Widely expected programme ends on dumb note

The Rupavahini’s Thursday night 'Yatharupa’ programme was much looked forward to because it features a contest between rationalists and those who believe in or practise occult, mystical, supernatural, or magical powers.

Last Thursday, the occult practitioner using his skills performed the first act. The stem of a banana leaf was split into two. The two parts were held parallel by two persons at hip level and were brought together within two minutes after the practioner held a talisman under them.

The rationalist making a counter challenge did the same, but offered a scientific explanation to it. He said the stem which contains water, when split, loses its strength and caves in.

In a second instance the occult practitioner got a person to stand holding two spears in both hands. A mythologist claimed that tip of the spearheaded pole held parallel would be brought together and, true to his word, the two heads were brought together.

But, the rationalist took up the challenge again and a female member of the audience held the two spears in her hands and the two heads came close to each other again. The explanation given was that after a few seconds, the muscles in the hands weaken and the hands turn inwards. This is a natural movement. As a result, the object held parallel could come into contact.

But, it was the third performance which the audience were looking forward to. It was to make the rationalist dumb.

However, the mythologist for unknown reasons refused to perform this act.

The programme’s conductor did his best to persuade him to perform this act, but his attempts failed and the programme was brought to an end, to the disappointment of the audience.