BENGALURU: With Sree Ramaseva Mandali hosting their 2017 edition of Sree Ramanavami, a classical music festival, Arati K Prasen catches up with children who accompanied their grandparents and the rain that almost played spoilsport.
Mobile Fan Comes Handy
As the temperature rose to 34 degree celsius in Bengaluru, the audience enjoyed the sweet melodies of flautist Shadas Godhkindi while finding innovative ways to keep themselves cool. The usual paper and tickets were used by many but a regular at the festival, Rajashree came prepared. “Bengaluru has become too hot. I now carry this all around,” she said showing me her mini hot pink fan that was powered by her phone. People around were certainly envious of her ‘cool idea’.
Monsoon Symphony
As the rain gods blessed the music festival,the stalls were not as lucky. The tent began to drip with water. Quickly,a vessel was found to collect the water. The dripping water had a rhythm of its own adding another element of music to the festival.
Trees Light Up
The gold mahal that decorates the entrance of the festival immediately catches your eye. At night,it is illuminated with colorful lights. Lights are even hung on the trees completely illuminating the old fort high school ground.
Grandpa Likes it Here
Two boys were running after one other weaving through the cars parked on the ground. “Caught you!” the boy screamed grabbing onto his younger brother, who was wearing matching blue and white striped shirt. “We don’t like sitting inside. It is boring. We came because grandpa likes it,” one them says running away again.
Keeping up with Grandma
Medha Raj, a nine-year-old accompanied her grandmother to the festival. She noticed everyone tapping their fingers on their laps and immediately began vigorously hitting her own thigh. Her grandmother laughed and taught Medha how to correctly keep the taal (beat).
Bhajjis and Nuts for the Tummy
The Sree Ramanavami National Music Festival caters to both food and music lovers. “The best thing after music is food,” Geeta Nath said sneakily eating the ground nuts she bought right outside the festival. Hot food is not a stranger to the festival with bajji being made right in front of you doused in delicious chutney. Water and juice are the favourites for beating the summer heat and coffee to keep you awake.