Goa :
The first two days of the VH1 Supersonic festival witnessed a positive response in terms of number of attendees, sponsors and the artistes. The price of the tickets was as low as Rs. 1000 per day and the people, who attended the event on the first day, were automatically invited for the second day. According to local newspaper the event had close to 7000 people attending the event.
Nikhil Chinappa the curator is extremely happy with the response that the festival has received so far. Talking to Radioandmusic.com’s Dhairya Ingle, Chinappa said, “Honestly I came with no expectations to Goa, for the festival. But the people out here supported the new event whole heartedly, for which I am thankful to them.”
When asked the reason behind inviting the first day’s attendees to the second day free of cost he said, “There was an emotional reason for it. This festival is very dear and since it was put up in 21 days, we wanted to tell people if they took the trouble to attend the first day of the just created baby, we wanted them to be our guests for the second day. Looking at the crowd the second day, we decided to invite them for the third day too.”
However, Chinappa does feel that he could have done a lot more had he had three months to organise the event. “There is always a scope for improvement. I think everything out here at the festival needs to be improved; be it the parking facilities, to the ticket selling process. I do not say that I am happy.”
According to him the ticket that has been priced by the organisers is not low as they are still at the testing phase and everything is an experiment and of course ticketing is one of them. “I feel money has a great value whether it is 100 or 1000,” he added.
He sincerely wishes the EDM community to grow in India. “I want people to learn the nuances of EDM from me and start their own things,” concluded Chinappa.
source: http://www.radioandmusic.com / RadioandMusic.com / Home> Review / by RnM Team / December 30th, 2013
98 Gram Panchayats are to be covered by the ratha, which will be taken out from Madikeri to the rural areas of Kodagu to apprise the people of the glorious culture of Karnataka and its rich traditions.
A “Kannada Sahitya Ratha” will be taken out from Madikeri on Saturday to rural areas of Kodagu on a nine-day sojourn with the message of the 80th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, scheduled to be held in Madikeri from January 7.
The field publicity committee of the sammelan is taking out the ratha from its office at the D. Devaraj Urs Bhavan in Madikeri at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday, president of the committee T.G. Prem Kumar said in a statement here on Thursday.
This was a preliminary step to apprise the people of the importance of the sammelan and invite them to the meet, he said.
The 54th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan was held in Madikeri in 1981 presided over by writer Shamba Joshi.
Senior writer Na. D’Souza would preside over the 2014 sammelan, Mr. Kumar said and added that the ratha would cover all 98 gram panchayats in the district to provide information on the sammelan and invite them to participate in it.
The ratha would carry the portrait of the president of the sammelan and Jnanpith award winners from the State.
People would be apprised of the glorious culture of the State and its rich traditions, Mr. Kumar said.
Artiste B.R. Satish has designed the sammelan ratha. Pamphlets on the sammelan would be distributed among the people during the visit, Mr. Kumar said.
Principal convenor of the committee H.B. Shivananda said that the executive officers of the three taluks would be in-charge of the tour.
Training
Members of the field publicity committee were imparted training on Thursday to handle their jobs during the sammelan, by honorary general secretary of the Kodagu District Kannada Sahitya Parishat B.A. Shamsuddin.
Mr. Shamsuddin said that all members should have adequate knowledge of all aspects related to the sammelan to guarantee that the delegates were not short of any information.
Chief Minister invited
Meanwhile, president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Pundalika Halambi, Kodagu district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Mysore-Kodagu MP A.H. Vishwanath and president of the Kodagu unit of the parishat T.P. Ramesh invited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the sammelan by handing over an official invite to him in Bangalore on Thursday, a release said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Madikeri – December 27th, 2013
Vh1 Supersonic, the five-day electronic dance music (EDM) festival at Candolim beach, kicked off on Thursday, opening its doors to an estimated 7,000 people, as claimed by organizers on Day 1.
“The turnout today far exceeded our expectations-especially since the entire festival was built up in just 21 days!” said a delighted Nikhil Chinappa, music curator for the festival which features over 120 artists. “We still have four days to go, and expect a full house with over 10,000 people on December 30,” he added.
