The Arena is Prepared and the Audience Gathers
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.
Drona, the son of Bharadvaja, measured out a flat stretch of land, clear of trees and bushes but with wells and springs. On an auspicious day, he made offerings and had the reason for the gathering announced throughout the city. Artisans then constructed a large arena in accordance with the principles of the shastras (scriptures), equipping it with every kind of weapon. They built a giant viewing stand for the king and another for the women of the court. The citizens built their own platforms, and the wealthy constructed high palanquins, transforming the space into a theater for war games.
When the day arrived, King Dhritarashtra came, led by Bhishma and the foremost preceptor Kripa, and accompanied by all his advisers. They ascended the divine royal viewing stand, which was covered in gold leaf, decorated with lattices of pearl-work, and adorned with lapis lazuli. Gandhari, the immensely fortunate Kunti, and the other ladies of the royal household arrived dressed in beautiful garments and joyfully ascended their stand, like goddesses ascending Mount Meru. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—people of all four varnas (social orders)—hurried from the city, eager to witness the princes' skill with arms. The sound of music and the murmuring curiosity of the vast assembly made the crowd ripple like a giant ocean.
Then the preceptor Drona entered the arena with his son, Ashvatthama. He was dressed entirely in white—white garments, a white sacred thread, a white garland, his hair and beard white, his body anointed with white paste. He stood out like the moon and Mars entering a cloudless sky. At the appropriate time, this supreme warrior rendered offerings and instructed Brahmanas who knew the rites to recite mantras. When the auspicious music fell silent, men entered the arena, carrying every kind of weapon and piece of equipment. The stage was set.