Dec 27, 2023 19 min read

5th Week of December '23

Welcome to another edition of the Soulful Events newsletter! We bring you activities and events that nourish your soul.

Music

Echoes of Tradition - Thu, 28th Dec'23

Manohar Patwardhan and Nishant Panicker, disciples of Vidushi Lalith J. Rao, doyenne of the Agra-Atrauli gharana, will showcase a rich mosaic of compositions passed down through generations of Ustads. The duo will cover a range of genres, from the meditative Dhrupad to the spirited Madhyalaya Khyal, culminating in vibrant folk and semi-classical compositions. Each piece is a tribute to the gharana’s rich legacy, bringing to life the intricate nom tom alaap, the rhythmic bol banav and bol baant, amongst numerous technical aspects of Agra gayaki. The presentation will also bring to life tales and anecdotes about the stalwarts of the gharana.

BhavaNuta - A Sampoorna Adhyatma Ramayana - Fri, 29th Dec'23

Adhyaatma Ramayana is a narration by Lord Shiva to his consort Parvati, spelling out the greatness of Lord Rama. Further, to the lament of Bhoo Devi citing the increased grossness engulfing the society at large, Lord Shiva says that Lord Vishnu promised to take avatar as Rama to take care of the situation and thus the entire story is enacted as a pre-destined Leela Natanam.

Candlelight India A Tribute to Coldplay - Bengaluru - Fri, 29th Dec'23

Candlelight India is a one of a kind immersive concert experience. It is curated to evoke a sense of wonder in concert goers by taking you on a magical journey where music and ambience converge to create an unforgettable atmosphere. They aspire to mesmerize their audience through an evening filled with surreal melodies paying homage to legendary and popular artists, performed by exceptionally talented musicians.

Unplugged Rock Wrap 2023 - Sun, 31st Dec'23

Immerse yourself in an intimate acoustic show with Yudhvir YSR, where he will be covering timeless classic rock songs along with a few of his originals, delivering a soulful, unplugged experience.

Dance

Dashashwamedh - Enchanting Stories of Varanasi - Thu, 28th Dec'23

Dashashwamedh - The Enchanting Stories of Varanasi is a Kathak based production of Nahabat Institute of Performing Arts, presented by Students of Kathak artiste and teacher, Jayeeta Dutta. The exploration will take your through some beautiful traditions of Varanasi, presented in the form of 10 Kathak choreographies, while you visualize the riverfront steps, the narrow lanes, the temple bells, the festivals, seasons and the music, artistry, people and pilgrims of Varanasi.

She - Fri, 29th Dec'23

SHE is a Bharata Natyam production takes the audience on the mythological journey of the Devi as well as personalised narratives, weaving through classical sagas of the goddess and ending with the communal ordeals of women. It utilises emotion as its through-line and creates a parallel and continuity between the immortal goddess in all her forms and the mortal woman. According to the Rig Veda, the feminine is the essence of the universe, the one who creates all matter and consciousness, the eternal and infinite, the metaphysical and empirical reality, the soul of everything. SHE is a tribute not only to the divine feminine but also to the devadasis, the original storytellers of Bharata Natyam who were stripped of their stories in the early part of the 20th century. Through their original interpretations of these compositions, the dancers bring the past into the present to imagine different futures. SHE passes on the tradition of emotional exploration from teacher to student and dancer to audience.

Hallucinations of an Artifact - Mon, 1st Jan'24 - Wed, 3rd Jan'24

How does an ancient artifact think, move and respond to our current times? Hallucinations of an Artifact brings the Dancing Girl figurine from the Indus Valley civilization (c. 2300-1750 BCE) to life through dance and artificial intelligence. It pushes back at the multiple assertions that have been made on behalf of the figurine over the years. Can the Dancing Girl live, perspire, breathe, evolve and transform through dancing bodies?

Cultural Activities

Oru Kadhai Neram : Tales from the tamil land - Sat, 30th Dec'23

From Chennai to Kanyakumari to Madurai to each corner of the Tamil Land lies tales that are rooted in the soil. From Rajas and Ranis to personal relationships and adultery, the tales have something for every audience. Inspired from Folktales and Folk myths across the land, the performance storytelling in tamil will be smattered with folk songs, lullabies and riddles that are ingrained in the culture. Over the 60 minutes, the audience will travel through the tales into forgotten dynasties, unheard flowers, unspoken narratives that retains the flavor of the soil and people.

