We returned to the hotel after a long, eventful and memorable day. Our organizers and planned the pen-ultimate event for the day, a Yakshagana performance.

Yakshagana Performance

Yakshagana is a dance-drama style native to the state of Karnataka, South India. Yakshagana actors adorn colorful costumes, makeup and mask. There are also some additional singers who sing and help with narration, on or off stage. Yakshagana was typically held in the open, but in the last centuries is typically performed in auditoriums indoors. The performances are typically about stories from Indian mythology. They are characterized by loud emotional dialogs and flamboyant spin jumps.

This Yakshagana Performance, ‘Shurpanaki’ was based on a tale from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. Shurpanaki, a evil female demon assumes a human form, after falling in love with Rama, a prince banished to live in the forest, with his brother and wife due to unfortunate circumstances.

She approaches Rama and tries hard to win him over and abandon his wife, Sita. Rama is unperturbed and suggests that she approach his brother Lakshmana, as Lakshmana is single. He also sends a secret message to Lakshmana about how to handle Shurpanaki. When Shurpanaki approaches Lakshmana, and tries to woo him, she unknowingly gives Lakshmana, Rama’s message. Obeying Rama’s orders, Lakshmana cuts off Shurpanki’s nose and ears.

Now assuming her real from, Shurpanaki vows revenge on Rama, Lakshmana and Sita and has her demon brothers attack them. Rama who is skilled with the bow and arrow has little problems killing all the demons.

The actors were skilled performers, who narrated their dialogs legibly, thanks to their years of training. It was very impressive to see many of them perform their spin jumps in such a small space. The dialogs were often improvised with a touch of humor, causing the audience to roar with laughter. This was indeed a one-of-a-kind experience that feel lucky to witness. At the end of the show, our group took a photo with all the performers and musicians.

After the show, our organizers had hired DJs to end the day with a spirited party of dance and celebration. At one point each of us took to the stage to give our thoughts on the reunion, truly a memorable and unforgettable experience.

All good things come to an end an our reunion was no exception. The following day be said our goodbyes and left to each of our destinations with bittersweet feelings. While some of us felt the celebration was short, others felt that the right time to leave was when he wanted more, to look back with fond memories.

The reunion was over but I had a few more days in Bengaluru with my family. On the second last night, I dined with my family at Subz restaurant in Jayanagar Bengaluru, close to where I stayed with my family.

Subz, Jayanagar

Subz is a vegetarian restaurant, with a variety of offerings. We went with the buffet option, like most people. Subz is known for its Chat(a North Indian set of snacks that are light, sour, sweet and salty ). for good reason. I savored the “papti chat” and it was delicious. The Palak Paneer(Cottage cheese in a spinach sauce was delicious but a bit salty. The other dishes like the lentils and potatoes were also sumptious.

The desert menu was diverse and extremely delicious. There Rassmalai(Sweetened cottage cheese in a floured milk based sauce ) and a delicous pineapple cake. I would certainly and whole heartedly recommend Subz if you are in the area.

It is almost curtains for this trip as I return home tomorrow. I expect today to be a quiet uneventful day with my family. I encourage you to make the trip to Bengaluru and experience as many of the attractions and food, the city has to offer. It has been a pleasure, sharing my experiences from this vacation with you. I hope you enjoyed it too.

References

https://www.britannica.com/topic/yakshagana

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakshagana