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Thursday, 10 July 2025

EVVARITO CHEPPAKUNDA GONGURAKI - MY FIRST SOLO PERFORMANCE

 



There are some memories that sit quietly in a corner of our minds — until a sound, a song, or a scent stirs them up with laughter and warmth. For me, the folk song “Evvarito Cheppakunda Gonguraki” is one such time capsule. Every time I hear it, I’m instantly transported back to my school days — to my very first solo stage performance.

Our school’s annual day functions were always a lively mix of group singing, kollattam (dandiya), skits, and dramas. Students from different classes came together based on height, voice, and character roles to put on these shows. But that year, something different happened. My class teacher decided to include a solo folk song as a special addition to the cultural programme — and much to my surprise, she chose me to perform it.

I was hesitant at first. I had never performed solo before. But when a teacher selects you with confidence, it’s hard to say no. And so, with a nervous heart and a determined mind, I began my rehearsals after school hours under the guidance of our dance teacher. The steps were taught, the music played on loop, and the countdown to the big day had begun.

About two weeks before the performance, my class teacher asked me to bring a few bright-coloured sarees from home to pick a costume. In those days, nobody bought a new saree for a school performance. You either wore one of your mother’s or borrowed from someone. I told my mother, and she sweetly handed me 3 or 4 of her sarees. But they were all soft, light shades — no bright reds or yellows.

Still, I packed them in a bag and took them to school. My teacher gently chose a white and green organza cotton saree, saying it would suit the song’s feel. It was elegant in its own way. The blouse was stitched in a hurry, and then came the dress rehearsals.

But soon we realized dancing in a saree wasn’t as graceful as it looked! I found it hard to manage the pleats, and the saree would shift or fly open with every jump or spin. It was a daily struggle to keep it in place while performing the steps. Watching my discomfort, my teachers sprang into action — they went searching for a vaddanam (also called a kamarbandh), the traditional waist belt worn with sarees.

With some clever hands and creativity, they secured the saree with threads, hooks, and pins, fastening it around the vaddanam. That little belt became my saviour! I instinctively kept one hand on my hip and the other near the vaddanam while dancing — not just as part of the choreography but to make sure the saree stayed in place.

Finally, the big day arrived. I stepped onto the stage, nervous but ready. As the music began and the familiar tune of “Evvarito Cheppakunda Gonguraki” filled the auditorium, I danced — holding my posture, catching the rhythm, and enjoying every step till the last beat. I still remember the applause, the joy on my teachers’ faces, and the sheer relief that I hadn’t tripped over the pleats!

Years have passed since that day, but this memory stays close. Whenever the song plays now, it doesn’t just bring a smile — it brings back the entire journey: from classroom selections to saree trials, dance rehearsals, giggles, goof-ups, and finally, the stage spotlight.

It wasn’t just a performance. It was a lesson in confidence, resilience, and the magic of a little encouragement.

You can listen to the song: here




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