Magnificent:The Mysore palace will be lit from 7.40 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. on weekdays after the sound and light show.— Photo: M.A. Sriram / The Hindu
The famous Amba Vilas Palace or Mysore palace, which is lit up with more than one lakh incandescent bulbs on weekends, will now shine on weekdays too.
This is for the benefit of tourists, especially those coming from abroad just to see the palace.
The one-hour illumination of the century-old palace on Sunday has been cut to 45 minutes to ensure lighting from Monday to Friday.
The palace is illuminated from 7.40 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. on weekdays after the sound and light show.
T.S. Subramanya, Deputy Director of the Mysore Palace Board, says: “I have seen many tourists enquiring about the illumination on weekdays. The palace was earlier lit only on Saturday and Sunday, and on public holidays. It is now illuminated every day for about five minutes after the sound and light show.”
Mr. Subramanya told The Hindu that tourists, particularly those coming from abroad, are happy to get a glimpse of the lit palace.
For 10 minutes
The palace is illuminated for 10 minutes on Saturday after the sound and light show. At least 1,200 tourists watch the show on Saturday. Earlier, the palace used to be lit for over 30 minutes on Saturday. However, the duration was reduced after the launch of the sound and light show.
Mr. Subramanya said the English and Hindi versions of the show were likely to begin in two months.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Shankar Bennur / Mysore, April 11th, 2013
The city revellers who wanted their weekly fix of house music headed to this star hotel, where DJs Yash and Sharvin were in charge of the console.
The floor at Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway was packed with party peeps who grooved the evening away. TOI spotted Chaitra, Jaideep and Mansoor among the guests at this do.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.com / The Times of India / Home> Life & Style> Parties / TNN / April 10th, 2013
As a festival for children during summer, Dhaatu Puppet Theater will design, curate and organise the Dhaatu Puppet Festival 2013 on April 12, 13and 14 at the Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha’s Purandhara Bhavana. Dhaatu puppet theater is one of the leading puppet theaters of India working towards promoting, preserving and reviving the fading art form of Puppetry of Karnataka.
Dhaatu has designed this festival to familiarise its audience with all the traditional forms of puppetry of Karnataka. They will also feature string puppet theater, rod puppet theater, shadow puppetry, glove and specialised string puppet theaters like the Eachanoor style of Karnataka.
There will also be a puppet parade in Indiranagar commencing from the Indiranagar Sangeetha Sab-ha at 4 pm on Friday. For further details contact dhaatu@gmail.com or 65683396.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service – Bangalore / April 11th, 2013
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. has announced the appointment of Ms. Elfa Cleofe as the Director of Sales and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, India.
In her capacity as the Director of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Cleofe will be heading the Sales, Catering, Revenue, Public Relations and Marketing divisions of the hotel.
Scheduled to open in summer of 2013 the Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is the first internationally branded luxury hotel in Bangalore. “I could not be more delighted to have such a First Class lady join our Ritz-Carlton team,” said Shane Krige, General Manager of the hotel. “Her in-depth knowledge and worldwide experience in the luxury market will contribute to the successful launch of the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Bangalore and India.”
A worldly traveler, having been to more than 40 countries, Ms. Cleofe’s quest for adventure and knowledge led her to Lhasa, Tibet, the most mystical and fascinating destination in the world and now to India.
The first Ritz-Carlton hotel in India – The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is a 277-room, five-star luxury hotel, which will offer exquisite restaurants, extensive meeting and flexible events space, The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, an outdoor swimming pool and high-end retail boutique. In addition to the spacious guest rooms and suites, the hotel will include The Ritz-Carlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key, offering complimentary 24-hour Food and Beverage service and a dedicated concierge throughout the day.
Ms. Cleofe has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, she opened The St. Regis Lhasa Resort. Prior that, she worked at the Four Seasons Hotels in Tokyo, New York and Philadelphia and the Ritz-Carlton Hotels in New York and Washington D.C. where she gained extensive experience in international luxury hotel brands.
The phenomenon is a testimony to the fact that our ancient sculptors were extremely knowledgeable in the areas of astronomy and architecture | EPS
Most people in Karnataka are aware of the ancient astronomical observatories at Stonehenge in England, Newgrange in Ireland, Temple at Karnac in Egypt, Machu Picchu – Intihuatana Stone in Peru and the Jantar Mantar in Delhi but are oblivious to the astronomical wonder in the ancient cave temple of Gavi Gangadhareshwara atop a small hillock in Basavanagudi, Bangalore.
A celestial happening marks the Makara Sankranthi every year and the sun rays illuminating the South-facing idol inside the cave, indicates the shift of the Sun’s movement northwards (Dakshinayana to Uttarayana). In the evening, as the sun sets in the west, sun’s rays falling from the south-western part of the temple passes through an arch and a couple of windows placed perpendicular to each other and later through the horns of the Nandi(the bull mount of Lord Shiva) to fall on the idol of the temple for about 15 minutes(4.55 pm to 5.15 pm). It is as though the sun himself pays homage to Lord Shiva while welcoming Makara Sankranthi.
