It was a fitting tribute to the two sisters, Bangari and Singari, who were instrumental in diverting water from the Thenpennai River to the Bahour lake for the betterment of society.
Students of Salangai Cultural Academy, Puducherry, performed a dance drama, ‘Bangari-Singari,’ on the eve of the 22 anniversary celebrations of Doordrshan Kendra, Puducherry, recently.
The sisters were responsible for the construction of the ‘Bangari canal,’ which brings water from the Thenpennai for irrigation in and around Bahoor, considered the rice bowl of Puducherry.
Jayashree Narayanan, director of the Academy, said: “Through this dance drama, we intended to bring to limelight the effort of the two dancers in constructing the canal. The recital was also aimed at honouring the dancers who have been forgotten.”
The Latin inscription found near Ayi Mandapam is proof of the legend about the siblings. The sisters were devoted to the Bahour Moolanaadha Swamy temple. Through a friend, they came to know of the severe water crisis in the Bahour region and were determined to find a solution. In consultation with the village heads, they decided to construct a canal from the Thenpennai to the dry lake. Bangari decided to pay for the construction of the canal at her cost while Singari offered to raise the lake bunds. The villagers joined them, and the sisters offered food to all those who helped them.
Participating in the celebrations, Chief Minister N.Rangasamy greeted the Doordarshan Kendra and its staff and said the dance drama shed light on the power of women. He stressed the value of water conservation which, he said, was as relevant these days as it was in the times of the two sisters.
Ms. Jayashree said it took them three years to conceptualise the drama as the project involved a lot of research.
R. Krithiga, who performed the role of Bangari, said: “Our dance drama is somewhat different. It reflects a real social issue and the power of women.”
Carnatic vocalist S. Mathangi and other artists also performed.
