Bhoomi Habba Promotes Environmental Action

Summary of Bhoomi Habba 18th Edition

Event Overview:

• Name: Bhoomi Habba (the Festival of Earth)
• Theme: Restore, Reclaim – Community Paths to Climate Action
• Date: June 6, 2026
• Location: Visthar Campus, Bengaluru
• Focus: Environmental stewardship and community-led climate action.

Organizers:

• Visthar: A Bengaluru-based civil society organization focusing on education and environmental issues.
• Collaborators: GreenKraft, Elements Organics, Fair Trade Alliance of Kerala (FTAK), Abheek Academy.

Historical Context:

• Founded: Initially as the Festival of Just Peace in 2008.
• Evolution: Transitioned to Bhoomi Habba to emphasize ecological justice alongside peace.

Key Themes of the Festival:

• Emphasis on community engagement in environmental sustainability.
• Exploration of topics such as:
  • Water Crisis
  • Pollution
  • Bhopal Gas Tragedy
  • Various People’s Movements

Activities and Features:

• Curated stalls from organizations promoting sustainable lifestyles, including:
  • Timbaktu Collective
  • Desi Trust
  • Spudnik Farms
• Workshops on indigenous food traditions and sustainable practices.
• Performative storytelling and theatre workshops related to climate change.
• A one-day film festival and a live performance segment.
• Engagement with local artists and community members, particularly children from government schools.

Community Engagement:

• Use of art and culture as tools for promoting awareness about sustainability and climate action.
• Call for active participation from individuals in addressing climate issues through personal lifestyle changes.

Impact and Objectives:

• Increase awareness about ecological issues and inspire local communities to take proactive measures.
• Foster a sense of community cohesion in addressing environmental challenges.
• Educational approach to understanding the interlinkage between environmental health, human rights, and community justice.

Conclusion:

• Bhoomi Habba represents a growing movement towards recognizing the link between environmental stewardship and social justice, focusing on community-led initiatives for sustainable living. It aims to mobilize individuals to reflect on their consumption patterns and engage actively in climate action.