BANGALORE: Citing security concerns, the Bengaluru Habba scheduled to open on Thursday has been postponed until further notice. According to Artistes' Foundation for the Arts trustee Padmini Ravi, the central government indicated to the state government to postpone all mass public gatherings in the state as central intelligence reports indicate that Bangalore could be next target after Mumbai.

"During Bengaluru Habba, ensuring security for 65 events at 65 venues over three weeks is not easy. The state government as a stakeholder of the event decided to postpone the festival," she added. However, some events like Kala Madhyam Art Mela at Chitrakala Parishath, jazz festival at Alliance Francaise and photography exhibition at Max Mueller Bhavan will be held as independent events as scheduled. "Understanding the situation, all artistes have extended their support and agreed to perform later."

"With 200 artistes arriving from places as far as Ladakh, Assam and Rajasthan, rwe can't cancel the event. It was meant to be a 10-day mela but now we may have to cut it short as it will be difficult for us to bear the expenses without state support," said Mariam Thomas, project director, Kala Madhyam. "Apart from Chitrakala Parishath security personnel, we have hired private security and will also ask for state police support," added Mariam. The jazz concert by Lucas Niggli Zoom Quintet was held on Thursday at Alliance Francaise. According to Pooja Varma, Prohelvetia Swiss Arts Council, organiser of the concert, security was ensured by having a single entry and exit at the venue.