What you shouldn't be missing at the 8th Bangalore International Art Festival

The information in this post might be outdated

All you culture vultures must clear out your calendar for the 8th edition of the Bengaluru International Arts Festival that begins this Friday. Focusing on bringing together various kinds of art, the theme is Celebration of Harmony Through Arts which means you’ll be treated to everything from classical music to folk dances and even some yoga.

Don’t miss

For what they’re calling Karna Amrit, which literally translates to nectar for the ears, Ranjani-Gayathri, N Balasubramanian’s daughters take centrestage. You best go early as it is on first-come-first-served basis. Then, a Bharatanatyam tribute to the Wadiyars of Mysore, the next day is up on the cards. Under the Double Eagle (a reference to the famous Gandaberunda symbol of the former royals) is choreographed and performed by Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Satyanarayana Raju. While very intricate, the veterans will even convert first-timers into fans with a single performance! Hopping across the border, to take you to the era when Sufi music reigned supreme, the talented neighbour, Ayaz Nizami, and his ensemble from Pakistan, will mesmerise you with a qawwali performance.

Coming up

If you’d rather be part of the programme than just watch, make your way to Cubbon Park on October 4. Namrata Sudhindra will be leading a hatha yoga session with her team of Yoga Hatters. Bring your own mat and water though. Stick with the gang as they’ll then move to Neelamangala to get their hands dirty. Yes, they’ll be planting trees as part of the Go Green movement, contrary to what may have popped into your mind. A farm-to-fork meal is next on the cards so make sure you clear the day. A perfect day of art with heart, we say!

When and where: September 25 and 26 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, GD park Extension, Vyalikaval, Malleswaram. October 4, Cubbon Park, and then onto Neelamangala

Contact: +91 8792950377

Check out their website here to get donor passes.