Be trendy- go traditional!
If you have moved to Bangalore not so long ago, you are probably familiar with every new watering hole in Indiranagar. Perhaps you can recommend the best place for a late night snack in Koramangala and make your way through Whitefield like a boss...but have the more traditional, unhurried parts of Bangalore remained a mystery? Do you rarely venture into Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, Malleshwaram or the market in Chickpet?
We have curated a few fun events and must-see and do experiences to get in touch with the traditional side of Bangalore. Be an adventurer and explore a new side to your own city with your friends and if you have been a long time resident, renew your relationship with this familiar but forgotten territory.
Walk like a Bangalorean
Learn all about Nandeeshwara Temple that was buried under layers of soil until recently. Hear the story of how the temple was only discovered during a chance excavation to prevent a politician who was attempting to sell the land. Try the idli and shavige at Veena Stores, the masala dose at Janatha Hotel or the akki rotti at Halli Mane. Stop by C.V Raman’s home that still stands to this day, next to MES (Mysore Education Society) College. Discover the many delights of Malleshwaram in unhurried walk through the neighbourhood. And, if you want a trusted and knowledgeable guide to lead you through the area, sign up for the Malleswaram Walk, that begins bright and early at 7:30 am. You could check the details on the website for price, schedule and availability. The walk starts at the Kadu Malleshwaram Temple, home to the deity after whom the area is named. Image Courtesy : www.eventshigh.com
Become part of a 77 year old musical tradition
Kanjeevaram saree clad maamis with flowers in their hair, men in dignified, crisp white veshtis, kids learning to keep ‘taal’ to the music on stage...the atmosphere at the Sree Ramaseva Mandali’s annual event, the Ramanavami Music Festival is like none other. Their website lists this event as the world’s longest Indian Classical Music Festival, taking place over 31 to 36 days in April and May. This year’s lineup of musical acts is stellar. The Ramanavami Concerts are a great initiation into the world of Carnatic and Hindustani music for the novice, and a treat for regular kutcheri goers in Bangalore. For the acts include Malladi Brothers to Priya Sisters, legendary singers Yesudas, to Bombay Jayashree and Sanjay Subramanian, violinists L Subramanian and many many more established and upcoming names from the world of music. The entire list of performances and dates can be found here. Most of the performances are scheduled to take place in the Old Fort High School Grounds, in Chamarajpet, one of the oldest localities in Bangalore. Image Courtesy : Ramanavami Music Blogspot
Watch an ancient art form in a contemporary avatar
Imagine creatively fusing Karnataka’s folk theatre form Yakshagana, and modern theatrical tools, to create a hybrid performance that combines, dance, drama, elaborate costumes, makeup and music, to ask contemporary questions about gender and power. An experimental, critically acclaimed play, Akshayambara tries to do just that and it is playing in town at Shoonya Gallery on the 30th of April and Rangashankara on the 1st of May. Yakshagana, that originated in the coastal parts of the state, traditionally employed male actors who essay even female roles. However, Akshayambara, explores the conflicts that arise when a woman is cast in a pivotal role, and plays a man, whereas, a male artist plays Draupadi. The performance will be an interesting way to glimpse the grandeur of a colourful folk art form, in an inviting, wholly Bangalore setting. Don’t forget to go early and sample some delectable sabudana vadas or crisp rottis at the Rangashankara Cafe, in the leafy bylanes of JP Nagar. We can’t think of a more delightful way to see a traditional, culturally-rich side of Bangalore than that! Image Courtesy : www.bangalore.citizensmatter.in
