Play it forwardThis campus is known for having some of the best basketball facilities, featuring multiple courts that are popular among enthusiasts. Students and staff can access the facilities using their ID cards. The well-maintained courts cater to players of all levels. It’s a prime destination for both casual and competitive games. The university’s basketball infrastructure is highly regarded across the country.AT Indian Institute of Technology, Students’ Residential Zone, IIT Area, Powai. CALL 7304295669 Players during a basketball game in Andheri Foundation skillsThis academy located in Andheri West offers a vibrant outdoor basketball experience with standard court dimensions. It’s an ideal spot for basketball enthusiasts, providing accessible coaching sessions and membership options. The academy fosters skill development while encouraging friendly competition. It is also an perfect place to connect with fellow players. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced cager, the facility caters to all levels. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their game in a lively environment.AT Maniac Basketball Academy, Andheri West. CALL 8169607438 COST Expert coaching Rs 2,000 onwards Resume playPreviously known as PJ Club, this academy has two well-equipped basketball courts. The courts are fitted with floodlights, and the club provides balls and additional amenities for players. Members enjoy extra perks, and the affordable membership offers access to the facilities during designated hours. It’s a great spot for both casual and regular players. The club’s basketball facilities are ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the sport.AT St Anthony’s Institute, corner of 21st/33rd Road, Bandra West.CALL 2268833369 COST Rs 1,500 onwards Intense focusThe basketball training programming offers an exciting, high-intensity experience designed to provide comprehensive development for students. Led by experienced coaches, the programme focuses on four key components: Introductory, Foundational, Advanced, and Performance levels. These stages ensure a structured path for growth, with personalised attention to each player’s needs. From basic skills to elite performance, the programme supports players at every stage of their journey. With expert guidance, students can progress steadily and build a strong basketball foundation.AT Gold Standard Sports Zone, Podar Sports Academy, Linking Road, GOI Staff Colony, Santacruz West. CALL 8433960163COST Rs 1,700 onwards A basketball game at Bandra YMCA. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Hear it from the playerKarishma Tolani, 35, was an avid basketball player. She played point guard for Bandra YMCA in 2013. “I had to travel a long distance to reach the court at Bandra as it was one of the only accurately measured and maintained courts back then; we’ve come a long way since then. There are a lot more opportunities to practice today, making it easier for players to be prepared to participate in tournaments,” Tolani shares. She also suggests that players should try every position on the field so they can empathise with other players when the game gets tough.
20 January,2025 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheConversations about slow living and reconnecting with nature have been in talks for quite a long time now. While professionals continue to juggle work pressure and personal commitments, working parents have now started expressing concerns about bringing up kids in an increasingly fast-paced and urbanised metropolitan city. Starting a series of monthly retreats to the less-populated and serene outskirts of the city, Vasai-based Aayushi Kalpavruksh aims to push a change in this lifestyle pattern. “Mumbai is too congested these days. Whenever we step out with our daughter, we are worried about the pollution and the construction work everywhere. You cannot even let your kids run freely because the roads and pavements are unsafe,” the young mother tells us. Aarohi Kalpavruksh plays around in a farm; (right) Aayushi Kalpavruksh (in white) along with her daughter, sample traditional dishes during a visit The retreat series that Kalpavruksh has planned is a one-day escape to the village of Wadrai in Palghar where parents and children will reconnect with nature, discover local cuisine and experience a day of slow-living. “It is important for children to experience natural things. Kids who grow up in big cities assume that the concrete environment around them is the natural way. We want to dismantle that notion with this trip as far as possible,” she explains. The itinerary of the retreat includes a yoga session in the morning, a cycling tour of the village along with a farm visit followed by a bonfire in the evening. “When given the time and space for it, nature can teach children more than we can. The first time that we went on a trip to the village, I saw my daughter adapting to things quicker than she did in