Kannada Kannada Kannada!

Kannada is the official language of Karnataka (the southern state of India where Bangalore is located.) The SJPD team has the privilege to learn this language from the Banhavi girls living here at Visthar. We have had around ten lessons already and are 100% in love with not only the language but also the girls. Our lessons typically begin with the layering on of bug spray as well as calling for “Suzie” (the big orange fish that lives) in the pond centering the room. When our instructors show up and greet us with big smiles and hugs, we split off into groups of three. Everyone has learned so many words and phrases already! All basic phrases like “How are you” and “I don’t understand” as well as numbers, colors, days of the week, and much more. After a few lessons of getting to know the girls and learning Kannada, lessons began to take a change of pace.

In addition to Kannada we are now practicing Kolata! Kolata is the traditional folk dance of Karnataka and is performed with colored sticks. The girls really enjoy teaching us this traditional dance as well as get a kick out of seeing us confused where they then respond with “Auntie NOOO.” This dance is no easy task though! At first, we used to finish Kannada lessons all comparing notes and seeing what words and phrases other groups had learned. But now, after doing Kolata, we all show up to dinner covered in sweat. Recently, our lessons have slowly started to become not as regular due to the fact that our real classes have started, but I know we are all anxiously awaiting our next lesson and are so grateful for the Bandhavi girls and their help!