Overcoming the burning issue

BANGALORE: The Sri Drowpathy Amman Fire Walking Festival in Bangalore plays host to seasoned fire walkers who test their might on crackling orange embers. Men stick to a meatless diet, sleep in temples and even dress up like women to pay homage to Draupadi who the festival honours. But on Saturday, the city will witness fire walking of a different kind.At ‘Agnipath’ that CreamSoda Innovations and HR Anexi will be holding in the city, they hope to see people from all walks of life taking part. ‘Throw away your self-imposed inhibitions and unleash the fire within,’ that’s what they go by. While CreamSoda is doing the promotional activities, HR Anexi will be the fire walking organisers. The latter says that they are the only certified fire walking organisation in the country.So why play with fire? “Fire walking is a metaphor for change. Our parents used to tell us not to go near the fire. So people are afraid of going near it. In a profession, people want to achieve goals and overcome obstacles. Fire walking is a method to boost their confidence. After walking on fire, they will say, ‘ I can do anything,’” notes Nandish Bilimaga, VP, HR Anexi. “Fire walking events are usually held only for corporate people. We thought it’s time to popularise it among the masses,” adds Rudy Dixit from CreamSoda Innovations.HR Anexi has held fire walking events in Mumbai before setting shop in Bangalore a year ago. “Fire walking is increasingly used as a corporate tool in Mumbai. We have not done it in Bangalore. But we hope to see people actively taking part,” points out Bilimaga.Fire walking is not the only challenge lined up for participants. They can also ‘walk on broken glass’ and try their luck at ‘iron road bending.’ In the former challenge, participants will walk on broken glass spread out on the floor. It is a metaphor for striding over obstacles and making the path better. Iron rod bending will be an activity catered to building team strength. “A 10 mm iron road, seven feet in length will be placed at the neck point of two people. And they have to walk with it,” explains Nandish.  The event is open for all above 18 years of age. For registrations, call 9663369312.