Poetry & Performance Wrap 2023 - Sat, 30th Dec'23

Poetry & Performance Wrap 2023 - is a year end high energy event that is curated to present Bangalore's best in Poetry, Performance, Singing! Come and join them to experience, connect and enjoy a heart-stirring two hours of handpicked performances of some of the best Poets & Singers in our city!

Nature Walk - Sun, 31st Dec'23

As the hustle of the year winds down and the city's clamor dims, Green Panther invites you to rejuvenate your spirit with our inaugural Nature Walk for adults. For those seeking an alternative to the usual year-end festivities, or those yearning to reconnect with nature amidst urban chaos, this is your moment.

Personal Development & Soul Nourishment

Weekday Wind Down Meditation - Thu, 28th Dec'23

Dialogues Cafe cordially invites you for joining a very simple but very powerful meditation. Few Benefits of doing this meditation: Better physical and psychological health. Sharper memory and greater brain powers. Greater harmony in your relationships. Enhanced connection with God and Guru. Wish fulfilling effect. Achieving higher state of peace and happiness because of flushing out of stress and negative thoughts and emotions during the meditation. And much more.

Creative Visioning 2024 - Sun, 31st Dec'23

Here's a way to step into the new year - by ending the last day of the year in the lap of nature, at the lovely Cubbon Park with a few tools to embark on the journey on 2024. Let the self come in touch with its unfolding dreams & desires for the new year in a safe, community space held together through visualization, art, reflection and dialogue. May sharing with and acknowledging to the self and to the community empower the innate sense of manifestation for the year to come. Activities covered: Visualization through bodywork, art-making, dialogue in smaller groups and a closing circle meditation.

Art & Craft

Pottery Workshop - Thu, 28th Dec'23 - Sun, 31st Dec'23

Pottery is the most forgiving art using a lump of clay, placing it on the potter's wheel and giving shape to your very own creativity. As the wheel spins and the clay begins to form, both your mind and body are synergized with surroundings and the universe.

Canvas Painting Workshop - Sat, 30th Dec'23

BLR events hub presents Canvas Painting Workshop. Join them for a hands-on experience where you'll learn fundamental techniques, unleash your artistic expression and create a masterpiece to take home. No prior experience required – just bring your enthusiasm!

DIY Desk calendar - Sat, 30th Dec'23

The DIY calendar-making workshop for kids is an engaging and hands-on event designed to inspire creativity and organization in young minds. During the workshop, children will have the opportunity to express themselves by crafting their personalized calendars using a variety of materials and artistic techniques.

Kusudama (Japenese Origami) - Sat, 30th Dec'23 & Sun, 31st Dec'23

Kusudama, meaning "medicine ball" originally served as holders for incense or potpourri. Today, origami kusudama are used as decorations or gifts. Come learn the art of Japanese origami at Lahe Lahe and oomph to your christmas decor.

Winter wonder zen garden making - Sun, 31st Dec'23

Immerse yourself in the serenity of winter at Saspire Studio's Winter Wonder Zen Garden Making Workshop. Experience the meditative art of arranging stones, miniature trees and seasonal accents in a tranquil tabletop garden. Discover the principles of Zen philosophy as you design your winter wonderland, fostering relaxation and mindfulness. Leave with a beautiful, handcrafted Zen garden, bringing peace and winter magic to your home.

Film & Theater

Aathankavadiya Aakasmika saavu - Thu, 28th Dec'23

“The accidental death of an Anarchist” is based on a real life incident. A person suspected of bombing a bank, is thrown of the fourth floor of a building by the police and deemed a suicide. What happens next, forms the crux of the play. This political satire addresses the hypocrisy in the system; the attempt of people in power to keep status quo and the violence used to do it. It unmasks the cruelty and the foolhardiness of such people. This acerbic satire unfolds the complexities of a political landscape and brings us face to face with the harsh reality of our system. That, a play written in 1969 is still relevant to day is the tragedy we have face.

Annana Nenapu - Fri, 29th Dec'23

"Annana Nenapu" is a Docu-play dramatized from wonderful piece of art novel - Annana Nenapu written by K P Poornachandra Tejaswi which is Mahakavi Kuvempu’s Memoir. The play reflects key excerpts of Tejaswi’s life journey and portrays Kuvempu in the eyes of Tejaswi. The play conveys the important chapters that depict the significance of Kuvempu's place in Kannada cultural history along with the key literature topics and emphasizes the Karnataka Unification Movement. "Annana Nenapu" is a rare and popular book in Kannada literature.

