Novel Live
Chapter 160 Dakshin Bharata Varsam Part: 3 (Data dump alert)
Chapter 160 Dakshin Bharata Varsam Part: 3 (Data dump alert)
Day 1 Dhwaja Aradhana
Vijay was happy after learning that his decision to establish a new empire was highly supported by the common people in the Vijayanagar Empire, including the people of the new territories. As for the elite, they were skeptical of the change, but they did not oppose it as firmly as Vijay guessed.
Because of this, Vijay was confused. Weren't they afraid that the establishment of a Bharat Empire would consolidate the people in the empire, leaving next to no ground for rebellion in the name of cultural freedom? When he fell into deep thought, he suddenly figured it out. The concept of soft power was still very foreign to everyone. Maybe the ancients realized the power of soft power, as it spread India's cultural civilization to the whole of Asia.
But the descendants, with the arrival of troubled times, had no time to think about the civilizational heritage of this land. Vijay felt like he got lucky and went on with the first day's events.
Today's event is the Dhwaja Aradhana (flag hoisting). The flag Vijay designed for the empire and for the future of the Bharatiya civilization is a saffron flag with a Vishnu chakra in the middle. He chose this because Vishnu is representative of the laws of order. Vishnu is the underlying order that keeps the world stable.
With the hopes of keeping his people and civilization stable and safe, the first event of the day was carried out - a huge homa (fire Puja) in the palace.
Vijay, along with his wife Kavya and his relatives, attended the event. The priest chanted slokas and mantras to Ganapathi, the destroyer of bad luck and the first God to be paid respects. The flower, which was embedded in the hand of Ganesha's idol, fell down on the flag, as a token of good luck.
"Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
"Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
There was soon a fervour of chanting, as this was seen as a blessing from the lord for the future cause of the empire.
After the huge homa, Vijay boarded an elephant with his wife on a carriage and went on a procession throughout the capital.
The weather was very good; it was a bright sunny morning. The capital city Hampi was bustling with activity. Saffron flags led in every corner of the street, and people wore saffron clothes in a mood of festivity. Kids ran around the streets with laughter, and everyone gathered on the side of the road for the emperor's procession.
*Bang, bang, bang*
Moments later, the people began to feel the vibrations in the ground as the drums were played at a thumping intensity, drawing attention to a herd of elephants.
The elephants were all decorated in saffron colours, with people riding on them. In front of the pack of elephants was an elephant larger than every other, with a colossal figure and longer tusks. Atop that elephant was a young man, adorned with various ornaments and holding a sceptre. This was none other than their beloved emperor, Vijay Devaraya. As soon as the people saw him, they started cheering loudly, throwing flowers at him along the path he took. Some even knelt on the ground as a sign of respect.
The people around him on the elephants held a saffron flag with the Vishnu chakra embedded in it, officially unveiling the new flag for the nation.
They kept shouting:
"Bharat Mata ki!"
"Jai!"
"Bharat Mata ki!"
"Jai!"
"Bharat Mata ki!"
"Jai!"
The people also joined in for the Jaikara (joined in on the chanting). The atmosphere was very enthralling, and that day was the first day people did not care about who the other person beside them was and danced together to the rhythm of the drum beats.
After the grand procession, a large 6-feet flag was hoisted in the royal palace symbolizing the birth of the new Dakshin Bharat Empire. Later that evening, A cultural program was held in the palace grounds as people from all different cultures streamed in to display their talents to the crowd of thousands surrounding them. This went on until the night as they got ready for the next day.
Day 2 Janapada Keerthana.
This day was dedicated to showcasing the immense culture of this land, and the Janapada Keerthana (songs of the land) event was held.
Artists from all over the empire came to the event to showcase their talents.
