Something in store for everyone...

The ongoing Bengaluru Habba witnessed an array of events

The day began with the colourful Sampoorn Craft Mela at Chitrakala Parishat, where artisans got a chance to showcase their skills and interact with customers on a personal level.  The festive fervour caught on when artisans decked up their stalls with their best work displayed upfront.

Textiles and ethnic jewellery were available in abundance and spread out at the mela. What caught many eyes was the tribal jewellery from Bijapur.  

The stall had an entire collection of neck pieces and bracelets made from old coins that are not in use anymore. Said Chethana, a student of Jyoti Nivas College, “I have been collecting coins for a while and this particular selection is really different. I don’t think I have ever seen a two paisa coin from 1962.”

Benaazir Muhammdunni was showcasing her line of hand-made jewellery called Mood Swings for the first time. According to her, melas like this are a great way to get reactions from people and improvise. While some artists displayed their work, a few decided to do an on-the-spot caricature. Be it the stone cookware from Manipur or the Rajathani wall hangings, the Sampoorn Craft Mela had something in store for everyone. But all those, awaiting the tribal and folk performances, were left disappointed as the performing group couldn’t make it.

The highlight of the day was the start of the Classical Greats series that is being held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall.

And with Bangalore-based Hindustani vocalist Keerti Kumar Badeshi inaugurating the series, one couldn’t have asked for a better opening.

 His effective taal and magical voice left the audience asking for more.  “At such a young age, this singer has achieved so much. I feel really proud to know that the City is home to so much talent,” said Yogesh, from the audience.

As the night progressed, the hall slowly filled up as people came in large numbers for Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s concert. Ever since his first stage performance in 1955, Shivkumar has introduced the santoor in so many levels. He began his performance in raag Bagheshwari and followed it up with a seven beat roopak taal and a 16-beat teen taal. “He has played in Bangalore many times and each time you listen to him, you go back with such rich knowledge about the instrument,” said Vanita, a working professional.