So what is it that sets Supersonic apart from other music festivals? “The feeling of sand between your toes is unrivalled,” Chinappa quipped. “Most EDM festivals try to cram too many DJs into their line-up, and each performance ends up sounding like just a trailer of their music. We will give our DJ’s longer sets to create a mood, and actually tell their stories through music,” he said. Despite competition from other EDM festivals under way in the state, Chinappa swears by Goa as the best possible destination to launch a new live music brand. “The biggest advantage about Goa is a practical one-our guests do not have to drive long distances to and from the festival venue; especially those who have had a few drinks at the festival. Most of them can just walk back to their hotel rooms and others have a large number of taxis at their disposal,” he adds.
The organizers of the event, Viacom 18, are going all out to boost international tourism in Goa. This year, guests from Malaysia will be admitted into the festival for free. “Every year, we will choose two countries, and all guests arriving from there will gain free entry. We will also conduct promotions for the festival there, which will automatically attract more tourists to Goa,” said Jaideep Singh, VP, Viacom 18, while briefing reporters at Candolim. The media company is also in talks with the Goa government to conduct three other large-scale events in a bid to increase tourist footfalls during the off season.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Goa> Candolim / TNN / December 27th, 2013
Bangalore:
With New Year round the corner, many Bangaloreans have finalised plans to head for nearby hill stations and jungle resorts, to be away from the city’s din and bustle, to usher in 2014. Madikeri, Coorg, Kodaikanal, Nagarhole and Bandipur are the hottest picks.
Bored with the same old ways to welcome new year, Bopanna K J, a city based HR professional, is all set to travel to Coorg this New Year’s Eve with few of his friends. He said “New Year Eve for me used to be either Goa or any of the pubs in Bangalore all these years.
But this year I just want to get out of this commercial buzz and corporate things and want to check out for something different. We have already made the bookings at a resort and are leaving on December 31 afternoon.”
Since Coorg is relatively closer to Bangalore, we need not take many days leave. It would be all green and we will have more time to spend amidst the nature, peace and tranquility, he further added.
Yet another city resident Shiv Shankar is driving to Coorg on December 31 morning, where he will be joined by 35 of his family members and relatives.
“The weather at Coorg is pleasant this time of the year and since it is not very from Bangalore, we chose that place to celebrate the New Year eve. Once we reach there we will also have ample time for the midnight preparation. We are just waiting for the day to enjoy the greenery and have a break.”
Meanwhile, a group of four young IT professionals are heading to Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Navin, one among them, said, “As per our plans we will be leaving Bangalore on December 31 afternoon for a day-long stay at the jungle lodge, which we have booked about months ago. Then we will head towards Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and return to city on January 1, 2014 night.”
Many city residents are also heading towards Kodaikanal. Neelesh Bothra is all excited to celebrate the New Year’s Eve with his family at Kodaikanal.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / by Luna Dewan / December 26th, 2013
Actress Sai Tamhankar is all set to sizzle on-screen in a new ‘desi’ avatar in Harshvardhan Kulkarni’s Hindi film ‘Hunter’. (Sai Tamhankar )
The film which also features actors Radhika Apte and Gulshan Devaiah, will see the actress in a totally different role. She says, “I play a ‘sexy’ bhabhi in the film. And it’s sexy from character point of view. The character sketch is mature and very different. The film will release in April next year and I am looking forward to this one. This is my third Hindi film and I am really excited.”
Sai was one of the first Marathi actresses to sport a bikini on-screen. The actress who is comfortable going bold on screen, made it clear that she has no issues experimenting with her look.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Marathi / by Akshata Shetty, TNN / December 25th, 2013
As many as 10,000 delegates and nearly 100 writers and thinkers will take part in the 80th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan to be held in Madikeri from January 7.
Sammelan general secretary T P Ramesh told Express that the stage construction and stalls for bookstalls are getting ready at the Field Marshal K M Cariappa College ground.
Of the estimated cost of `3.75 crore, the government has released `1 crore and an additional grant of `1 crore will be released soon. Ramesh said the remaining resources for the three-day event will be collected either in the form of money, material or sponsorships.
He said MLC T John has promised 500 tins of oil which will cost `5 lakh, District Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa will supply 100 quintals of rice and planter from Bettageri Estate in Sunticoppa and patron D Vinod Sivappa has promised to supply coffee and tea leaves.
Member of Parliament A H Vishwanath will supply 35 quintals of sugar and sponsor 9,000 bags which will be given to the delegates.
