The 'Nammura Nagara Panchami 2026' was celebrated with great fervor at Gayatri Vihara, Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, bringing the essence of North Karnataka culture to the city. The event aimed to revive rural traditions amidst urbanization. Actress Umashree and many other women participated in traditional activities like Nagapuja, Gopuja, Kolata, and various contests including roti making and Rangoli. The celebration featured traditional North Karnataka attire and food, marking the first major festival of the Shravana month. https://tv9kannada.com/videos/actress-umashree-and-others-women-celebrates-nagara-panchami-in-palace-ground-at-bengaluru-1225914.html

The 220th flower show at Bengaluru's Lalbagh Botanical Garden, organized for the 80th Independence Day, saw a massive turnout. On August 15, a record 2.01 lakh people visited the show, including 1.4 lakh adults and 27,500 children. This resulted in a single-day revenue collection of Rs 1.05 crore. The theme for this year's show is the 'Glory of the Ganga Dynasty'. Supported by Milex, the exhibition features intricate floral artworks and will conclude on August 17. Authorities expect even higher footfall during the weekend. https://udayavani.com/district-news/lalbagh-flower-show-2-lakh-people-visit-in-a-single-day-464657

The Hubballi-Dharwad police department has denied permission for a massive protest by job aspirants organized by the 'AKSA' organization, scheduled for August 18. Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar cited law and order concerns and past unpleasant incidents during similar protests as reasons for the refusal. Although the High Court had previously allowed conditional protests at Nehru Ground, the organizers' request to hold the stir near Michigan Compound was rejected to maintain public peace. https://tv9kannada.com/karnataka/dharwad/dharwad-job-aspirants-gear-up-for-protest-again-as-police-deny-permission-1225867.html

The Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district has declared a public holiday on August 17 in observance of the Nagara Panchami festival. This holiday applies to all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, as well as government offices across the district, according to an official notification from the DC office. https://www.prajavani.net/district/dakshina-kannada/nagarapanchami-dakshina-kannada-district-holiday-announcement-4199948

A traditional recipe for Turmeric Leaves Patholi, a sweet steamed dumpling popular during Nagara Panchami in Coastal Karnataka. The recipe uses rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and fresh turmeric leaves for a unique aroma. https://kannada.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/make-traditional-turmeric-leaf-sweet-or-patholi-for-nagara-panchami-festival-photo-gallery-155699334

Mangalore Forest Mobile Squad officials seized a truck illegally transporting timber in Keyyur, Puttur. The accused, Ismail, was arrested for transporting Kiralu Bhogi logs from Nettaru without permission. The seized truck and timber are valued at approximately 5 lakh rupees. A case has been registered following the operation led by Forest Range Officer Santosh Rai. https://udayavani.com/district-news/keyyur-illegal-timber-transportation-detected-accused-along-with-logs-and-lorry-seized-370245

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that if the Central Government had not revoked the special status and statehood of J&K in 2019, people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have sought to merge with India. Speaking at an Independence Day event in Srinagar, he highlighted the turmoil in PoK and defended the decision of his ancestors to join India in 1947. He reiterated his government's commitment to restoring statehood. The BJP criticized his comments as 'irresponsible' and political. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/15/pok-would-have-joined-jk-if-jammu-and-kashmir-cm-omar-abdullahs-statehood-pitch

Bangladesh men's cricket team created history by winning their first-ever Test match on Australian soil in Darwin. By defeating Australia by 9 wickets, Bangladesh became the fastest Asian team to record a Test win in Australia, achieving this feat in just 3 matches, surpassing Pakistan (7) and India (12). Australia lost a home Test to an Asian side other than India for the first time since 1995. Bangladesh chased down a 57-run target after bowling out Australia for 284 in their second innings. This marks Bangladesh's second Test win in SENA nations following their 2022 victory in New Zealand. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cricket/2026/Aug/16/cricket-bangladesh-break-pakistans-huge-record-after-historic-first-win-in-australia

Medical experts warn against consuming certain foods while drinking alcohol. Fatty foods like french fries and pakoras can stress the liver and cause bloating. Spicy dishes like biryani increase acidity, while salty snacks like chips lead to dehydration and increased alcohol consumption. Sweets can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Experts recommend light, digestible food like boiled eggs or vegetables and staying hydrated with plenty of water to minimize health risks. http://zeenews.india.com/kannada/health/what-not-to-eat-while-drinking-alcohol-394014

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has expressed disappointment over being underutilized as a batsman throughout his international career. Despite having an average of over 60 and three triple centuries in first-class cricket, he was often sent to bat at number 8 or 9, sometimes even after bowlers. Jadeja revealed that this lack of trust from the team management affected his confidence and morale during the initial years of his career. https://kannada.news18.com/news/sports/my-confidence-was-literally-disturbed-ravindra-jadeja-on-being-pushed-down-batting-order-mbr-ws-b-2470977.html