The Reignited Fire...

Unless u've been living in a forest or on top of the tallest mountains u'd already know about the paryaaya festivities going on at Udupi... This Lord Krishna's abode has been bustling with activity for past one month, the most important of it being the offering of the Navarathna Ratha (A golden chariot completely encrusted with the 9 precious gems). Keep an eye on my orkut account, I'll be uploading the photos shortly.

The 3rd paryaaya of Shri Shri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji of Puttige Math came to an end on the 17th of Jan 2010 and Shri Shri Lakshmi vara Tirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Math took charge on morning of 18th Jan 2010. For more details on the paryaaya click here.

The night of 17th and the dawn of 18th were completely marked with cultural programs organized at every nook and corner of the temple town, flute rendering by Pravin Godkhindi and Mimicry Dayanand's show which tickled the funny bone even at 3 in the morning being the most notable ones. I wasn't lucky enough to witness both these geniuses in action as I was to come back from Bangalore only on 18th morning.

The festivities were to continue even on 18th night so I returned early from work, went to the temple to get a glimpse of the almighty, where I was Joined by Manju, Chandu and Paban. We started searching desperately for any cultural programs but found none to our despair. So we spent some time loitering around in the temple premises, had masala dosa @ the famous mitra samaj and were on our way home when Pawan's (my roomie) mobile rang. It was Anroop (alias Chethan). There was excitement in his voice, he said "Dude there's a gig going on in the field next to the temple, its by the PSYCHO GUY"!!! We took a minute to comprehend what he'd just said. Once it sank in, it was pure adrenaline rush.

If it was Raghu Dixit then we had to attend this gig. We turned around and ran towards the temple, we'd not travelled far when we could already hear the familiar voice of Raghu and the guitar jamming in the background for the song "Neene beku" from psycho.We followed the direction from where the music was coming then lo and behold, brilliant spot lights beckoned us to the location where Raghu was performing.

Once we entered the location it was pure fun, I once for all wanted to get to the front of the crowd, where all the guys were enjoying like hell :) but for some reason unknown to me Paban and Anroop were in no mood to accompany me. No sooner did the pace of the guitar pick up for the Khidki song Paban got into the groove, then started the sessions of shouting, jumping and head banging. With our antics we did manage to turn some heads towards us :D

Over all the entire evening was marvelous, I've always been attracted to the guitar both as an instrument and for its style statement. Whenever I see a performance like this the thought of learning guitar ensnares me :) this time it seems like the urge to learn it is psychotic. Yesterday's concert has reignited in me a fire that had burned out, it has brought back to me a long lost love for music and guitar. So the next time u see me don't be surprised if I am playing the guitar and singing "No one will ever love u, like I do!!!"