AND QUIETLY FLOWS THE BETWA

FOR MANY, ORCHHA REMAINS FROZEN IN TIME, AND BEAUTIFULLY SO. NOW THE NAMASTE ORCHHA FESTIVAL IS INFUSING COLOUR, SONG AND DANCE INTO THE CITY

- RANEE SAHANEY

Over five centuries of history repose lightly on the time-stained cavalcade of palaces and temples by the Betwa. Timeless, lovely, quiet Orchha. even today, you can see why Bundela chieftain Raja Rudra Pratap Singh, in the early 16th century, chose to transform this little hamlet into his bastion. It remained hidden deep in the pelt of a jungle, on a strategically positioned river island, ready to repulse the battle cry of any Bundela foes.

But now Orchha (literally, ‘hidden gem’), long-abandoned as a royal bastion, is being gently nudged out of its slumber. And what better way to do it, than with a festival that seamlessly melds the history, heritage and all-prevailing sense of tranquillity in the city.

The maiden cultural banquet of Namaste Orchha, which unfurled on the banks of the Betwa in early March, packed in a slew of thrilling opportunities—over three days one could soak up the charming offerings of this ancient citadel.

Launched by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Namaste Orchha is an alluring addition to the state’s cultural calendar. After all, the city was acclaimed as the ‘Best heritage City’ at the National Tourism Awards 2017-18, and was shortlisted to be a unesco World heritage Site last year.

When I first visited Orchha many years ago, I found it to be one of the prettiest little townships in the state. Its raffish charm and spectacular architecture, coupled with murals on derelict palaces and havelis, had made for a lovely experience.