Grameen Utsava

Life in the city, especially one as crowded as Bangalore, is a rigorous mix of world class education and job opportunities. We all miss the serenity and simplicity of rural environs. From food to culture, from games to toys and from leisure activities to professions, city life has moved away from the pastoral lifestyle which was once the mainstay of India. To revert to their roots, albeit for just one day, and to display the charms of real village life, SJBHS brought to the city of Bengaluru a celebration of all things rural through their
'Grameena Utsava'.

The thumping beat of the massive dholak,; the sight of the colourful costumes of the folk artistes and the presence of the prize village bullocks, sheep and goats, carts and stalls selling fresh village produce imingled with the aroma of simple yet tasty home cooked meals, checked all the boxes to truly transport the parents, students, well-wishers and guests into a rural fest. The playground of SJBHS had traded the city for a live tableau representing village life!

The second edition of Grameena Utsava in SJBHS was inaugurated by an illustrious line up of dignitaries – Rector of Bangalore Jesuit Educational Society Rev Fr. Brian Pereira SJ; Deputy Director of Public instruction (Bangalore North) Shri Lohithashwa Reddy; Block Education Officer Dr Jayaprakash and Social Activist Akkai Padmashali. They were accompanied by the Principal Fr. Sunil Fernandes SJ, Vice Principal Mr. Brian McKertish, Primary School Administrator Fr Vishal D’Souza SJ; OBA President Dr Praveen Rodrigues; OBA Vice President Mr. K T Lazar; PTA Vice President Mr Clifton Pinheiro; and PTA Secretary Mrs. Priyadarshini. The dignitaries were led in procession into the school campus, welcomed with a traditional dance performance and felicitated. The dignitaries, in their messages, stressed the importance of the culture, tradition, language and literature of Karnataka; welcomed the experience of rustic life and commended the Management on their efforts. The inaugural ceremony culminated in a bullock ride for the dignitaries.
From the invigorating dance of Dollu Kunita to the Hulivesha, from the Yakshagana to Keel Kudre, Kamsale and Veeragasa; the Josephites got a glimpse of the varied dance forms and rich heritage of the State.
For the elders, it was a walk down memory lane but for the youngsters the rural games on display were fascinating. The simple rural games – Buguri (top spinning), Goli (marbles), Gilli Dandu, Chowka bara (dice), Hagga jaggata, breaking of the mud pot and Ane Kallu – brought an unparalleled enthusiasm to the city folk. The logistics of the game were simple. However, what pleased the parents and teachers the most was that there were no mobiles, laptops, Play Stations or any form of gadgetry in use – pure and simple muscular and mental talent was the order of the day!
The hamlet dwellers also brought to the city a plethora of rural craftsmanship. The intricacies of coconut palm art, wood art, bamboo weaving and pottery were showcased. Long forgotten ways of pounding and grinding Ragi, churning of butter milk and milking the cow were demonstrated.
The stalls housed an array of delicacies ranging from the traditional Ragi Mudde to the various rice preparations which are native to the villages of Karnataka. The sweet and the savoury dishes appeased the palate of even the most fastidious of visitors while the aroma of the gourmet feasts paid homage to the food Gods!
‘Grameena Utsava’ (Nama Halle Nama Habba) will remain with the Josephites for a long time to come.