion acts keeping energy levels high. Fans also thronged immersive experience zones, including the Amazon Prime Video Fallout Experience, Maruti Suzuki Arena Zone, Crunchyroll Experience Zone and the NODWIN Gaming Arena.
The convention continues on Saturday with comedy showcases, music performances and the final round of the Indian Championship of Cosplay – Bengaluru Qualifier, promising another high-octane day for pop-culture enthusiasts.

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Dhanurmasa Pooja Performed at Jayanagar by Mantralaya Seer

Bengaluru: The sacred Dhanurmasa Pooja was performed with great devotion at the shrine of Sri Raghavendra Swamigal in Jayanagar. The Pontiff of the Mantralaya Moola Brindavana, Parama Poojya Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Teertha Sripadangal, arrived at the Jayanagar Math, where he conducted the Dhanurmasa rituals as part of the Sansthana Pooja of Sriman Moola Ramachandra Devaru, performing the ceremonies with his own holy hands.

On the occasion, Mahamangalarati was offered at the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamigal, following which the Seer blessed the devotees with Phala Mantrakshate. After completing the religious observances, Sri Subudhendra Teertha Sripadangal proceeded on his journey to Thiruvananthapuram, informed Sri Nandakishoracharya.
The Dhanurmasa Pooja witnessed the presence of senior Mutt administrator R.K. Vadindracharya, Mutt staff and hundreds of devotees, who sought and received the divine blessings of Sri Hari, Vayu and Guru. The spiritually charged atmosphere during the rituals deepened the faith and devotion of the devotees present.

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ಹಬ್ಬಕ್ಕೂ, ಕೂಟಕ್ಕೂ ಒಂದೇ ಆಯ್ಕೆ: KFCಯ ‘ಎಪಿಕ್ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್’

KFCಯ ‘ಎಪಿಕ್ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್’ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ವರ್ಷಾಂತ್ಯದ ಸಂಭ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ರುಚಿಕರ ಸ್ಪರ್ಶ

ವರ್ಷಾಂತ್ಯದ ಸಂಭ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರು ಮತ್ತು ಕುಟುಂಬದವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿಸಲು KFC ತನ್ನ ಹೊಸ ‘ಎಪಿಕ್ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್’ ಆಫರ್ ಅನ್ನು ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಿದೆ. ಚಿಕನ್ ಪ್ರಿಯರಿಗೆ ರುಚಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಮೌಲ್ಯದ ಪರಿಪೂರ್ಣ ಸಂಯೋಜನೆಯಾಗಿರುವ ಈ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್, ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಊಟ ಮಾಡುವ ಅನುಭವವನ್ನು ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಆನಂದಕರವಾಗಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಈ ಎಪಿಕ್ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ KFCಯ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಸಿಗ್ನೇಚರ್ ಹಾಟ್ & ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಪಿ ಚಿಕನ್, ರಸಮಯ ಬೋನ್‌ಲೆಸ್ ಚಿಕನ್ ಸ್ಟ್ರಿಪ್ಸ್, ಕ್ರಿಸ್ಪಿ ಫ್ರೈಸ್, ತಂಪಾದ ಪೆಪ್ಸಿ ಪಾನೀಯ ಮತ್ತು ವಿವಿಧ ರುಚಿಕರ ಡಿಪ್ಸ್‌ಗಳು ಸೇರಿವೆ. ಎಲ್ಲ ವಯೋಮಾನದ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಗೂ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗುವಂತೆ ಈ ಪ್ಯಾಕ್ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.

ಕೇವಲ ₹799 ರಿಂದ ಆರಂಭವಾಗುವ ಈ ವಿಶೇಷ ಆಫರ್ ಇದೀಗ ಆಂಧ್ರಪ್ರದೇಶ ಮತ್ತು ತೆಲಂಗಾಣ, ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಬಂಗಾಳ, ರಾಜಸ್ಥಾನ, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ದೇಶದ ಹಲವು ಭಾಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಲಭ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಗ್ರಾಹಕರು ಡೈನ್-ಇನ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಟೇಕ್‌ಔಟ್ ಎರಡೂ ಆಯ್ಕೆಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಈ ಆಫರ್ ಅನ್ನು ಪಡೆಯಬಹುದಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ಎಪಿಕ್ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್ ಆಫರ್ ಜನವರಿ 4, 2026ರವರೆಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಲಭ್ಯವಿರಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು KFC ತಿಳಿಸಿದೆ.

