Sunday, 21 January 2018

Yorkshire Kannada Balaga - Sankranthi 2018

Happiness is ...when you make unexpected new friends.

 We were fortunate to be invited to the "Yorkshire Kannada Balaga - Sankranti 2018" ceremony, through my husband's colleague.This unit is part of the larger group - UK Kannada Balaga and has been a successful one since 2015 (suppose I rightly heard). It was an extravaganza feast for us - a new comer in an unfamiliar world!!!Our thirst to know and befriend people of same background was highly presented by this event.

Our friend Rashmi had informally introduced us to the association and the details of the forthcoming function. Having been freshly stepped out from a wedding celebration back at home, our adrenaline was still in the high side!!! Without a second thought, we registered for a couple- dance slot through her. And then started the big bang for a wonderful journey of preparation for the next 30 days!!!! The herculean task of choosing a peppy song thus began. We skimmed through youtube for various traditional Kannada folk songs and almost finalized one on 10th day of our campaign!!!

Having an inclination towards dance from childhood, I soon jumped into getting moves and sequences suiting the context. My newly- found leisure time helped my ideas to wander a lot!!! :D My hubby dear was equally thrilled to practice each day, besides his hectic schedule at work. At times, we waited for our kids to get lost in their fantasy dreams at night  and resumed our practice sessions. The process was so intense such that concepts and switches poured till the last day to our dance form.

As days draw nearer, a new chemistry boiled within us. A pinch of fear mixed our enthusiasm. Why on Earth, did we agreed to this!??? Are we really gone mad????Are we falsely boosting ourselves!!!!. Oh God!!!Believe me, your mind will be filled with all insane questions of the world - worse than a job interview at high tech company! At last, maturity took control of our minds and doubts were put to rest and we were finally prepared for the D day!!!

This time, the event was conducted at Stradford community center, Sheffield. The guests are welcomed by hot snacks and a initial round of introduction to other members by our friend Rashmi. We soon settled down with our dear Kruti's  family as the president and and vice-president of the association greeted the gathering. It was soon followed by a wide range of talent displays from our tiny tots. They all showed their excellence in music and dance. The kids fashion show took us back to our our school textbooks - personalities ranging from Basavana, Kittor Rani Chennama, Akkmahadevi and many more...






When the progeny was so well, can the begetter left behind!?? No way!!! The ladies gang put together their best foot and enthralled the audience. The men also revealed their hidden talent and graced the stage with their energetic moves. With such current of fun, can we be trailing!??? From doctrine of doctors, popped a tiny programmer couple - to unveil their version of the popular folk song - Bagyada Balegara. Our rhumba moves and its dramatic end was felicitated by the shrieked applauds.This was impossible without the support of humble friend - Kruti, who not only helped me getting ready but also took care of my toddler during my absence. A many thanks to her indeed!!!





As the curtain was falling for the day, we were tranquilized by the melodious voice of our guest - Ramya Mohan. She captivated the crowd to sing along and make some jazz moves. Our tummy too were fueled well with authentic Karnataka cuisine. My favorite being - North karnataka spl -  badane - enne kayi. Getting a good food for your kids during such outing is usually a tiring task for mothers. I was much relieved when our plates were awaiting hot pongal!!!! We soon departed from our new friends, with pleasantries.





As our eyelids were eager to kiss each other, our mind and heart was filled with utmost happiness and pleasure of the day well spent.


Thanks YSKB for your great work behind such an marvelous show and our best wishes to the upcoming adventures!






5 comments:

  1. It was such a joy to read the blog and also the way you narrate and take to a dream world. Well said ..happiness is reading your blog.

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  2. Hi Pooja..was reading your post and so happy to know about kannada balaga.. me and husband have recently moved to Sheffield and looking forward to making new friends..it will be great to meet you sometime

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  3. We are from Bangalore as well:)

    ReplyDelete

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