Oru Cup Coffee

Galatta is an yearly event that promotes Udavum Karangal chapter of Bay Area. I had missed it for last couple of years, but this year, this evening, had a chance to attend the sold out event. Generally, events in the Tamilian community are in two distinct ends of a entertainment spectrum. One being the eclectic language based events that only serious Tamil literates can follow and the other as an evening of cinema songs. There has not been serious effort within the diaspora to have an event that will appeal to wide variety of people, at the same time, have a charitable means to it. Though, Galatta borders with latter of the category spectrum, meaning cinema songs & theme, it also provides enough mix of programmes that are with non-cinematic themes. Last year, they had programme for kids, various other competitions that were not based on cinema themes. This year, a new concept called Galatta Idol, borrowed from American Idol, was introduced and it brought in enough local talents to participate. After all, these events are all about participation. At one time, participation used to mean attending the event. As many as 110 participants went through a process of elimination and the final six were on stage today. Out of them two finalists were selected.

The finalists’ idols sang in the Pallavi troupe for the Galatta Idol. Pallavi troupe itself has matured quite well. It was refreshing to see new singers that were outstanding in their deliveries. Galatta also continued its fashion show from last year with the concept of "Pancha Bhoothas" aka. Five Elements and it was rendered extremely well. The seating, food and the time management were key to such events' success. Galatta kept it all very well. Kudos to the volunteers that pulled it off.