Ramesh said nearly 400 book stalls will be opened in Madikeri and a souvenir will be brought out to commemorate the event.
Ramesh said 28 sub committees have been formed for the Sammelan.
To create awareness on the event from December 28, a publicity campaign with the slogan Sahithyada Nadige Halliyedege (taking literature towards villages) will be undertaken till January 5, he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh – Madikeri / December 26th, 2013
Versatile actor Arshad Warsi whose name has been synonym to his brilliant comic timing will soon be seen in BR Entertainment’s Mr. Joe B Carvalho.
This particular film is quite close to Arshad’s heart as it is his long standing manager Mr. Bholaram Malviya’s debut film as a producer.
We now hear that the actor who was recently shooting a song for the film in Coorg revealed his passion for Photography on the sets!!
We went to the beautiful locales of Coorg to shot the song Ring Ring. Arshad was so mesmerized by the breath taking view that he started clicking pictures himself from a DSLR camera to capture the view. In fact he was enjoying so much that he later also captured the very beautiful Soha Ali Khan in the lens,” informed a source close to the team.
Well, we are sure that Arshad was having a good time by capturing the memorable moments in his camera and his muse Soha too seems to be equally elated with the pictures clicked by him!!
source: http://www.indiaglitz.com / IndiaGlitz Bollywood / Tuesday – December 17th, 2013
Nimdroling Monstery./ Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu Nikhil Varma finds peace at the Nimdroling Monastery set against hills and gardens at Bylakuppe
Take a turn off the dusty highway that connects Mysore to the hills of Coorg and you will find yourself on a small pathway leading to the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe. The two km trek to the Nimdroling Monastery and the monastic college makes you feel like you are in Tibet. Buddhist monks clad in saffron robes and tourists zip past in autorickshaws and cars. A monk. / Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu
The massive monastery was established by Pema Norbu Rinpoche on land that was granted to Tibetan exiles by the Indian Government. Locals say it was consecrated and bequeathed the name by the Dalai Lama. Apart from the monastery, the settlement boasts of monastic colleges, a small recreational facility and a guesthouse.
The story of this settlement began in 1959, when the Dalai Lama fled to India seeking political asylum. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister agreed to provide assistance to the refugees. Lugsung Samdupling, one of the oldest Tibetan settlements was created in 1961 at Bylakuppe. The massive rainbow arch-like structure and the golden spires of the monastery are imposing and visible from a distance. The monastery houses nearly 5,000 monks and nuns and is renowned as an important centre for Buddhism. The path to the monastery leads one through a beautiful garden, surrounded by the living quarters of the monks. Inside the monastery, are beautiful statues of the Buddha Padmasambhava, Buddha Amitayus and Buddha Shakyamuni. The Padmasambhava is also known as the Second Buddha and is believed to have played a vital role in the spread of Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. The Amitayus are celestial buddhas known for longevity. Beautiful murals depicting the life of the Buddha are seen on the walls. Another standout feature of is the prayer wheels situated on one end of the monastery that borders paddy fields. It is believed that rotating the prayer wheels brings good luck and prosperity. A souvenir shop./ Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu
On the other side of the monastery, small stores sell Tibetan memorabilia. There are also stalls that sell piping hot momos, which taste delightful with a range of Tibetan homemade sauces. You could also sample some hot Tibetan breads called thupkas. Surrounded by the misty hills of Coorg, meditating in these monasteries could transports one to the land of snow-peaked mountains.
Getting there
Bylakuppe is a five hour bus ride from Bangalore and is located near the town of Kushalnagar. Taking an auto rickshaw to the settlement from Kushalnagar is the easiest way to reach the settlements.
Where to stay
The settlement is fairly small and most tourists stay in Kushalnagar. You could stay in the monastery guesthouse for a small fee.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus> Travel> Hidden 100 / by Nikhil Varma / June 06th, 2013
‘Huthari’ festival was observed with grandeur and traditional fervour in Kodagu district on Sunday.
The Huthari celebrations began at the Igguthappa temple and ‘prasadam’ was distributed. Sheaves of paddy were taken from the temple to mark the beginning of the festival in the district.
Later, people in the district visited paddy fields in a procession in their traditional attire and harvested the crop after offering prayer. Before harvesting, they shouted slogans ‘Poli Polio deva’ and fired three times in the air and burst crackers.
