Drona Proposes a Public Display of the Princes' Skills
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 observed that the sons of Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu had become masters in the use of arms. Their education was complete. In the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, Bahlika, the wise Bhishma, Vyasa, and Vidura, Drona spoke to King Dhritarashtra.
"O king, supreme among the Kurus," he said. "The princes have now completed their learning. With your permission, let them display what they have learned."
The great king replied with gladness in his heart. "O best of the Brahmanas, O Bharadvaja, you have accomplished a great task. You should yourself order me about how to arrange the display—the time, the place, and the rules to be followed." Then a shadow crossed his joy. "Today, I grieve for my blindness and envy men who possess eyesight. They will now be able to witness the prowess of my sons with weapons."
He turned to his half-brother and chief minister. "O kshatta (Vidura), O one who is devoted to dharma (righteousness), follow the instructions of this teacher and preceptor. I can't think of anything that will be more agreeable to me."
With that, Vidura excused himself from the king's presence to carry out the command, setting the elaborate preparations in motion.