The phenomenon is a testimony to the fact that our ancient sculptors were extremely knowledgeable in the areas of astronomy and architecture. In the courtyard of the temple, there are mysterious monolithic stone structures – two large vertical discs on pillars, a large trident of Shiva, a small two-headed drum and two fans.
It is believed that such discs are not found in any other temple in Karnataka or south India. Their significance has been explained recently by scientists Dr.Jayanth Vyasanakere and Dr. B S Shyalaja of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore, who have come to the conclusion that this temple has astronomical significance.
The study published in Current Science Journal opines that Suryapana and Chandrapana have been positioned for astronomical observations in the medieval period. The shadow of the bronze pillar (Dvajastamba) falls on the eastern disc for 40 minutes. The two discs have been installed in alignment to the summer solstice sunset and that explains the significance of the phenomenon on Makar Sankranti.
The discs stand parallel to each other a few metres apart. They have ornate sculptures of bulls appearing to support the weight of the discs and two perpendicular lines that intersect at the centre of the disc. “This kind of arrangement cannot be seen anywhere in the world. The arrangement is made specifically for astronomical purposes.” Dr. Shylaja explained.
Researchers believe that this apparatus was used to precisely mark the solstices and hence, measure time and their deductions which are based on marking the shadow of the western disc till the ‘last possible minute’ (which was around 40 minutes before the actual sunset) and then predicting the situation at the time of sunset.
The alignment of the arch, windows and Nandi to ensure that the sun’s rays fall on the idol on Jan 14th and the alignment of the two discs to summer solstice sunset is a fact that was unknown till now. The walls and windows have also been built in such a way that the light should reach the cave on Jan 14th.
Dr. S.K.Aruni of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) speculates that the cave was initially occupied by Jain monks by comparing the secluded location of the cave with similar ones in Sravanabelagola and Melkote. As per historical sources, this belief is supported by the dominance of Jainism in the region in the early part of the second millennium AD.
Later, it is believed that Kempegowda built the structures that are seen today in the early part of the 17th century, introducing the illumination event and making it a Shaivite temple.
The monolithic structures, the stone umbrella (Chatri) adjacent to the temple and a watch tower (Kavalu-Gopura) point to that fact. Legends shroud the presence of a dark tunnel going into the bowels of the hill.
Ardent devotees believe that there are actually two of these tunnels; one goes all the way to the north of India, to the City of Shiva, Varanasi, and the other to a temple town, Shivaganga, 50 km north-west of Bangalore. However this has not been proved but a tunnel exists on the banks of Kempegowda’s Kempambudhi tank, a few hundred metres away.
A high-walled prakara surrounds the cave temple considered a fine piece of Indian rock-cut architecture of the 9th century. In addition to a monolithic idol of Lord Shiva made of granite, the temple houses a rare idol of Agni, the fire god.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Dr.Mamatha B R – Bangalore / April 11th, 2013
Ganesa Natyalaya, New Delhi, headed by Bharatanatyam legend Padmasri, Kalaimamani Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan has selected noted danseuse Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy of Mysore for the prestigious “Shreshta Kala Pracharak” award for her rich contribution to her chosen art of Bharatanatya. She is the one and only Danseuse from Mysore, Karnataka to receive this Award.
The award will be presented to her at a function on Apr. 12 at 6.30 pm at No.1, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Delhi, according to T.R.Harish, Managing Trustee, Vasundhara Performing Arts Centre Trust, Mysore.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / April 09th, 2013
Lisaa is a premier French design school based on founding principles of French design and aesthetics with multiple schools located in Paris, Nantes, Rennes and Strasbourg. In India, Lisaa School of Design established its first institute in 2011 in Gurgaon. This has been followed by the recent launch of its second institute in Bangalore in March 2013, which saw Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri add her Midas touch to the star studded affair.
Ms. Nargis Fakhri had this to say “I am immensely pleased to be associated with this launch. Before a lot of students would go overseas to gain that much required work experience due to which we had missed out on many good talents. Thanks to Lisaa School of Design, Bangalore, students can gain the same expertise and skills sitting in India. I extend my heartiest congratulations to Lisaa Bangalore and wish the management all the very best for this venture.”
Lisaa School of Design, Bangalore is the city’s first ever branch of the acclaimed Paris based French design school. With a far sighted vision for quality education in design, Creo Valley has ventured to bring forth Lisaa School of Design, a globally reputed institute in the creative field of design to Bangalore.
Lisaa School of Design partners with world renowned universities such as the Rochester University and over 50 design schools globally. In addition, it has an association with prominent brands like Eurodisney, BNP Paribas, Louis Vuitton Moet Hannessy (LVMH), Saatch & Saatchi, and Christian Dior just to name a few.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / report by India Education Bureau, New Delhi / Thursday, April 04th, 2013
The office bearers of Billava Sangha, Kundapur women’s wing were elected during a meeting held at Bhai Kabhi Bhai hall held recently.
