Regaling with song and dance

Acharya Habba 2013’, the annual cultural extravaganza of Acharya Institutes, was conducted recently.

The programme was planned on a grand scale with around 40 events, which revolved around spheres like sports, academic and cultural activities. The festival, which was held over a span of two days, witnessed a powerhouse of talent, enthusiasm and vigour.

Students from approximately 40 colleges — from across the State — tried their hand at the various events that were held as part of the fest. These including a face-painting competition, a drag race, ethical hacking and all manner of video games, which allowed the students to indulge in a favourite pastime and prove their talent simultaneously.

There was also a fashion show, a group-dance competition and a series of rib-tickling mime shows. One of the main attractions at the fest was an electrifying live performance by Bangalore-based band Lagori. The other band that serenaded the participants of the fest was a folk group called La Pongal, headed by Antony Dasan.

The on-campus festivities began a day before the habba, with an ‘ethnic day’. This occasion gave the students the perfect excuse to dress up.

All of them attired themselves in the traditional outfits of their respective regions and had a great time flaunting their culture with style. As part of the ethnic day, the students also showcased various traditional performances — group and solo dances and songs, for instance.

   They indulged in a few regional games like kunte bille, buguri and goli. Varalakshmi, a final-year student of Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, says, “I think ‘ethnic day’ is a very good idea — today, most people are moving away from their own culture and history. It’s a good way to appreciate your roots.”

Students who were in the mood for something a bit more exciting than the regular song-and-dance events could check out some of the more interesting acts of the fest — the fire show, for instance, which witnessed a huge audience. Kannada-born actor Kishore, of Simplag Ondu Love Story fame as well as Shraddha, a popular radio jockey, lent a bit of glitz and glamour to the event.

Sudharshan, one of the organisers of the fest, explains that the core committee wanted to include the entire college in the fest by organising a broad range of events, which tested different skills.

“The uniqueness of Acharya Habba is that it has something to offer to every student — hence, no one feels left out. We conduct sports, literary, cultural and technical events for the benefit of students with various talents,” he says. The festival ended on the perfect note, with a lovely display of fireworks.