the city. When children are not distracted by an over stimulating environment and brought in contact with natural processes, you can clearly notice a change in the way they perceive things,” Kalpavruksh says, adding that food and nutrition is also something that she feels strongly about. Right from staple meals like rice and tamarind-flavoured dal, to tandalcha parkut (a dish made from rice flour) to the freshly-caught bombil sukat fry (a spicy prepartion of dried bombil) and maaklya masala (squids cooked in Mangalorean-style masala), the menu is a treasure trove of traditional Maharashtrian flavours. A moment from a yoga session from the group’s first visit to the village in Palghar With the first retreat planned this weekend, Kalpavruksh’s two-year-old daughter, Aarohi is excited about the trip. “Aarohi loves the outdoors. I saw her adapt to new people and climate in a much better way when we visited the village. In a way, all of this started for her, which then pushed me to think about other young parents in the city as well. She now even imitates my yoga poses and likes to exercise as well and I think that is a great start in itself,” Kalpavruksh concludes. ON January 25; 6.30 amMEETING POINT Vasai Railway Station, Vasai-Virar. LOG ON TO @aarohi_ki_duniya on Instagram COST Rs 1,999 (limited spots)
20 January,2025 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIt's the third Monday of 2025 and, according to some sources — who cite a complicated equation involving weather conditions, the amount of your debt you can realistically pay off, time since New Year’s resolutions have been broken, low motivation levels, and the need to take action — today is the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday, a cornerstone of the broader January Blues phenomenon, may be hyperbolic; but it does highlight how let down many people feel because of not being able to make significant progress on their New Year New Me resolutions, which are further compounded by the crankiness and irritability tied to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “After the festive cheer fades, reality kicks in with its dark mornings, shorter days and the weight of our ambition: the pressure of ticking off goals or the pursuit of overachieving can lead to stress and, in some cases, even burnout,” explains counselling psychologist Namrata Jain, who says she has observed the need for support rising in her own practice in recent days. Sohini Rohra “January comes as a stark wake-up call, with the bombardment of messages about ‘getting back on track’ and ‘making this your best year yet’ only adding to the feeling of overwhelm. The concept of New Year’s resolutions, while well-intentioned, often adds unnecessary pressure. Science supports this — studies have shown that about 80 per cent of resolutions fail by February, leading to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. Instead of setting ourselves up for failure, we can adopt a more sustainable approach to self-improvement and mental health,” adds Taylor Elizabeth, an emotional intelligence coach. Activities such as meditation and deep breathing help in managing stress and improving mental wellbeing. Representation pics She, and other experts, outline simple strategies to cope with these emotions: Gratitude and intentionRather than resolutions, Elizabeth recommends beginning the year with self-reflection and gratitude. This simple practice can not only help prevent the January Blues but also lift you out of a rut, she says, suggesting you ask yourself the following questions: . What am I grateful for from last year?. What moments brought me joy, and how can I create more of those?. What achievements, big or small, am I proud of? Experts suggest that physical activities can help with low mood swings Neuroscientists have found that focusing on positive thoughts helps rewire the brain, fostering a more optimistic mindset and enhancing motivation. By recognising what went well, you can gain clarity on what you want to carry forward into 2025 without the weight of unrealistic expectations. At the same time, she advises being more intentional in your outlook. “When you shift your focus from resolutions to intentions, you’re creating a flexible framework for growth. Intentions allow you to build on the positive aspects of your life, dream up achievable goals without the ‘all or nothing’ mentality and approach change as an ongoing process rather than a deadline-driven sprint,” she clarifies. As an example, instead of resolving to ‘lose five kilos’ or ‘get a promotion’, she recommends setting an intention to research food that is healthy and exciting to cook, explore nature hikes, or enrol in soft skills development courses for professional growth. “These are broad enough to adapt to life’s unpredictability while still giving you direction plus give you something to look forward to rather than a strict set of rules you must adhere to,” she says. Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks is an efficient way of achieving targets and being up-to-date with work Be realisticA good way to approach targets is to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Don’t forget to celebrate small victories along the way, says Sohini Rohra, a counselling psychologist. Psychiatrist and mental health expert Dr Nazneen Ladak adds that regular physical activity — even light exercise such as walking — can significantly improve your mood by releasing endorphins. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate energy, while eating balanced meals supports overall well-being. Complement this by making a conscious effort to stay socially connected. “A quick phone call or meeting with your friends can ease feelings of isolation. You could also incorporate mindfulness practices — such as meditation or deep breathing — to help manage stress and improve mental clarity,” she suggests. Jain notes that the lack of sunlight in winter months can disrupt the circadian rhythm and impact serotonin levels. “If possible, spend time outdoors or invest in a light therapy lamp, scented candles to boost your mood and energy levels,” she says. Importantly, she emphatically suggests saying no to toxic positivity: “Productivity culture can make us feel guilty for taking breaks. Give yourself permission to rest. Taking a pause doesn’t mean you are falling behind; it means you are refuelling for what’s next.” Dr Nazneen Ladak, Namrata Jain and Taylor Elizabeth Small yet effective“Embrace your creativity and plan micro-adventures. Reflect on the things that brought you joy last year. What music or books did you enjoy last year and what artistes or authors will you discover this year? What new hobbies or activities did you find joy in, and how will you incorporate that in your routine? Who were the people that lifted your spirits and what new discoveries will you make with them this year? Use these insights to create a list of small, achievable activities for the coming months,” suggests Elizabeth. Activities such as exploring a new city nearby, finding a new series to read, taking an art class or inviting a friend on a hike with you can inject excitement into your routine and help you see life as something to actively experience, not just manage. Finally, she harkens back to the fact that progress doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. This simple mindset shift can make all the difference to how you perceive and mitigate your January Blues.
20 January,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulDown Maulana Azad Road, a left turn veers into a cul-de-sac. Dwarfed by the rickety two-floor Lohe ki chawl on both sides, the lane was the starting point for the Kaifi Azmi walk organised by Urdu Markaz on January 14. The promise of Shabana Azmi joining the walk was a reason for our attendance. Urdu Markaz director Zubair Azmi explains, “With the rise of the Progressive Writers Movement and IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association), names from Kaifi Azmi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Manto, Ismat Chughtai to Habib Tanvir, Balraj Sahni and actress Nadira would walk through these lanes.” The actor observes archival books at the collective’s offices in Lohe ki chawl. Pics/Ashish Raje From the carpenters next door to the office of the Urdu Markaz, to little tykes playing cricket in the adjacent lane crowd around to catch a glimpse of Shabana Azmi upon her arrival. As a child, the actress accompanied her father, Kaifi saab, a member of the Communist Party of India, while he helped the textile and mill workers in the city. Azmi tries the tea near Madanpura “There was not enough money, so amma (Shaukat Kaifi) would work with Prithvi Theatre. When she would tour, I would tag along with my father. Back then, it was a holiday for me since the workers would carry me around on their shoulders and buy me cakes,” she shares with this writer later. It was also here that Kaifi Azmi wrote his famous nazm, Makaan, Shabana reveals. The under-construction space that once housed the Communist Party office “He was seated on a charpoy, observing workers at an under construction building across the street. The irony of the same worker being barred from entering the building upon completion led him to write those lines. Art has to be a voice for the people, he would say,” she recalls before reciting a few lines. A poster of Kaifi Azmi with wife, Shaukat Kaifi, alongside the verses from his poem, Aurat These experiences shaped the actor’s choices and activism as part of the Nivara Hakk Samiti in the 1980s. “I learned by osmosis from my parents,” she admits. This is self-evident when she stops impromptu to have a cup of tea from the roadside stall without the airs of a National Award-winner. A new generation of residents, though, barely recognises her. Amusingly, a young boy tells his friend it must be a political rally before walking