Drona and Dhritarashtra

Following the king's command, Drona and Vidura prepare a vast arena for a martial exhibition. On the appointed day, the entire city assembles—the royal family, the preceptors, and thousands of citizens—filling the stands with anticipation and noise as Drona performs the opening rites.

Seeing that his royal pupils have mastered their training, Drona formally requests King Dhritarashtra's permission to hold a public exhibition of their martial prowess. The blind king, his heart full of both joy and envy, immediately grants it.

Drona silences the crowd to announce the entrance of his beloved pupil, Arjuna. Clad in golden armour, Arjuna proceeds to demonstrate a mastery of weapons so profound it creates elemental phenomena and impossible feats of archery, leaving the entire assembly in awe.

Duryodhana and his brothers begin to win over the people of Hastinapura with gifts and honors. Then, Dhritarashtra’s ministers start describing the wonders of the distant city of Varanavata and its great festival, sparking the Pandavas' curiosity. When Dhritarashtra himself invites them to go and enjoy themselves, Yudhisthira understands the true nature of the request and agrees.

Ordered to Varanavata, the Pandavas prepare to leave Hastinapura. They pay their respects to the elders and bid a painful farewell to the citizens. A group of Brahmanas, outraged by the injustice, declare they will abandon the city to follow Yudhishthira into exile.

Dhritarashtra summons his council to discuss the Pandavas' powerful new alliance through marriage to Draupadi. Drona advises a path of conciliation: send riches and warm words to formally invite the exiled princes back to their rightful share of the kingdom.