Bangaloreans, enjoying the pizzas by candle light or hanging out on the steps of dark malls on Brigade Road voiced their support for the unique worldwide power shutdown from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

While it was slow to catch on, many of the stores and malls on the roads had switched off or dimmed their lights by 8.50 pm. Some of the bylanes of Brigade Road, however, sported all its neon lights. But eventually, many shopping malls, homes and business establishments across town had joined in, expressing solidarity with the cause supported by 2,000 cities across 80 countries. The Earth Hour’s message: to create awareness on the effects of climate change.

Self-imposed darkness

The hour-long, self-imposed darkness was a time to reflect on, and worry about, climate change that human beings had induced, a situation that some people find difficult to recognise, even now.

The Bescom too had been working hard for the past one week to create awareness among Bangalore's denizens to make Earth Hour a successful event.

On Brigade Road, weekends being the busiest time for the stores and restaurants, many of the shops decided to shut shop early, while others had kept only the essential lights on.

Levi’s store had switched off the lights on its top two floors and had a few essential lights on for the few shoppers who were determined to shop. The number of customers entering Mobile Store on the road too had dwindled, according to the store manager.

Customers of coffee shops and fast food joints were enjoying a cuppa by candle lights or a family dinner at pizzerias over candle light. Another fast food joint had closed its dining area for one hour and had only its takeaway counter open. Others who were not aware of Earth Hour were seen asking the doorman if the restaurant was closing early.

“Global climate change is a real threat; and it is time for all of us to realize and understand that we have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and take proactive action to reverse global warming,” said S Gopalakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Infosys Technologies Limited, which took part in the Earth Hour.

Hewlett-Packard partnered with WWF as the ‘Green Technology Partner’ for Earth Hour 2009. ITC-Welcomgroup Hotels across the country and in the city also participated in the event by switching off or reducing electrical consumption, particularly non-essential.

Their restaurants--The Raj Pavilion and Royal Afghan served candlelight dinner, allowing guests to enjoy the spirit and the ambience of the evening.

Disappointment

People, however, seem to be enjoying the novel experience.

Many had come to the heart of the city just to see how Earth Hour would be observed.

Fibin, a 1st year engineering student, who had come with his classmates said he was disappointed all the shops had not turned off the lights. While Dr Sanjay said many of the stores had closed early instead of keeping it open and turning off the light which was a more passive response to Earth Hour.