away. It feels like one as we chase to stay in touching distance, and to hear the conversation above the din of the growing crowd as they walk past the market. The actor is felicitated at the venue The tour follows the Maulana Azad Road to an under-construction building site — once the offices of the Communist Party of India, stopping for moments at the old offices of Inquilab (mid-day’s sister Urdu-language publication), where Javed Akhtar worked as a translator during his first weeks in the city. Azmi (centre) takes a breather at Sarvi Hotel near Nagpada junction The penultimate stop is at Sarvi Hotel around Nagpada Junction. Once the Algonquin Table for writers like Ismat Chughtai, Saadat Hasan Manto, KA Abbas, and even stars like Ashok Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Kapoor, it was closed for cleaning. Ironically, upon her arrival, Shabana told the organisers she’d be happy to turn up every month if they promised kebabs from Sarvi. The Inquilab Manzil once housed mid-day’s sister concern, Inquilab Urdu newspaper, where a young Javed Akhtar worked The walk is a part of Urdu Markaz growing Urdu-Marathi tehzeeb yatra, in addition to the upcoming Bhendi Bazaar festival. In addition to sourcing and building a collection of Urdu poetry and books from the Communist libraries, the organisation hopes to conduct these walks on a monthly basis. Photographs of Kaifi Azmi (standing, centre photo) from the collections of the Urdu Markaz archive “The next one will be on poet and writer Namdeo Dhasal in Kamathipura, also an old haunt of Manto. We are trying to bring back literature to the streets of Mumbai,” shares Markaz director, Zubair Azmi. AT Urdu Markaz, 216, Lohe Ki Chawl, Madanpura.CALL 9322695208 (Zubair Azmi)
18 January,2025 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe Catholic Church will celebrate 2025 as a special jubilee year with the theme, ‘Pilgrims of hope.’ In keeping with this, the director of DYC Mumbai, Deacon Ivan Fernandes launched a digital youth initiative called 8.25 FM with an introductory video earlier this month. This project will feature 25 Catholic youth from across the city, and will be released in a staggered manner on various Sundays throughout the year. “The adult world has begun to accept that youth today are not in the kindergarten of life. Even in matters of faith and reflection. Social media is the digital native place where our young people constantly are, and so 8.25 FM will be presented on a digital platform and will offer a serving menu that is spiritual,” shares Deacon Fernandes. Shilton Dmello (in blue T-shirt) oversees an outdoor shoot with the team He goes on to share that the name 8.25 FM itself explains the series; it will consist of 25 episodes, each featuring different youth speaking for eight minutes on Faith Matters (FM) like love, relationships, social issues, spirituality, inspiration, and so on. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call for concise and meaningful preaching, 8.25 FM will bring matters of youthful relevance up for discussion, in a short, sweet, video package. These youth of Mumbai, will in some way or the other answer the question, “How much can be said in eight minutes?” The façade of the Pranam Maria exhibition centre opposite the Mount Mary Basilica As is the case with most digital projects, it is usually the team behind the scenes, or screen in this case, that is owed most of the credit. The overall team comprises videography, content management, and graphic design sub-teams that are made up of youngsters between the ages of 16 to 25, many of whom are still college students, an animator who is not much older, and a director who helps oversee the project and lends valuable insight. This team is responsible for every aspect of the project, from drafting the initial calendar, to coming up with relevant outdoor and indoor shoot locations, sourcing the right equipment, designing, videography, and editing. The shoot locations (all within Mumbai) coincide with the theme of the episode and are shot across various neighbourhoods of the city. A moment from a shoot at the Pranam Maria exhibition centre The first few locations were chosen around the Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra, as it is close to DYC, a place that holds a special sense of belonging to these youth. These outdoor locations included the picturesque Mount Mary stairs, and the façade of the newly inaugrated Pranam Maria exhibition centre. “The next few will be set against relevant subjects and backgrounds like a piano, a museum, and so on, which will help enhance the theme of the speaker,” shares Shilton Dmello, project manager and animator, DYC. “I am amazed at how young people approach a very simple thought or idea in such a different way. I realised that we have a lot to share if we’re given the opportunity. And 8.25 is ‘the’ opportunity to create something unique and beautiful,” Dmello adds. Deacon Ivan Fernandes Taking this on in addition to the daily trials of a student or young professional is no easy task, but these youth seem to enjoy every minute of it. “It’s a great opportunity to bring my skills to the table, and I’m so grateful for it. With my work schedule, it’s a struggle to find time, but I’m gaining a lot of experience working with the production and editing teams, so that makes up for it,” Avedis D’souza, 23-year-old IT professional, and video editor for the initiative, explains. The core team share that while the process is as fun as it is taxing, the end goal is to ensure that the voice of these youth is brought directly to the people, with no obstacles. LOG ON TO @DYCmumbai on Instagram and YouTube