Slices of the Moon Swept by the Wind - Fri, 29th Dec'23

A boy, intelligent but trapped in a tragically misshapen body, writes about the world outside: seen from the window of his room: a Muharram procession, birds perch on the windowsill like friends, boys who call him monkey. And he writes about the world inside: Appa, who harbors a dream that his son will one day go to school while battling demons in the night; Amma, who sells her gold to pay her husband’s debts; Doddakka, his elder sister, who could never get married; Sannakka, his middle sister, who will only accept a suitor who accepts her little brother; Hosakka, the new sister, whom he had given up for dead; Anna, his elder brother, who defies his father’s wrath to forge a perilous path. Only Tangi, his baby sister, brings some light into this house with her smile. In a dysfunctional universe, it begins to seem that the only ‘normal’ person is the boy, wise beyond his age.

Mysuru Mallige - Sat, 30th Dec'23

It is play composed by using K.S.Narasimhaswamy’s poems which is a feast to every individual who enjoys a combination of music, dance, drama and a lot of emotions. It deals with every other poet’s life who has gone through a lot of ups and downs in his life. Its a treat to the people who relish theatre.

Mukhyamantri - Sat, 30th Dec'23

Set in an atmosphere of swaying political loyalties, Mukhyamantri follows the protagonist who is intent on retaining his position through the approaching elections. The pace of the play is like a flowing river – only signifying the eternal continuance of the state of matters.

Mookajjiya Kanasugalu - Sun, 31st Dec'23

It is play based on Jnanapeetha Prashasthi awardee Dr.K.Shivaram Karanth’s novel Mookajjiya Kanasugalu. It encourages scientific thinking by requesting the people to come out of all the superstitions and misbeliefs. The truths of life is unfolded, depicts the evolution theory from Old Stone Age to Neolithic age, Jainism, Buddhism, etc. The play is directed by Dr.B.V.Rajaram.

Mandra - Tue, 2nd Jan'24

It is a play based on Dr.S.L.Bhyrappa’s novel Mandra. This novel has bagged India’s best Saraswathi Samman award. This play depicts the great success of a great Hindustani musician and his fall as a common man. He encounters many lady students who are exploited by him. This play shows the Arohana and Avarohana of a great Hindustani musician.

Court Martial - Wed, 3rd Jan'24

A highly obedient soldier is found on the wrong side of the law. His actions have shocked the regiment and the army has ordered a Court Martial to investigate the actions of this soldier. A play that will shake your soul and make you question your belief system.

Mareta Daari - Wed, 3rd Jan'24

Play 'Mareta Daari' is based on notes left by late Badal Sircar for his last play 'Bhul Raasta'. As a part of a corrupt system with dictatorial inclinations a prince looses his way in a forest and is saved by a tribal community. After accepting their ways of life, based on natural living, peaceful co-existence and sensible plain truths, the prince decides towards a life of conscious living amongst them. Perhaps today’s frustrations, pain and complex problems faced by modern societies are a direct result of their disconnection with nature and the core philosophy of natural living. Relevant to today’s times, the play uses satirical underpinnings to meet the urgent requirements of a broken society and not just an individual. In trying to portray the vastness of natural cosmic culture to an amnesiac crowd, the play uses a touch of Tao philosophy too. 'Mareta Daari' thus makes a conscious attempt to trigger a spark of extreme self analysis within the spectators using simple colloquial language.

Fun and Games

With Kids

Build With Troy - Thu, 28th Dec'23 - Tue, 2nd Jan'24

Block play is also a great way to encourage movement and physical activity. Children can use their whole body as they build and manipulate the blocks, developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in the process.

Tree Walk & Forest Games - Sat, 30th Dec'23

As the hustle of the year winds down and the city's clamor dims, Green Panther invites you to Parent & child Tree Walk along with some fun nature based games. For those seeking an alternative to the usual year-end festivities, or those yearning to reconnect with nature amidst urban chaos, this is your moment.

Kinder Katha - Festival of Stories - Sat, 30th Dec'23

Welcome to this festival of stories presented by Goethe Institut and Atta Galatta! Kinder Katha has been conceptualized by the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Bangalore to support the creation of Children's literature in regional languages and to celebrate our stories, languages and books. The objective is to inspire and motivate children to read, to enjoy and to completely soak themselves in a literary environment. This will be a day-long festival on 30th December filled with competitions, interactive sessions, storytelling and puppetry and a New Year party with cupcakes.