From Andhra Pradesh: Kolattam, Vilasini Natyam, Dhimsa
From Arunachal Pradesh: Aji Lamu, Roppi, Phoning
From Assam: Bagurumba, Ali Ai Ligang n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
From Bihar: Kajari, Jhumari
From Chhattisgarh: Dandari, Gendi, Panthi, Karma, Damkach
From Goa: Mando, Talgari, Suvari, Dasarawadan, Kunbi, Fugadi
From Gujarat: Raas, Bhavai, Tippani
From Haryana: Gugga, Khoria
From North East: Kullu Nati, Namgen, Hikat, Chham
From Kashmir: Dumhal, Kud, Bhand Jashan
From Jharkhand: Phagua
From the capital: Krishna Parijatha, Nagamandala, Bhootha Aradhane
From Kerala: Kaikottikali, Thumbi Thullal
From Madhya Pradesh: Karma, Gaur Maria, Kaksar, Ahiri
From Maharashtra: Pavri, Dhangari Gaja
From Manipur: Khamba Thoibi, Pung Cholom
From Meghalaya (North East): Khuallam, Nongkrem
From Mizoram: Cheraw, Khuallam
From Nagaland: Changlo-Sua lua
From Odisha: Ghumura, Ruk Mar, Goti Pua
From Punjab: Jhumar
From Rajasthan: Kuccgi ghodi, Kalbelia, Bhavai, Sapera dance
From Sikkim: Singhi Cham, Khukuri, Talachi
From Tamil Nadu: Karagaattam, Mayil Attam, Kolaattam, Kummi, Kavadi
From Tripura: Garia, Hozagiri
From Uttar Pradesh: Raaslila, Charkula
From Uttarakhand: Barada Nati, Chapeli, Langvir
From Bengal: Gambhira, Kalikapatadi, Domni.
A total of 77 different dance styles were performed by various artists. Although the dancers did not originate from the regions where the dance originated, due to the Mughal hindrance, the travel of these artists was not possible. However, as the dances were not so rigid as to say that only a certain group of people could perform them. Usually, a certain style of dance had multiple artists. When an artist felt that this style of dance could express their artistic conception more beautifully, they would practice in that style. Hence, artists like this could be found all over the Empire. Due to time constraints, a single dance style was allocated only one slot, with 5 minutes for each performance. Vijay was really tired after sitting through the whole 7 odd hours of different and unique dances and music.
This single event alone took half a day to be compleated. The next event Vijay especially ordered the Bukha Youdha Street Management Committee to open up the street to the people today for free of cost, considering that it is an auspicious and once-in-a-lifetime day.
The different master chefs were not scared of the crowd; instead, they heaved a sigh of relief as they felt serving thousands of people was an easier task compared to people challenging them every week. With the same happy attitude, they banded together and decided to make a huge thali meal for everyone who arrived.
The main course was decided from the selection of 5 cuisines, and the side dishes were also contributed from various cuisines of the Bhartiya Empire.
It was the happiest day for the people as they had never tried such delicacies in their lives. They ate the food with fervour, and some even complained that they were not fat enough so that they could eat more.
The people who enjoyed the meals that day were determined to work hard in life to return to Bukha Youdha Street someday and relish the heavenly foods once again. Among them, one individual worked exceptionally hard and eventually became a famous merchant. In an interview, he mentioned that the reason he quit his job and put in so much effort was to be able to visit Bukha Youdha Street whenever he desired.
At night, deepams (lamps) were lit all over the street. If you could see the aerial view of the Empire right now, you could see distinct cities with lamps lighting up the whole night sky. It was not only the capital but also the larger cities that were celebrating this event.
At the end of the day, craftsmen from all over the Empire showcased their crafting skills to the audiences. The variety of ancestral skills that were hidden from the public for hundreds of years was brought out, showcasing the marvellous cultural heritage of Bharat.
Day 3 Kshetra Darshan
Today had a dense schedule packed for Vijay, as it was the Kshetra Darshan event (pilgrimage of temples). The first place he visited was the Anjanadri Hills, which was the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Through the narrow path of a trek through the mountains, Vijay, and surprisingly even Kavya made it through.
The temple was a small one, not because there were not enough people praying there or because of the shortage of money, but because the temple was built on a boulder. Therefore, there is not enough space to build a large temple. The boulder is very special as it is anthropomorphic, having the face of a human that formed naturally.
After paying his respects to Lord Hanuman by chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and reciting the Rama Nama (name) a thousand times, he left the premises of the temple.
Later, he visited other temples located in different areas, such as the Virupaksha Temple, Pushkarni. He also explored the Hazara Rama Temple and sought the blessings of Lord Chandikeshwara. Although he desired to visit more temples, time constraints allowed him to tour only these prominent locations, each situated in distinct areas, and all of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
In the evening, the program involved scholars discussing theological and social aspects of the new Empire. Surprisingly, they all adapted to the Bharti language quickly, as they were participants in this program.
To Be Continued...