18 January,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheHell Hath No Fury (Hachette India) is a compilation of 13 short stories about revenge. The title is fittingly borrowed from the English playwright William Congreve’s play, The Mourning Bride. In her introduction, the editor Shinie Antony writes, “A woman who plots revenge reinvents herself, reclaims the planet: This place is mine too. She is not waiting for applause… just righting wrongs.” The characters in the book display a range of traits, countering the stereotype of a “demure, shy” woman, with their daring, wit, strangeness, and defiance. Here are The Guide’s top five recommendations from the collection: 1. The Thorny Apple: Jahnavi Barua’s 60-year-old protagonist, a former domestic help in Mumbai, returns to her hometown with enough savings to buy 10 bighas (measure of land; term used widely in rural India) of land. When she meets the young Michael, she believes she’s found love. A revelation will shake her life. 2. The Man Who Types: The ‘Typing Man’ opens and closes his shop on the clock, until one day, when a woman visits him. She stays for hours, and the whole town watches her fixatedly, waiting for her to leave. One letter will lead to a sad turn of events in AT Boyle’s short story. 3. When Carl’s Café Closed Its Door on Me: A daughter narrates the story of her relationship with her mother, who carries big dreams, a father who left the family, and the strangeness of the small town they lived in. The late writer Rudrakshi Bhattacharjee’s story was first published in her collection of short stories, This Is How It Took Place (HarperCollins). 4. This Little Heart of Mine: This narrative comes with a warning; it’s one of abuse. Written by Shinie Antony, it traces a few hours in the life of a young woman when a tragic event takes place. The story follows what goes through her mind hours later. 5. True Carnivores: Robin McLean’s startling prose leans into exploring a complicated character, little Theo’s aunt. She steals her sister’s money and kidnaps her son, taking him on a wild journey across America. McLean digs into the relationship that develops between the two. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores Cost Rs 599
18 January,2025 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaArt was functional before it became aesthetic,” says collector Saloni Doshi, as she describes the current exhibition, Sculpting Air, at the Space 118 gallery. The Mazgaon-based space is currently hosting 150 pieces of work from her personal collection thattraverses across time and form. “Of these, there are works by 35 prominent artists such as Laxma Goud, LN Tallur and Subodh Gupta among others. But there are also many whose creators have been lost to time,” she states. The collection extends from sculptural artworks to everyday items such as paandaans Curated by Sumesh Sharma, the exhibition takes its title from the conceptual allegory of shaping something out of nothing. Sharma remarks, “I was struck by Tallur’s creation, In Thin Air — a heavyset sculpture depicting four kamalasanas with feet of Chola bronze made in panchdhatu (five metals). The paradox between the title and the material is a common thread that binds the lofty ambitions of sculptors. Several of these objects were also part of homes, Doshi reminds us. “These dichotomies always existed in India. Even modern artists have created sculptures tracing back to divine origin, but using folk and village art. It brings together conversations of art, myths and culture, time and space, ethics and the fundamentals of our own inherent sculptural traditions,” Sharma concludes. Saloni Doshi TILL February 28; 11 am to 5 pmAT Space 118 Art Foundation, 118, Wadi Bunder Road, Mazgaon. CALL 9820098755
