Just Bengaluru Things: City Dwellers Bark At 'Forest Bathing' Price

City life can leave you yearning for a break, a chance to escape the honking horns and towering buildings for a breath of fresh air. For many Bengaluru residents, Cubbon Park is a haven, a green oasis in the heart of the bustling metropolis. Can't escape the concrete jungle for fresh air without emptying your wallet? Apparently not, at least according to a new business venture in India's "Startup Capital." A social media screenshot has Bengaluru residents howling mad over a "Forest Bathing Experience" priced at a hefty Rs. 1,500.

Just Bengaluru Things

The news, sparked by a viral screenshot on social media platform 'X', shows the event scheduled for April 28th. It promises a "forest bathing walk" inside Cubbon Park, complete with "soulful activities" designed to melt away stress and cultivate inner peace. But the hefty price tag has left many netizens wondering, "Isn't this something we can do ourselves, for free?"

The answer, of course, is a resounding yes. Cubbon Park is a public space, open to all who seek refuge under its leafy canopy. Yet, the event boasts a limited number of slots – all of which, according to the screenshot, were promptly sold out. This sparked a flurry of witty online commentary, with some labelling it a "new scam" preying on urban anxieties.

"This happening right behind the high court is just the cherry on top," quipped one commentator, highlighting the irony of the paid nature experience unfolding near the seat of justice. Another joked, "Bangalore Techies consumed by unconscious guilt... are trying to buy their way into spirituality." The humor, laced with a touch of truth, reflects a broader sentiment – a questioning of the very notion of a paid "forest bathing" experience.

But hold on, before you dismiss it entirely.  "Forest Bathing," or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a recognized practice with a growing global following. It focuses on mindful immersion in nature, encouraging activities like quiet contemplation among trees, deep breathing exercises, and simply observing the natural world. These sessions can range from brief 10-15 minute escapes to extended adventures lasting days or even weeks.

While Bengaluru is just beginning to embrace this wellness trend, the hefty price tag of this particular event has struck a discordant note with many locals.  Perhaps, a well-timed picnic under the shade of a majestic banyan tree, complete with homemade snacks and good company, might be a more authentic (and wallet-friendly) way to reconnect with nature. After all, sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most stimulating.