Kolata
Members of Pandeera family, Kodava Samaja and Sri Omkareshwara temple organised ‘Huthari’ kolata as a part of Huthari festival at Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Monday.
Bettageri Pandeera family members presented Kolata and ‘Bolakat,’ on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Pandeera family member Monnappa said that kolata has been performed from the time immemorial. There is a need to continue the tradition. Huthari festival brings all the family member together for celebrations. New year
Lt General (retd) B C Nanda said that Huthari festival is new year for the Kodavas.
Festivals play a vital role in conserving the culture and traditions of the region. Kodava Samaja president Moovera Subbaiah, Vice President Mandepanda Rathan Kuttaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Napoklu-Madikeri, DHNS , December 16th, 2013
I first met His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar just before his 50th birthday (10 years ago) when he involved me in a special project that he was passionate about. He was keen on reviving the silk industry of Karnataka. His intention, however, was never to become a fashion designer. He was a heritage textile revivalist and that was the only thing what he was trying to do. At that point, he was disturbed with the fact that Karnataka, which has been known for its silk yarn for generations, was losing its lustre in terms of quality as well as interest. He wanted to ensure the continuity of the grandeur of the yarn, and that is when he came up with his first collection of designer saris that we helped showcase at the Mysore Palace on his 50th birthday. His deep knowledge of culture and heritage brought in an interesting mix of tradition and modern design. (Srikantadatta Wadiyar )
I still remember that beautiful collection in which he included the motif of the iconic Gandaberunda as part of his design. It was the first element of his weaves. Over the years of my association with His Highness, I believe it was his wife Pramoda Devi who was his muse in many ways. He held her opinions on all matters extremely high, and he was almost excited about seeking her opinion — especially about his designs.
His Highness had this kindness about him that one would assume was not even expected of a Maharaja. He had this emotional connect with the people he met — including the staff of the Palace, which is truly inspiring. He was such a learned man and his knowledge on music and textile was impeccable. Our meetings would usually take place at his study, where he would be seated on the ground as opposed to his plush cushioned chairs. His doctors had advised him to do so. He was always surrounded by music CDs, books and art. He kept himself updated on all current affairs and would, in fact, read 10 different newspapers from cover to cover every day. He was well informed on just about everything — from politics and sports to the art forms.
I would say he was also extremely health-conscious right through the years I knew him. There was this time when we had travelled to Ooty for the shoot of his catalogue. We had around 20 models with us, and we had to walk up a hill. The first person to reach the top was the Maharaja, and he had jokingly commented, ‘Your models can’t keep up with me’. He had a fabulous sense of humour and would often have us all in splits. I can still hear his rumbling laugh as he saw and helped us see the funny side of just about everything. Even at his palace, he was often seen walking briskly in his gardens. He was always conscious about what he ate, his kitchen staff would prepare his meals in portions with great care, taking into account his health requirements.
I met him less than a month ago for the last time at David Hill. I was urging him to drop by at one of our shows as he had become so busy with all his other commitments, including the recently concluded Dasara festivities in Mysore. He had said, ‘Just give me a call on the day of the show, if I am up to it, I will definitely drop by’. It is hard to imagine that we have lost one of the warmest icons of Karnataka’s history. It is a huge loss for the people of Mysore, Bangalore as well as the rest of the State. I will always remember him with lots and lots of affection.
The Maharaja’s Rajkumar connect
The late scion of the Mysore dynasty, Srikantadatta Wadiyar, had a filmi connection and that too, with the first family of Kannada cinema — the Rajkumars. The Maharaja has graced the muhurats of three of Shivarajkumar’s films — Santa, Mylari and Shiva — and even sounded the clap board on each of these occasions.
According to a source, Wadiyar shared a good bond with the Rajkumar family and spoke often about the late actor and his films. He also liked Shivarajkumar and so, when he was invited to do the honours of sounding the clap board for Shivanna’s films, he readily agreed. Apparently, it was producer KP Srikanth who got the Maharaja to join the muhurats each time.
Shivarajkumar, who was deeply saddened by the Maharaja’s demise on Tuesday, told us that he held great respect for the royal family. “The Maharaja used to talk a lot about cinema and cricket during our casual discussions. We would even watch cricket matches together at the Chinnaswamy stadium,” says the actor. — Contributed by Mahesh H
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Mysore Palace / by Kavya Christopher, TNN / December 12th, 2013
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