Journalist Devika Das explores the fun and wonder of the Lightning in a Bottle music, art, performance, life and sustainability festival.
I was officially Alice and although I wasn’t in Wonderland it sure felt like it. So I didn’t fall down a hole chasing a white rabbit, I got to Lightning in a Bottle in the most unromantic ways possible…a car.
Besides a less than enchanting entrance, the event was purely magical Twilight and we’re walking in anticipation towards the main arena. Everywhere, glimpses of sights and settings made of recycled and re-used materials to create character and an infinite opportunity to lose yourself in decorations and details. I was gob smacked (shocked). If someone gave me a ratty piece of wood, which used to be a fence on probably the most dilapidated property you have ever set your eyes on….I’d probably have chucked that piece of wood to stoke up a bonfire. Amazingly the organizers of Lightning in a Bottle found all sorts of odds and ends e.g. ratty bits of timber to look like amazing pieces of art work which was the setting for and around the main stages.
The evening began with bass a low rumble kicks off to a high volume as the music gets louder. The pull of electronic sound….. interesting mixes. Especially when a particular DJ mixed Bhajans (Hindu hymns) with a trance type back beat. The sound of the next generation per chance?
Following or rather stumbling through a path of lanterns up a hill to The Temple of Consciousness became on of the most magical arenas at the festival. 
In a word, enchanting, was my experience there. There was relaxed live entertainment with acapella vocals and performers. Cushions and poufs all around the entertainment area gave it the appearance of an outdoor Sultans Court in Marrakesh. If that wasn’t enough reason for an intimate indoor setting at O’Sham Tea House than consider that is was not only informative and relaxing but the place where I tasted ambrosia. It was a combination of rosebud and mulberry tea. Delicious!
As morning dawned revelers were still partying in their respective tents, vans and buses while a communal air existed for all event goers. Munching on a delicious breakfast burrito and sipping a hot chocolate at 7 am soothes the soul and at The Temple of Consciousness my husband and I watched the yoga classes and sunrise over the lake. As we get our gear together and start heading out the Wonderland of feeling like Alice wears away during the day, but my memories will always take me back to overlooking the lake on a great morning as I felt at last a sort of Peace.
Written by Devika Das.
