A New Beginning

A huge and beautiful Nataraja statue on the rock heights, the pleasant sound of 
a gushing waterfall, plantain trees lending an auspicious look - Shilparamam's 
50 acres of land, away from the concrete jungle of the twin cities, resembled 
a newly decked bride on Ugadi, the Telugu New Year day.




And in this peaceful atmosphere, Malladi Chandrasekhara Sastri elaborated on the year's features in his Panchanga Sravanam - the reading of the almanac, a must for all Telugus. And for all those who missed it, here's the summary. 



The year Vrusha means Dharma - there is no 'bha' at the end of the word, which would have meant bull. The predominant mood will be of value-systems. People will make a paradigm shift from riches to righteousness. The Kalapurusha will shower learning, longevity and luxury.



Women will be ruling the roost this year. The moon is the manager - so there is going to be a general coolness in the atmosphere, plentiful rain, crop and prosperity. The arts will receive recognition. The ill effects of Shani (Saturn) will be nullified by the beneficiary effects of the other planets. The only negative element is malice, bordering on cruelty. One has to guard against this. That's all. On the whole, a wonderful year for everyone.



With the encouraging note provided by the Pandit, we all sat back to enjoy the evening's entertainment. Skits based on characters from the works of famous writers were enacted. Gurajada Apparao' s Gireesam /  Chilakamarti Lakshmi Narasimha Sastri's Ganapathi and Munimanikyam Narasimha Rao's Kantham were once again recalled and enjoyed. Pittala Dora drew a few laughs. The small episode of 'Lava Kumar ' was in bad taste, not suitable for a family audience. How can we expect our young to develop value-based behavior if we expose them to such stuff?



The dance ballet 'Rithu Samharam', presented by the Kalakshetra product Harini and group, had good lyrics and melodious music, with a few scenes well choreographed. All the seasons have to be endured in their benign and furious aspects, before we can look forward to the evergreen Vasantha - the spring. The comparison was made to our lives, where, after a long suffering of ills, one can look forward to good times.



Hasya Vasantham, the Kavi Sammelanam, was educative and entertaining. All the poets had a genuine love for their cultural heritage. "No match fixing here," said Gaikapati Narasimhavadhani, who made this point with poetic excellence.



Hope was the key word this evening, by and large. So relax - aaraam se!


SU