'Stranger Things' Takes Over Karnataka's New Year Tradition: 'Old Man' Gets Vecna Makeover

• Belagavi's traditional 'Old Man' effigy burning for New Year's Eve received a 'Stranger Things' makeover.
• Instead of a generic old man, effigies depicted monsters like Vecna and Mind Flayer, symbolizing past troubles.
• Young artists integrated red/black lighting, smoke, and sound effects, transforming the ritual into a cinematic spectacle.
• The event blended local folklore with global pop culture, attracting large crowds and showcasing evolving traditions.
• The core meaning of burning away hardships for 2026 remained, now represented by pop culture monsters.

Why It Matters: Belagavi's New Year ritual evolved, blending local tradition with global pop culture for 2026.