Two Hundred Bengaluru Residents Prepare for Ganesha Festival Performance
Two hundred participants will join the percussion band Beat Gurus at this year's Maha Mangalaarti. They are carrying forward South Bengaluru's cherished Ganesha habba tradition. The group includes men, women, and children aged between 14 and 65 years.
Selection and Training Process
Beat Gurus received over 350 applications for the event. The band shortlisted 200 people based on availability and convenience. Among the selected participants, 150 are women and 50 are men.
Most of these individuals are non-musicians. They come from various backgrounds such as homemakers, retired persons, students, and working professionals. Only a handful have professional music experience.
Participants traveled from across Bengaluru city for training. They underwent two months of rigorous rehearsals. The training sessions continued despite heavy rains and harsh weather conditions.
Founder Shares Insights on the Band's Journey
Percussionist and founder Ganesh Govindaswamy, known as Kachu, explained the selection process. He highlighted the dedication shown by all participants.
"Devotion to Lord Ganesha and a zeal to learn is what united 200 participants," says Kachu. He emphasized that passion for music also played a key role in bringing people together.
Kachu recalled how Beat Gurus started as a 15-member act fourteen years ago. The band has since grown to include hundreds of members. "We were an instant hit," he notes. Over time, many people began following their work.
Some followers were so fascinated that they expressed interest in joining the band. Last year, Beat Gurus announced they were ready to train women too. The response to this announcement was overwhelming according to Kachu.
The upcoming Maha Mangalaarti performance represents a significant milestone. It showcases community participation in preserving cultural traditions. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of music and devotion.
