Where's Bangalore in Bengalooru Habba?

Today (Sunday, Dec 2) was the start of the much hyped Bengalooru Habba (well I'm not sure of the hype actually) - an 8 day cultural extravaganza which promises to establish Bangalore as a cultural capital. It has been sponsored by big corporates, the sparse banners are trying hard to communicate the phenomena, the newspapers are flashing schedules, and the website has been updated just recently. The final line-up seemed impressive with a plenty of illustrious names, myriad of activities spread all across the city. Something that would surely get a self-proclaimed cultural enthusiast as me reasonably excited.

So yours truly decided to go for the Hindustani Classical concert as my ears were craving for it (its been so long!). The concert was at Ambedkar Bhawan and featuring Vidushi Sunanda Sharma (Vocal) and Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (Sitar). I personally hadn't heard their names/music before but after a brief googling I was convinced that it surely would be a treat. I diligently went to collect my free passes from the Cafe Coffee Day next door. I reached the venue at 6 pm for the show starting 30 minutes later. To my surprise the whole atmosphere outside was dull with no one in sight (I remember going there for a Jagjit Singh concert for which one should shell out anything between Rs.550 - 2500 and people were running around for tickets). As I walked in the hall was filled barely upto 5% its capacity. A bunch of young people walked in and asked for extra passes. The organizers smiled and allowed everyone in.

I don't know whether this was due to insufficient publicity, my early arrival, apparent worthlessness of anything avaible for free, diminishing interest in classical music etc. But I could not help asking the question - Where's Bangalore in Bengalooru Habba? Will the festival organized with so much expense of money and time live upto its purpose.

Alas, I recieved a call at 6:05 pm informing me that a long lost friend is in Bangalore and leaving within 2 hours. I had to force myself to leave the hall and rush home. These ears will have to wait. Luckily, Dr.L Subramaniam is playing at Palace Grounds as part of the Habba on Dec 7. Hopefully will also get some time to catch more action during the weekdays (have to get ready to witness more deserted venues. God only knows why they started the Habba on Sunday not Saturday).