ಹಬ್ಬದ ವಾತಾವರಣದಲ್ಲೂ, ವರ್ಷಾಂತ್ಯದ ಕೂಟಗಳಲ್ಲೂ ರುಚಿಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವ ನೀಡುವವರಿಗೆ KFCಯ ಎಪಿಕ್ ಫೀಸ್ಟ್ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಗ್ರಾಹಕರು KFC ಆಪ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಡೈನ್-ಇನ್ ಪ್ರೀ-ಆರ್ಡರ್ ಮಾಡುವ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯವೂ ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

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Karnataka Gets Its First Mobile FEMTO Unit for Bladeless Eye Surgery

Nethradhama Introduces Karnataka’s First Mobile Unit for Bladeless Eye Surgery

Bengaluru, December 19, 2025:
Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital on Thursday announced the launch of Karnataka’s first mobile unit for bladeless eye surgery, marking a significant step in expanding access to advanced ophthalmic care across the State. The specially designed mobile FEMTO unit is equipped with the Ziemer Z8 Neo, a next-generation femtosecond laser system used for high-precision eye surgeries.

The mobile unit will rotate across five Nethradhama centres—three in Bengaluru, one in Mysuru and one outreach location—allowing patients at different branches to undergo bladeless procedures without the need to travel to a central facility. The initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and regional accessibility while maintaining cost efficiency.

The Ziemer Z8 Neo enables a wide range of blade-free procedures, including femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery, vision correction treatments such as LASIK and CLEAR, and advanced corneal procedures for conditions like keratoconus. By replacing surgical blades with laser pulses, the system improves precision, enhances patient comfort and reduces recovery time.

“Patients today expect accuracy and faster recovery, and this technology allows us to deliver both,” said Dr Supriya Sriganesh, Executive Director, Nethradhama, adding that the platform caters to diverse needs—from young professionals seeking freedom from spectacles to senior citizens requiring safer cataract surgery.

Prof. Dr Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama, said the mobile deployment reflects the hospital’s focus on innovation. “We have been early adopters of femtosecond laser technology in India. By mobilising the Z8 Neo, we are ensuring that advanced care reaches patients across centres without compromising on outcomes,” he said.

During the pilot phase, more than 900 procedures—including over 600 cataract surgeries and nearly 300 corneal and refractive treatments—were successfully performed using the system. Most patients reported improved vision within a day, with full recovery typically achieved within a week.

Nethradhama plans to extend the mobile FEMTO model to additional centres in southern India, further strengthening access to world-class eye care.

City Today News 9341997936

Dhanurmasa Pujas to Begin on December 17 at Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Jayanagar

Bengaluru, December 16:
The sacred Dhanurmasa pujas will be observed from December 17, 2025, to January 13, 2026, at the Nanjangud Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt located in Jayanagar Fifth Block, Bengaluru.

The month-long religious observances will be conducted with the blessings and guidance of Param Pujya 1008 Sri Subudhendra Tirtha Sripadangalavaru. The daily rituals will be held in the early morning hours under the leadership of the mutt’s senior administrator, R.K. Vadindra Acharya.

Speaking about the programme, chief priest Nandakishore Acharya said that special importance will be given to traditional offerings such as huggi and pongal naivedya during the Dhanurmasa period. These rituals, he said, are believed to hold great spiritual significance and are expected to draw large numbers of devotees.

Devotees wishing to participate in the sevas may do so through online and WhatsApp bookings, making it convenient for followers from across the city and beyond.

For further details and seva registration, devotees may contact:
📞 080-2244 3962 | 94491 33929

The Dhanurmasa celebrations at the mutt are expected to provide a spiritually enriching experience for devotees during the auspicious period.

City Today News 9341997936