Imagine sitting under a starlit sky, amidst a green valley, letting the cold breeze kiss your face, as you witness fusion Indian dance and music performances. While it may sound surreal and far from reality, you could experience this on your year-end vacation in Coorg at the third edition of the Tamara Carnival.
The ten-day art and culture festival hosted at The Tamara Coorg kicked-off on Friday and will conclude on New Year's Eve. This edition gives a platform to young, up and coming artistes who are being mentored by IndianRaga, an arts education startup. The festival began with a Bharatanatyam recital and will be followed by Odissi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam and other such dance performances. "Traditional art forms have been given a twist with contemporary elements to make it more relatable and easier to consume by the guests," explains Shruti Shibulal, Director -Strategy and Development, The Tamara Coorg. So instead of a usual Kathak recital, there is a chance that the artistes have choreographed the steps to a song like, Ed Sheeran's Shape Of You. Unlike the regular classical dance recitals, the presentations are fusion pieces of traditional art forms and contemporary approaches. The highlight of the festival is a Jazz-Pop special performance by When Chai Met Toast band from Kochi.
But considering the venue, The Tamara Coorg is located in the midst of a 180-acre organic coffee plantation surrounded by natural ecosystem, one would question if the sound would cause some disturbance to the wildlife. "We are conscious about the wildlife and are respectful, the sounds are going to be subtle and will be on the premises," adds Shruthi. For the offbeat traveller who wants to experience the best of nature and yet enjoy the company of art and music lovers, this carnival should be on the to-do list.
Rs 25,000 per night. At The Tamara Coorg.