17 January,2025 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarJourneys can be transformative, reflective and even, inspiring. For Sarmaya founder Paul Abraham, it has proven to be an adventure. Having set up Sarmaya as a digital archive in 2015, the curator has now opened 2025 with the first exhibition at the 146-year-old heritage building of Lawrence & Mayo in Fort. Titled High Roads, Open Seas, the exhibition is a mirror of the museum’s own journey, he shares. “Sarmaya was born from a desire to tell the stories about India that typically lay hidden in the vaults of the archive,” Abraham says. A Cancer Zodiac, silver rupee of Ahmedabad mint by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir was part of 12 coin designs that went against the then orthodoxy. Pics Courtesy/Sarmaya Arts Foundation This is the first of three distinct exhibitions that will project the museum’s evolutionary journey. As the title suggests, High Seas, Open Roads, deals with the theme of travel. The exhibition is sequestered in eight genres from coins, maps, etchings and engravings, rare books, indigenous art, contemporary art and pre-modern art. These works were put together in a curation by the in-house team. A visitor at the exhibition From the controversial zodiac coins of Mughal Emperor Jahangir — so named for the zodiac sign replacing the month on the coins — to the Warli artworks of Mayur and Tushar Vayeda capturing the heart of Mumbai, these pieces reflect the flow of art through time and cultures. “In addition to these, the exhibition will also be accompanied by digital storytelling through the works of city poets like Namdeo Dhasal, and videos offering a glimpse into the vision of the artists that will complement the experience,” Abraham adds. Paul Abraham TILL February 15; 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)AT Sarmaya Arts Foundation, second floor, Lawrence & Mayo Building, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
17 January,2025 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe best way to read this story might be to flick the lights off, grab a flashlight and follow it line by line; because that’s exactly how participants will be navigating the thick woods of the Aarey Forest tomorrow at the Night In The Forest overnight camp. The rare after-hours opening of trails at the Bombay Natural History Society’s section of the forest is timed thoughtfully to align with a clear sky. The fluctuating AQI levels have been a bit of a troublemaker, we learn. But the wait is going to be worth it. An owl spotted at a night trail at BNHS in March 2024 While some hardcore Mumbaikars might fit the classification, the city’s true nocturnal life forms come to life in the green lungs of the city post-sunset in large numbers. “Owing to laws and regulations, the general public is starved of the primal experience of wandering through the forest and meeting our nocturnal co-inhabitants in the city,” sighs nature education officer Shardul Bajikar. At the trail, naturalists Meehir Pawar, Bhushan Poshe, Kunal Purandare and Jayesh Minde will join Bajikar to ensure a safe and informed walk through a 1-km trail. Turning heads during the trail, quite literally, will possibly be the most popular nocturnal animals — owls. “You might not spot them but you will definitely hear them from the woods,” Bajikar informs us. If you’re the ‘see it to believe it’ kind, nocturnal snakes like the bamboo pit viper, reptiles such as geckos, and insects from the moth family along with their hungry predators like spiders will put on an interesting show. “A dark environment is essential for these species to complete their life cycles. To that end, we will restrict the usage of artificial lights to the bare minimum,” he assures us. A previous skygazing session at BNHS CEC in Goregaon The trail also comes right in time for a rare celestial event. While the stars remain elusive, the planets of the Solar System are all set to align for what astronomers have labelled the Planetary Parade beginning on January 18. “If the conditions permit, we should be able to spot at least Mercury, Venus and Mars through our specialised telescopes,” Bajikar reveals. Those who wish to capture the special moment can bring their cameras. If you wake up to the unreal sight of hundreds of butterflies fluttering all around you the following day, don’t bother pinching yourself. “This is the season for butterflies to congregate in the forest, especially near water bodies. When these winged wonders move in flutters, it’s a sight to behold,” the organiser says. While Mumbaikars soak in the unusual silence — Bajikar suggests they sit down to meditate for at least five minutes in peace while there — the forests are in fact calling out for help. “Light pollution is real. The unregulated usage of bright lights during the night leaks into the forest and disturbs lifecycles. We have seen a concerning uptick in movement of insects away from the interiors of the forest,” Bajikar remarks. While we are not sure how the city that never sleeps will navigate this dilemma, it should suffice to pray, let there be (just enough) darkness. ON January 18, 4 pmMEETING POINT BNHS Conservation Education Center, Goregaon.CALL 9821120494 (to register)ENTRY Revealed on request
