Feast, extravagance and delightful food: A Sunday like no other

Bengaluru: Whether one had cast their ballot for or against him, dinnertime on Sunday saw all voters of the Hebbal Assembly constituency flocking to the Palace Grounds, children in tow. The reason? A feast fit for royalty, hosted by none other than the rajah himself Byrathi Suresh who, in a display of unparalleled generosity, celebrated his son's nuptial to the daughter of the MLA of neighbouring Yelahanka, with a banquet open to all. For once, the area's restaurateurs bore their loss with an indulgent sigh.

After all, who could compete with the grandeur of free-flowing delicacies served in a makeshift palace? Usually burdened with endless weekend orders, their staff revelled in an unexpected respite. Not since the enforced idleness of Covid had they enjoyed such a languid Sunday. Curiosity piqued, and some enquired details of the occasion, only to be regaled with tales of political largesse and familial alliances. Here was a union of the BJP and Congress in its best form. But as plates piled high with opulent offerings, another tradition unfolded one less noble.

Whether out of a desire to make the experience 'bittersweet' or because they too fancied themselves royalty, many guests left their plates with enough to feed an army. For those who champion the cause of ‘Waste not food in a world where millions sleep hungry,’ every day this spectacle was a test of patience. But on this day of indulgence, such moralists were advised to take a walk perhaps a long one around Bengaluru’s biggest lung space.