We returned to the hotel after a long, eventful, and memorable day. Our organizers planned the penultimate 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 masks. There are also additional singers who sing and help with narration, on or off stage. Yakshagana was typically held in the open, but in the last centuries, it is typically performed in auditoriums indoors. The performances typically revolve around stories from Indian mythology, 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, an 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 Shurpanaki’s nose and ears.
Now assuming her real form, Shurpanaki vows revenge on Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita and has her demon brothers attack them. Rama, skilled with the bow and arrow, has little problem 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 I feel lucky to have witnessed. 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 share our thoughts on the reunion, which was truly a memorable and unforgettable experience.
All good things come to an end, and our reunion was no exception. The following day, we said our goodbyes and left for our respective destinations with bittersweet feelings. While some of us felt the celebration was too short, others felt that the right time to leave was when we wanted more, to look back on this special time with fond memories.
The reunion was over, but I had a few more days in Bengaluru with my family. On the second-to-last night, I dined with my family at Subz restaurant in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, close to where I stayed with them.
Subz, Jayanagar
Subz is a vegetarian restaurant with a variety of offerings. We opted for 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, and for good reason. I savored the “papti chat,” and it was delicious. The Palak Paneer (cottage cheese in a spinach sauce) was tasty but a bit salty. The other dishes, like the lentils and potatoes, were also sumptuous.
The dessert menu was diverse and extremely delicious. There was Rassmalai (sweetened cottage cheese in a flavored milk-based sauce) and a delicious pineapple cake. I would certainly and wholeheartedly 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 foods the city has to offer. It has been a pleasure sharing my experiences from this vacation with you. I hope you enjoyed it too.
Bay Area Bloke 