17 January,2025 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFor the digital generation that grew up on devices that made entertainment available at the click of a button, traditional art forms, such as puppetry, are not only a source of fascination but also one of the ways to understand India’s vast folk history. Keli, a city-based organisation will bring together the regional puppetry culture of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in two vibrant performances at a venue in Nerul. “While people might think that puppetry is outdated, it is an extremely dynamic art form which can actually mould itself to suit the era’s narrative. The amount of technical knowledge that is required to craft something on a plain white cloth screen, which gives one a 3D feel of the story without using technology as such, is actually a pretty genius thing in itself,” Ramachandran Keli, director of the organisation, opines. A set of puppets depicting Ganesha alongside Riddhi and Siddhi Drawing from specific chapters of the Ramayana, the shows will use a mix of ancient techniques and modern storytelling to take patrons on a ride through the folk culture of India. The first performance, Kalasutri Bahulya (string puppetry) presented by Sindhudurg-based Thakar Adivasi Kala Angan Museum and Art Gallery, and performed by Chetan Parshuram and Group will tackle Thadaka Vadham, or the annihilation of Tataka in a 50-minute-long performance. Chetan Gangavane, the third-generation practitioner of the art form tells us, “Mythological tales have immense potential when it comes to visual narration. Along with Tataka’s story, we will also be presenting on Sita’s swayamvar which was a grand ceremony that was organised for Sita to pick a husband. These were landmark events in the epic itself.” Chetan Gangavane’s string puppets are made from teak wood The performance will use a combination of tabla, manjeera and harmonium to drive the storytelling along with regional folk songs related to the lore. Dressed in vibrant, flowing costumes with their faces brightly painted, Gangavane tells us that his puppets are made from teak wood. “Traditional Maharashtrian puppets usually have three strings — two for the hands and one for the head. They are carved upto the waist since the ghagra (a long pleated skirt), which is one big element in the movement of the puppets, covers up the rest. This is very different from Rajasthani puppetry, where more strings are used, and there is also quite a lot of movement. This Maharashtrian style of puppetry, though, relies heavily on storytelling and music to drive forward the performance,” the puppeteer reveals. Sinde Chithambara Rao with a leather puppet The second day will see Andhra Pradesh’s Chayanatakabrundram led by Sinde Chithambara Rao and Group arrive in the city for a performance of Sundara Kandam from the Ramayana in a leather puppet shadow show. The Rao family has been involved in this regional art form for as long as memory can take them back. “I have been doing leather puppetry for 23 years now. I saw my father and grandfather practise this art form for years. As a child I used to do shows with my father and then I helmed the responsibility of carrying forward this legacy. It is a generational practice now,” the 56-year-old tells us. Ramachandran Keli Deeply involved in his craft, Rao ensures that the puppets are made properly for the performances. “I do everything from the procurement of the goat’s skin to cleaning, sun-drying and refining it to craft the puppets. We usually start with a prayer to Lord Ganesha and then the performance begins with a comic act followed by the actual show,” Rao adds. With three people handling the strings and four involved in singing, the performance also uses traditional instruments like mridangam, taal and harmonium. Chetan Gangavane These puppetry shows not only strive to showcase folk stories and regional artistic expertise but also provide a platform for these art forms to reach a wider audience in an age of lightning fast technology. “Puppetry performances bring to the forefront important information about local cultures and values that are increasingly getting sidelined. It is one of the most interesting ways to understand the evolution of folk culture and recreation in India,” Keli signs off. On January 18 and 19; 6.30 pm At Agri Koli Sanskruti Bhavan, Palm Beach Road, Nerul West.(first-come-first-served basis)
17 January,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWhen I recently moved apartments within the city, the interior decor enthusiast in me was resurrected, as I transformed my little room into a space that I can call home. While scrolling on the Internet to find the perfect lighting for the space (white lights have been the bane of my existence) I stumbled upon the Astronaut galaxy light projector. With eight different light settings, ranging from a dreamy purple-pink ambiance to a tranquil blue one, the celestial lights have definitely elevated the room’s aura, and has helped me sleep better. Log on to theartment.com
16 January,2025 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaADVERTISEMENT
