Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mangalore: Focus on Tulu as grand procession adorns city roads

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Uncategorized

Mangalore :

“Tulu language is the soul while Tulu culture is the heart of Tulunadu. If we protect our language then we can save our culture. Tulu is a beautiful language which has beauty, power, and luminosity,” said Sri Vishweshatirtha Swami of Pejawar Math.

He blessed the occasion after inaugurating the ‘Tulunada Jatre-Bale Theru Oipuga’ by symbolically pouring water on a coconut plant on behalf of ‘Vijaya Rajata Sambrama-2014’ of Odiyoor Gurudevadatta Sansthanam on Sunday January 5. Three chariots, each from Barkur, Kasargod and Sullia temples, were taken in a procession from Dr Ambedkar circle to Nehru Maidan.

Pejawar Swami further said, “For Tuluvas, the Tulu language is the mother that has given them birth, hence it is special. Tulunadu has rich spirit in its soil and Tuluvas are too good in their heart. Tulunadu has recognition internationally and hence our international airport should be named as ‘Tulunad International Airport’. We should also serve to protect the culture and language of Tulunadu and the state as well this nation.”

On this occasion Sri Sadguru Ramananda Swami of Kolya Math felicitated Vishweshatirtha Swami, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Sri Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyooru, and Dr Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka for their immense contribution to society.

Sri Gurudevananda Swami, in his blessings, said, “Tulu language should get national recognition and be included in the 8th schedule. The international airport should be named as ‘Tulunad International Airport’ and ‘Matsyagandha’ train as Tulunad Express. From our side, there is also demand for a separate Tulu state.

“There are three types of people – first, one who fears to begin work; secondly, one who starts work and stops in between; and thirdly, people who start and don’t stop till the work is complete, and these are the people of Tulunadu. Agriculture is declining and though we have shortage of water, various projects like Yethinahole are heading towards our district. We should be aware of these kinds of projects which are a threat to our district. Protection of this land is in our hands. In future, there are plans to bring all Tulu litterateurs under one forum.”

Dr Chinnappa Gowda, professor of Mangalore University, said, “Tulunadu culture and language date back to centuries.  Several writers including from the West have lauded Tulu language. Many writers like K S Paniyadi have sacrificed their life to save this land, culture, and language. Gopal Nayak, by singing ‘Siri Paddana’ has contributed to this land. We can find more than 35,000 folk stories in the various villages of Tulunadu.”

Ramanath Rai, state minister for forest, ecology, and environment, said, “Tulu language is a very sweet and soft language. People of different religions also interact in Tulu. Some day Tulu will surely be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and I too support this.”

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “Already the issue regarding inclusion of Tulu in the 8th Schedule has been raised twice in the Parliament. In future, it will surely be done.”

Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade who presided on this occasion, said, “This is the land of Satya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), and Nyaya (justice). Hence, there are several sacred places in this region. People belonging to various languages and religions also interact in Tulu in this region. The government should support agriculture. ‘Bootharadane’ and ‘Nagaradhane’ are the beliefs of this land. It is time all joined hands to provide national recognition to Tulu language.”

On this occasion, Sadhvi Mathanandamai, Sri Ramananda Swami, Sri Mohandas Swami, Sri Yogananda Swami, Sri Mahabala Swami,Sri  Shashikanthamani Swami, minister Abhaychandra Jain, M N Rajendra Kumar of SCDCC Bank, MLAs J R Lobo and Shakuntala Shetty were present.

A memorandum with various demands was submitted to the chief minister through the district in-charge minister.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Mangalore (DV) – January 05th, 2014

A pitstop for Bangalore’s bikers

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports, Travel

Lounge in Marathahalli gives an “adda” for bikers to congregate, plan rides, discuss technicalities, and hone their riding skills.

The maiden biker's lounge in the country, 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, was inaugurated in the city by the MD of Kawasaki Motors India, Yuji Horiuchi, and Dy MD Shigeto Nishikawa on Saturday. - DNA
The maiden biker’s lounge in the country, 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, was inaugurated in the city by the MD of Kawasaki Motors India, Yuji Horiuchi, and Dy MD Shigeto Nishikawa on Saturday. – DNA

With biking catching up in a big way in Bangalore, bikers in the city are often left in the lurch when it comes to places to hang out and discuss about their motorcycles and plan their rides. However, now it appears like they have finally got an “adda” to call their own. And it is not some quaint corner in a mechanic’s shop.

A swanky lounge ready to host biking groups, the “adda” comes alive with a screen showcasing motorsports, coupled with a unit selling everything from riding and safety gear to technicians ready to explain intricate details of different bikes.

Called 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, the lounge is expected to be the ultimate place for all bikers to congregate, debate and discuss, plan biking tours, get details on technicalities, and hone their riding skills.

“The idea is mainly to get bikers to bond with each other, and get to know their bikes better,” says Pushpchand Chordia, CEO, Khivraj Motors.

He says bikers in India surf the net, catch up with like minded people and plan rides together.

“Instead of hanging out in some cafe or restaurant, bikers can come to this biking lounge, which is designed just for them,” says Chordia.

Veteran biker Jaidas Menon, who runs Motorsport Inc, says, in the past, bikers would sit in workshops or mechanic shops, and discuss and plan things.

“A lounge is a nice concept as bikers can not only just relax with their friends, but also buy riding gear, understand their bikes, and upgrade their skills,” says Menon.

The lounge, located in Marathahalli, will also hold courses for riders, apart from having technicians who will encourage bikers to better understand their bikes, and learn to handle everything from tyres to suspension.

Moreover, the lounge also intends to screen movies focused on biking like Riding Solo on Top of the World, and Once Crazy Ride.

“We will also get the director of these films to come and interact with bikers, and brief them on what it takes to ride in places like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh,” says Anil Kumar S from Apex Riding Academy.

Kumar adds that the lounge will also organise bike rides to nearby places like Coorg, Mysore, Mangalore on a monthly and bi-monthly basis.

Khivraj Motors, along with India Kawasaki Motors, is planning to open four more such lounges in Rajajinagar, Central, South and North Bangalore.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Bangalore> Report / by DNA Correspondent / Place: Bangalore, Agency:DNA / Sunday – January 05th, 2014

Welcome to Dewan Poorniah wax museum

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

State archaeology department all set to open 200-year-old heritage building in Yelandur, Chamarajanagar which will also have tips for modern administration, besides wax statues

The state archaeology department’s first wax museum will be thrown open to the public in Yelandur, Chamarajanagar, with wax statues of historical personalities including Dewan Poornaiah, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and William Bentinck. Some unseen paintings of the former Dewan of Mysore will also be on display at the 10,000 sq ft heritage building spread originally owned by Poornaiah’s family.

The 200-year-old building is being renovated into a museum by the department which has taken it on lease for 30 years. Poornaiah was Dewan or prime minister to Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and Krishana Raja Wadiyar III.

“The place is being designed to give a glimpse of Dewan Poornaiah’s life and the first wax museum with full-size statues and rare photographs,” an archaeology official told Bangalore Mirror. “The whole structure is divided into two floors, with wax statues on the first.” Paintings of Poornaiah with Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, other portraits and paintings will be displayed on the ground floor.

The museum will also house 27 manuscripts of letters from Poornaiah to Sringeri and Keladi mutts. “The translation in Kannada and summary will be displayed alongside the magnified images of these original scripts that we have obtained from mutts. This helps the visitors get an insight into what a well-organised manager Poornaiah was,” the official added.

“A documentary on the life and achievements of Poornaiah, relevant to modern day administration, will be shown to the visitors,” another officer said. “We are carrying out work and it will soon be open to public,” Dr R Gopal, director, state archaeology department, told Bangalore Mirror.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bangalore> Others / by Chetan R, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 06th, 2014

Historic monuments come alive on canvas

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

CanvasBF14jan2014

Mysore :

It is a known fact that Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) is known for bringing out creative minds. Students of first and second year foundation course of Bachelor of Fine Arts had recently been to a study tour of Badami, Aihole, Pattadakallu, Bijapur and Hampi. While the first year students had been to Hampi, the second year students visited other places.

CAVA students who had been on a 10-day study tour have created the magic on canvas by bringing the historic monuments alive using water colours. Some of the paintings displayed include Durga Temple of Aihole, Mahakuta at Badami, paintings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Narasimha, Stone Mantap at Badami, Stone Chariot and Veerupaksha Temple of Hampi and others.

The panting replicating the temple at Badami had the dominance of red colour as the structures in Badami are constructed using red stones, while, the paintings of Hampi were a little brownish in colour depicting the exact colours of the monuments. The exhibition will be open for public viewing from 10 am to 5 pm at CAVA premises till Jan. 13.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 10th, 2014

New Year’s Eve party at The Sheraton Bangalore Hotel

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Party peeps who wanted to have some masti at their New Year’s Eve party made their way to a star hotel in the city for a bash that was naughty and nice.

The Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway played host to an Angels and Demons bash, at which they got to boogey to the tunes played by DJs Ronald, D’costa and Savio.

Greeshma and Mithun )
Greeshma and Mithun )

BT spotted Greeshma, Mithun, Rashmita and Riddhima having a great time during the biggest party night of the year. And when closing time came around, everyone left talking about the plans they had made for New Year’s Day.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Events> Bangalore / TNN / January 04th, 2013

Musical lineage lives on

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
Sreekantham Nagendra Sastry. / Photo: Bhagya Prakash K. / The Hindu
Sreekantham Nagendra Sastry. / Photo: Bhagya Prakash K. / The Hindu

In focus: Sreekantham Nagendra Sastry is keeping an 800-year-old tradition alive through Chintalapalli Parampara Trust.

To the old-timers of Mysore, music and musicians were household names and are cherished memories today . One such legacy is the Chintalapalli parampara, a musical heritage that traces its lineage to nearly 800 years. Today, a grandson is not only carrying on the mantle but has single-handedly developed and established a trust in the name of his illustrious maternal ancestry under whose umbrella thrive nearly 40 music institutions in and around Karnataka , where the academics of music are taught and conducted on the scales of a university. One has to meet Sreekantham Nagendra Sastry to perceive the commitment and missionary zeal.

Music is his birthright while teaching Kannada literature at Maharani College is his profession. A purist in Carnatic vocal music, he has authored many a book on music and musicians of Karnataka even as he trains pupils in its chaste form. With a hectic schedule, he manages to keep the fire of Chintalapalli heritage burning. “My ancestral home in Chintalapalli is on the Andhra-Karnataka border, around 7 km from Hindupur. In the post-Independence reorganisation of States, it came under Rayalaseema. Ironically, my great grandfather Chintalapalli Venkat Rao was awarded a fellowship by the Andhra Sangeet Natak Academy after the State formation as a matter of honour to Andhra Pradesh since he was recognised as a Telugu musician of excellence; this was followed by Mysore felicitating him as their heir since he was ‘asthana vidwan’ of the then Mysore royalty.”

Musical bloodline

The 800-year-old lineage is evident, as Nagendra has possessions that proclaim the veracity of the musical bloodline like the written proclamation (shashana) of Hoyasala King Veera Bhalla’s grant of land and later under the Bahamani sultans, another grant of 13 villages and a conferred title to the Chintalapalli maestro.

“My ancestors were vaggeyakaras (music composers) who moved to Vidyanagara and served in the ‘Lokapavana Vishwavidyalaya’ under the Vijayanagara kings. This apart, my great grandfather belongs to the Thyagaraja parampara having been the sishya of Pallavi Seshaiah who was himself pupil of Nemani Subbayya, Thyagaraja’s direct disciple. Later, the family migrated to various samsthanas like Gadwal and Wanaparthy in lieu of patronage. Finally, they settled down as asthana vidwans of Mysore court — that is my grandfather Chintalapalli Ramachandra Rao and great grandfather too,” he narrates the family history in a nutshell.

Since Bangalore was home to the Chintalapalli musicians, the ancestral fort-like home at the village was a sort of holiday sojourn. The Chintalapalli Parampara Trust that was formed now houses a library of ancient books on music and musicology, memoirs, pictures, research facilities in music and runs a school with a regular teacher, supervised by Nagendra himself. A couple housed in the Gurukul take care of those students who wish to stay back. Everything from first aid kits to general medicines to accompanying instruments like tanpura, mridangam, harmonium are all in place there.

Apart from regular examination, special classes in practical and theory are conducted annually by the trust. Nagendra has a vision to develop the ongoing trust institution into a university. “I have the infrastructure ready and the project proposal has been submitted to the Centre. Already the curriculum on which we are running our 40 institutions is geared to the semester system with our syllabi and exams. Recently we opened a centre at Chikmagalur. We have centres run by my students abroad also. We were affiliated to Lokapavana University. The music courses offered by our Vyshveeka Vidyalayam run by our trust are: Sangeeta Paramapara Pallava (initial course); Parampara Kusuma; Paramapara Saurabha; Parampara Shri and the highest Parampara Nidhi which has a regular and honorary conferring of degree,” he informs.

Place of learning

The convocation replicates the Vijayanagara style where the ancestors’ ‘baton’ (a silver danda with lion head at the top) arrives ceremoniously followed by Guru paadukas; a hamsa-headed brass lamp which symbolises the end of music (spiritual upliftment). A ritualistic Guru puja invoking the ancestors is conducted which marks the ‘Gatikotsavam’. A pledge is undertaken by the recipients of the certificates and awards.

“The examination pattern is modelled on the current trend only as far as hall-tickets issuance goes; the rest is done through drawing lots where the head of one institute invariably ends up at another exam centre thereby arresting malpractices to a large extent,” the teacher in him takes over as he explains. His services to the music community are well-known yet he prefers to maintain a low profile, allowing his work to speak for him.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review> Music / by Ranee Kumar / January 02nd, 2014

Gowris of Mysore : A happy family of five brothers and five sisters meet and celebrate …

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's
All in the family: Seen in the picture are (front row from left) Sumukh (kneeling), Padma G. Murthy, Mythili Ramakrishna, G. Ramakrishna, G. Satyanarayana, Nirmala Satya, G. Soumi, Shashank Gowri; (standing from left) G. Ananth, Shruthi Ananth, Spurthi Vinay, G.Vinay, G. Subbanarasimha, Srilakshmi Subbanarasimha, Swamini Varadachaitanya, Deepa, Dr. Asha Shekar, Jayanthi B.G Nath, Suvarna Laxman, M.S. Laxman Rao, Dr. G. L. Shekar, Shamsundar and Vijay Simha.
All in the family: Seen in the picture are (front row from left) Sumukh (kneeling), Padma G. Murthy, Mythili Ramakrishna, G. Ramakrishna, G. Satyanarayana, Nirmala Satya, G. Soumi, Shashank Gowri; (standing from left) G. Ananth, Shruthi Ananth, Spurthi Vinay, G.Vinay, G. Subbanarasimha, Srilakshmi Subbanarasimha, Swamini Varadachaitanya, Deepa, Dr. Asha Shekar, Jayanthi B.G Nath, Suvarna Laxman, M.S. Laxman Rao, Dr. G. L. Shekar, Shamsundar and Vijay Simha.

Mysore :

When families split over trivial issues, here is a family of five brothers and five sisters and their children and grandchildren, living with love and affection.

Gowris of Mysore city, known more through the evening English newspaper ‘Samachar’, edited by one of the brothers, G. Satyanarayana, who have a rich past, assembled last Sunday at Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise in Yadavagiri to felicitate two brothers and a sister, who have crossed 70.

The get-together of over 20 members of the Gowri family was marked with homely and happy atmosphere throughout. The extended family of all the five brothers and five sisters are spread over Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai, US, New Zealand and Australia.

The get-together was arranged chiefly to felicitate G. Ramakrishna, former Director of Tourism, Government of India, now settled in Los Angeles (US), who is on a month-long visit to India, on his 80th birthday. Along with him his next brother G. Satyanarayana (Gowri Satya), former Editor of ‘Samachar’, and his immediate sister, G. Padmavathi, wife of late Gurumurthy, Librarian, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, were also felicitated. A host of their relatives and close common friends were present.

Candle was lit, cake was cut, the couples exchanged garlands and offered a piece of cake to each other and they were felicitated with Petas (turbans), shawls, fruits and flowers, as per Mysore tradition while their friends recalled their association with them during their felicitation speeches.

Popular All India Radio (AIR) Kannada news reader of yesteryears M. Ranga Rao felicitated Ramakrishna with a Mysore Peta and shawl, while Star of Mysore and Mysooru Mithra Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy honoured Satya with shawl and educationist Sreepada Rao with turban. R.V. Lalithamba honoured Padma with a shawl, flowers and fruits.

Speaking on the occasion, Ganapathy recalled his close association with the brothers and their journalistic career and expressed happiness over the camaraderie at the get-together. He recalled the cordial relations they had in their journalistic career.

During the brief and informal speeches, Ranga Rao recalled his association with Ramakrishna, when both were working in New Delhi.

Andolana Editor Rajashekara Koti was nostalgic of his friendship with Satya and recalled the contribution of the brothers, and in particular their father late G.L. Swamy, for development of tourism and journalism in Mysore. Though Mysore had several attractions to offer, he deplored that the Government was doing very little for development of tourism, despite repeated demands.

NIE-IT Vice-President M. Sreepada Rao, Consumer activist Dr. S.P. Thirumala Rao and Col. (retd.) Dr. Anand also spoke felicitating the Gowri family members.

Ramakrishna recalled his days in the Department of Tourism in India and thanked all for the felicitations.

NIE Principal Dr. G.L. Shekar, who was chiefly responsible for organising the function, said how the Gowri family, whose strength had grown to about 100 members, is well-knit and maintained cordial relations.

The other first generation Gowri family members are G. Subbanarasimha, Gowri Sunder, Swamini Varadachaitanya (formerly G.L. Gayathri), Rama, Suvarna and Jayanthi.

The Gowri clan of G.L. Swamy and G. Meenakshamma has 10 children, 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Former MLC M. Sathyanarayana Rao, NIE Secretary S.L.Ramachandra, Writer E.R. Ramachandran, Journalists K.V. Sreenivasan and Prabhurajan were among those present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 08th, 2014

A temple where the Bible is worshipped

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Authorities at Ajata Nagalingaswami temple in Navalgund town of Dharwad district say the hole in the Bible has been shrinking over a period of time./ Photo: Kiran Bakale / The Hindu
Authorities at Ajata Nagalingaswami temple in Navalgund town of Dharwad district say the hole in the Bible has been shrinking over a period of time./ Photo: Kiran Bakale / The Hindu

Ajata Nagalingaswami temple in Navalgund town of Dharwad district has a unique practice of offering flowers and ‘arti’ and lighting oil lamps before a copy of the Bible. Nagalingaswamy, a yogi who lived in the 19th century, is the presiding deity here.

Temple head Veerendra Swami told The Hindu that the copy of the Bible in Kannada was published by a Committee of the Missionaries of Germans, London, and Wesleyan Missionary Societies, and printed at Mangalore in 1865.

Mr. Swami has an interesting story to relate about the origin of the temple.

Kallappa, from Mushtigeri village of Bagalkot district, was a devotee of the mother goddess. A group of Christian missionaries gave him a copy of the Bible.

Once when Nagalingaswami came to meet Kallappa, he hid the book from the yogi for some reason. However, in the course of their conversation, Nagalingaswami told him about his next birth and asked Kallappa to show him the Bible. The yogi pulled out a hook and drilled a hole in the book. He then dropped a Victorian silver coin into the hole, which came out from the other end. Nagalingaswami told Kallappa that he would take the rebirth when the hole filled on its own over a period of time. The story is part of the biography of the yogi published by the temple. Mr. Swami claimed that the hole had been shrinking over a period of time and the missing words on the perforated part had reappeared. The temple authorities have been recording the radius of this hole regularly.

One can see circular lines around the hole, which the temple authorities drew at different point in time. Anyone can access the Bible with prior permission before the morning puja. Even a ‘panja’ and a ‘sidgi’ brought here by the mystic have been preserved here.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by N. Dinesh Nayak / Dharwad – December 31st, 2013

Sri Shivarathreeshwara award presented

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa and Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji are seen presenting the award to writer-couple Dr. Jayashree Dande and Dr. Veeranna Dande at a function in city on Jan. 3 as Prof. K.C. Shivappa look on.
University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa and Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji are seen presenting the award to writer-couple Dr. Jayashree Dande and Dr. Veeranna Dande at a function in city on Jan. 3 as Prof. K.C. Shivappa look on.

Mysore :

JSS Mahavidyapeetha, under its Sri Shivarathreeshwara Cultural Endowment, presented ‘Sri Shivarathreeshwara award’ to Retd. Kannada Professor Dr. Veeranna Dande and Kannada Professor Dr. Jayashree Dande of Gulbarga University for their book ‘12th century Sharana memorials’ and their contributions to Kannada literature at a function held on Jan. 3 at Rajendra Bhavan in JSS Hospital premises here.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, who graced the occasion, presented the award which carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 and a plaque to the couple.

Dr. Veeranna Dande, who spoke on the occasion, said ‘Since I had the experience of having worked in folk field, collection of information on Sharana memorials was easy. Myself and my wife Jayashree have toured 91 villages in North Karnataka, collected information on 190 memorials in three years and compiled the book. This is not only an information book but also serves as a research work.’

Writer Prof. Morabada Mallikarjuna said the book has been written concentrating on Basavakalyana. The 12th century Sharana memorials have been depicted in their original form. The special feature of the book is that in addition to real aspects of life, it contains aspects on communal harmony of Hindu and Muslim communities, he said.

Mysore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa presided. JSS Mahavidyapeetha Publication Department Director Prof. K.C. Shivappa welcomed.

About the authors: Dr. Jayashree Dande, Faculty, Dept. of Kannada Studies, Gulbarga University, has to her credit, more than 45 novels. Her special field of interest is ‘Vachana studies.’

Dr. Veeranna Dande, Retd. Kannada Professor, Gulbarga University, has about three decades of experience in teaching, research and administration. He is an expert in Vachana Sahitya, Folk culture and also a columnist. He has authored more than 50 books.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 05th, 2014

Get set for Bangalore’s first New Year Metal gig

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

With New Year just a few days away, the city is getting prepped to host parties, the themes of most of which revolve around Bollywood , EDM, hip-hop and a mix of all to cater to a wider audience. But so far one breed has always been left out — the longhaired, goatee-sporting and head banging citizens of the metal world. Finally, their call has been heard and Bangalore is hosting its first New Year Metal gig, thanks to CounterCulture’s initiative Metal Factory.

Metal Factory has been a monthly affair since September this year, hosting a range of artists.”In November,when we were brainstorming about New Year, Abijith Rao,who manages our programming and is also the front man of Escher’s Knot, broached the subject of trying metal. That’s when we decided to go ahead,” says Vishwaraj Mohan, founder, Counter Culture.

The gig will see five bands belting out the best of metal — Inner Sanctum ( Thrash/Melodic Death Metal), Escher’s Knot ( Progressive Metal), Theorized (Progressive Death/Thrash), Bevar Sea ( Stoner Rock/Doom Metal) and The Down Troddence (Experimental Metal). “People just want to have a good time on New Year’s Eve, and we are really lucky to have a metal gig for the occasion for the first time in Bangalore. The show production will be one of its kind and this event is going to open up a new dimension for bands and the Indian metal fraternity,” believes Rao.

The gig is being supported with special lighting and a backdrop to make it memorable for audiences. Bevar Sea will have Namit Chauhan from Shepherd as guest guitarist playing in place of their guitarist Rahul Chacko and will add classics too. They will also put up merchandise for sale, which according to the vocalist Ganesh  “is a fabulous way to begin the New Year.”

Naturally, the city’s metal heads are excited. Says technical writer Amritha Chandrashekhar, “I grew up in Bangalore when it was called Rock city. I love that genre of music and it is sad to see the declining support for rock and metal. I would love to start my year head banging. Of course I’ll go.” Beat boxer Abhishek Bhaskar is excited about listening to Inner Sanctum and Bevar Sea, which he calls “the catchiest name till date.” Adds music enthusiast Purvika Anand, “Since the line-up has familiar Bangalore-based bands, it’s going to feel like home to the guys who share similar passions and haven’t celebrated New Year’s eve together before.”

The last word comes from media professional Vilasini Muralidhar, who acknowledges that metal heads are usually left out when it comes to New Year’s parties. “We aren’t the sort to go to a club and enjoy monotonous music (if I can call it that). This gives us an opportunity to bring in the New Year with our kind of music, our kind of crowd. It’s a great line-up at a good venue—nobody should miss it!”

So if metal is what gives you a high, then this is going to be a temple of sorts. For a different start to 2014, this is the gig to be at.
Metal Factory, Dec 31, 8 pm, at Counter Culture

—R Prashanth Vidyasagar

www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Gig / Bangalore Mirror Bureau / December 23rd, 2013