The election meeting was presided over by Manjunath Billava Shirooru, president of the Sangha.
The elected office bearers are as follows: Santhoshi S Poojary as honorary president, Sushila S Poojary as working president, Sumathi S Poojary as vice president, Rekha S Billava as vice president, Susheela S Poojary by secretary, Susheel S Poojary as joint secretary and Suganda S Poojary as joint secretary.
The executive committee members who were selected are as follows: Shakunthala S Poojary, Yashoda N Poojary, Girija K Hokkolli, Vimala S Poojary, Babi R Poojary, Seetha G Poojary, Sharada M Poojary, Vishalaakshi C Poojary and Lalitha S Poojary.
Speaking on the occasion, working president Susheela S Poojary said that the women’s wing will put in their efforts to strengthen the party and will organize several programmes in future.
K N Hukolli, former president, KD Poojary, Anand M Poojary, ST Poojary, NG Poojary, Sudhakar C Poojary shared the dais and congratulated the elected members.
Soorya S Poojary, chief secretary welcomed the gathering while Ashok N Poojary delivered the vote of thanks.
Sanjeeva Poojary, vice president, Rajeeva Poojary, treasurer, Ashok Poojary, joint secretary, Laxman Poojary, joint secretary, Nagesh Billawa, joint treasurer, Jagannath Poojary, joint treasurer, committee members SK Poojary, Sadanand Poojary, Ranga Poojary, B A Billawa, Raghavendra Poojary, Poornima Poojary among others were present.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daiji World / Home> Mumbai / by Rons Bantwal / Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (VM) / Tuesday, April 02nd, 2013
The premiere show of national award winning Kannada film ‘Bharath Store’ was attended by Jnanapith award winner Dr U R Ananthamurthy with his wife and another notable dignitary was Padmasri Dr Girish Kasaravalli at Renukamba Digital theatre in Malleswaram Bangalore. BS Lingadevaru director of award winning Kannada film ‘Mouni’ was also present.
The idea what director P Seshadri had developed for this film is not lost. He has not given importance to the emotions but carried the idea till the end. As a writer what I feel is that it is difficult to maintain it till the end. The purpose for which the film is made is carried out. We need at least eight directors like P Seshadri to keep up the offbeat thoughts presentation on silver screen in a meaningful way disclosed Jnanapith award winner Dr UR Anantha Murthy.
Dr Girish Kasaravalli also lauded the good work of his junior colleague P Seshadri who is on a winning spree at the national level. Seven films of P Seshadri have got the national awards makes him another pinch hitter like Padmasri Dr Girish Kasaravalli.
source: http://www.indiaglitz.com / IndiaGlitz / Wednesday, April 03rd, 2013
At Commercial Street, the branded comfortably coexists with the unbranded, with the latter dominating the platter. / Photo: Mohan Prasad / The Hindu
It may be the less glitzy cousin of the brand-heavy Brigade Road, but Commercial Street is easily the sworn shopaholics’ most preferred destination.
‘Com Street’ is easily Bangalore’s answer to New Delhi’s legendary Sarojininagar Market, offering everything from dupattas to doorknobs. And though it falls under the radius of the central business district, which includes Brigade Road and M.G. Road, it offers visitors the delightful option of bargaining.
Old timers remember the “quiet elegance” of the place some 40 years ago. “We did not have the bumper-to-bumper parking that we see today. While Brigade Road was for the young, brash shopper, Commercial Street was for the middle-aged,” says N. Krishnakumar.
The heady aroma wafting out of Bhagatram Sweets and lilting music from music shops may have been replaced by the whirr of traffic and the blasts of horns, but that is no deterrent to the loyalist who keeps going back, braving the notoriously potholed and often waterlogged street.
PROUDLY UNBRANDED
The branded comfortably coexists with the unbranded, with the latter dominating the platter. The same goes for food avenues, as mid-range restaurants offer the regular ‘north Indian, south Indian’ fare, while smaller chaat-cum-fast food joints draw true swarms.
An interesting aspect of this bustling area is the accidental, or perhaps intentional, organisation of shops. Take for instance the ‘chappal street’. Perpendicular to the main street, row upon row of shops specialise in footwear from the functional kholapuris and flip-flops,to peep-toes and stilettos in lush satin.
Similarly, ‘duppatta street’, again perpendicular to Commercial Street, promises to be a one-stop solution for all your duppatta needs: tie-dye, printed, plain, cotton, silk, synthetic… take your pick.
INEXPENSIVE
The unbelievably cheap ‘China bazaar’ offering inexpensive handbags that may not last you a lifetime but could give its posh, branded competitors a run for their money; street vendors selling imported fruits on the roadside, a stone’s throw away from sanitary fittings — it is all right here.
In fact, it is here that the real commerce happens.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by K. C> Deepika / April 04th, 2013
