For Pabiben and Kuvarben, both master craftswomen from Varnora village in Kachchh, Gujarat the dwindling art form of Rabari embroidery and appliqué is more than a craft — it is a living history stitched into fabric. These talented artists have come together to showcase their craft at The Triumph Of Kachchh, currently on display at Khotachiwadi’s 47-A gallery. Compiled by craft mentor Satish Reddy, this curation aims to highlight the possibilities for traditional crafts, should they receive the right engagement and openness. Of the people. By the people. “For the Rabari community, embroidery was once an essential part of daily life, a language of love and identity. Each piece carries the stories of our ancestors, their wisdom, and their connection to the land. It is vivid and intricate, full of vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and motifs drawn from nature, like peacocks, butterflies, and flowers. Every stitch has a purpose, and every design has a meaning,” Pabiben explains, while Kuvarben points out that Rabari embroidery is deeply personal as well. In that, no two pieces are the same because they reflect the hands and minds that create them. “To me, it is an art form that bridges past and present — a tradition that evolves even as it stays rooted in heritage,” she adds. Kuvarben alongside one of her abstract applique creations An artist from the Debariya Rabari community, Pabiben specialises in creating miniature replicas of traditional clothing, preserving the vernacular costume history of her heritage. Her pieces evoke the artistry she grew up with, capturing a legacy that, once central to her community, is now at risk of being forgotten. Kuvarben, on the other hand, harnesses appliqué and embroidery to create abstract compositions that are inspired by her life and the world she witnesses around her. Elaborating further on the nature of this embroidery, Pabiben shares that although embroidery traditionally served as a way to adorn clothing and household items, it was also a storyteller — the placement of certain motifs or colours could signify a woman’s marital status or her role in the community. A stitch in the fabric of time Like most heirloom crafts, Rabari embroidery too was passed down from mother to daughter, a rite of passage and a skill that was transmitted across generations. Unfortunately, younger women in the community no longer consider embroidery as a viable path anymore. “It requires time, patience, and a commitment to detail —things that seem out of place in today’s fast-paced world. My daughters and granddaughters are not interested; they find it too time-consuming,” laments Pabiben. Kuvarben, however, has a slightly more pragmatic outlook: “It’s heartbreaking but understandable. They want to pursue education and careers outside the home, and embroidery doesn’t seem to offer them the same opportunities.” Her decision to display her craft to the wider world via exhibitions was to show to these young women that the beauty of Rabari embroidery could be valued and appreciated by urban audiences. “When they see our craft being appreciated, perhaps they will look at it differently,” she says. An untitled abstract; (right) a miniature costume by Pabiben For Reddy, the exhibition is a testament to the adaptability and depth of Rabari embroidery. “I hope visitors leave with a renewed understanding of this craft — not just as a skill but as a deeply personal and cultural expression of identity. Through their works, we see how embroidery becomes a form of storytelling, an exploration of memory, and a celebration of creativity. The pieces we’ve selected highlight the dynamism of Rabari embroidery: Kuvarben’s works as a canvas for creative rebellion and reinterpretation, and Pabiben’s as a beacon of preservation and adaptation. This duality is what makes the exhibition so compelling. It offers both a celebration of the past and a vision for the future of this art form,” he concludes. TILL January 5; 11 am to 7 pm (except Mondays) AT 47-A, Khotachiwadi, Girgaon. LOG ON TO 47agallery.com
14 December,2024 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul“Peace at all costs”…In my father’s mantra, I find peace.In all languages, peace is peaceShanti, Paz, Pace, Shalom, Paix.” Poet and educator Kavita Ezekiel Mendonca invokes her father in her poem, ‘Peace at All Costs’. When we ask her about some of her fondest memories of him, she promptly inquires, “Just one or two?” The late poet Nissim Ezekiel, who passed away in 2004, is remembered today through the many ways he touched people’s lives. Some knew him as a mentor, some as a friend, most grew up reading his poems, reciting the words of Night of the Scorpion in Indian classrooms. Literature students studied his work further in their lectures. They would remember him as one of the pioneers of modern Indian poetry in English. Kavita with Daisy and Nissim; (right) Nissim Ezekiel at The Poetry Circle session. Pic Courtesy/Menka Shivdasani To Kavita, his eldest daughter, he was, most of all, “a gentle father, who never complained,” and always encouraged his children’s interests. Kavita loved music. The Ezekiels played it on their Philips turntable recorder, which he had purchased. “We would listen to The Mamas and The Papas,” once even winning an album as an award for a quiz on the radio. Ezekiel would walk briskly to the letterbox close to their Breach Candy home, so that “her postcard with the answer got there promptly. Daddy loved his children.” Ezekiel loved all children. In a poem, ‘Those Bombay Sundays’, Kavita recalls the early days of the black-and-white TV, when all the little ones from the neighbourhood would line up to watch the six-o-clock Hindi movie with him. ‘Daddy …/kept a few handkerchiefs ready,/for the ones with the runny noses…/“Please come again,” he responded to their thanks.’ To honour him, on his 100th birth anniversary this year, Canada-based Kavita has curated an anthology titled Nissim Ezekiel: Poet and Father (Pippa Rann Books & Media). It is a compilation of tributes in the form of essays, interviews, poems, and photographs, shared by those who had met, worked with, or studied under him. “I wrote to several people. Some replied, some didn’t. I sent a set of questions to those who wrote to me… just to get them started,” she shares. Ezekiel’s legacy echoes in the works of many poets and academics like Gieve Patel, Adil Jussawalla, Menka Shivdasani, Jeet Thayil and Shanta Acharya, who contributed to the book and began their journey much after him. The Ezekiel family watches a play From the 1970s to the 1990s, English poetry flourished in Bombay (now Mumbai). “At his Indian PEN office in New Marine Lines, my father would leave his doors open to young poets and students,” Kavita recalls. It would become a meeting space for The Poetry Circle, an initiative co-founded by Shivdasani, Akil Contractor, and Nitin Mukadam in 1986 to encourage young poets. Instead of the usual circulars through which one was informed of the meetings, now there was an understanding among the members of the circle that every second Saturday one was to gather at Ezekiel’s office. He was a regular at the readings. At one of them, he wrote: ‘Stop praising me, my friends.Let me learnto live without teaching,until I find my soul—or even lose iton that different road.’ A Bene Israeli Thanksgiving feast by Kavita Ezekiel Mendonca to be served at Nissim’s birth anniversary. Pics Courtesy/Kavita Ezekiel Mendonca “I owe him a great deal. I was 16 when I first met him,” recalls Shivdasani, who found a life-long mentor and friend in him. Ezekiel loved Bombay. “It was home to my father. He never wanted to leave,” says Kavita. “I have the same emotional connection to it as my father had, and that Bombay will always be my home, I was born and raised there. It’s hard for me to say Mumbai.” She reminisces about the time she spent with him in the city. From their house, they would “walk to the ice cream store. We would call it the Irani store. We also visited the Hanging Gardens frequently on holidays. My father loved to walk. After work, from his office at the Theosophy Hall, he would walk to the Churchgate station, and pick up mid-day and bring it back for us.” She adds, “He never forced us to read anything, but he insisted that we read the newspaper. He would say, “You have to know what’s happening in the real world.” A 2021 news article in mid-day by features editor Fiona Fernandez, which explored Kavita’s collaboration with poet-architect Mustansir Dalvi for the Marathi translations of two of Ezekiel’s poems and an ode to him, forms part of the anthology. The collection contains photographs, including many of the Ezekiels. In one, the family is seated to watch a play; the four attendees are grandma Diana, Kalpana (Kavita’s sibling), Kavita, and Ezekiel. They sit close to each other — an older woman in the background seems to identify the man in the suit and peeks from behind, taken in by his dignified presence. In another from a wedding, young Ezekiel sits with a knee resting on the floor, the other raised above, balancing little Kavita. Her head rests comfortably against his chest. In all, it is hard to miss his quiet demeanour. He smiles “gently from his fragile glasses”, and one can almost hear him whisper to us, peace at all costs. Available on Amazon Attend Remembering Nissim Ezekiel: Poetry reading and conversations about the bard, organised by the literary club of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai.ON Monday, December 16; 5 pmAT Durbar Hall, The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Fort. FREE
14 December,2024 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaMumbai is a cacophony of languages. A five-minute stroll through any railway station will introduce you to a thousand different words in diverse languages. It is no surprise then that the season of joy in Mumbai is coloured with the harmony of different languages. Songs of migrants At St Paul’s Tamil Church on Clare Road in Byculla, the language is part of its origins, and the city’s. Founded in 1861, the church began as a simple prayer house for Tamil, Hindustani and Konkani migrants coming to the port city of Bombay. The arrival of Madras-based missionaries in the late 1920s gave it the name of St Paul’s Tamil Church. Current choir master Asher Stephen began his journey with the congregation in 1974 as an organist. Slowly progressing to bass singer, he took over the choir last year. “The worship and the service is also in Tamil, as are the songs for the Nativity and Christmas celebrations,” he tells us. The music is a mix of traditional and Indian sounds. “We do not alter the compositions in any way, but you will find the influences in the humming and vocals,” he points out. Yet like many regional choirs, Stephen faces a new need to adapt. “Many of the new generation cannot read Tamil. I do not blame them. In Mumbai, you hardly have the time. In such cases, we tend to use transliterations of the song to sing it phonetically. As long as they are being sung, the songs will live on,” he says. Members of the St Francis Xavier Church choir in a rehearsal From the gaothans For Raymond Creado, it was language that drew him to the choir. The choir master was among the founding members of the 50-year-old Marathi choir at St Francis Xavier Church in Vile Parle West. Having begun in 1974, the choir continues its tradition of singing Marathi missals (book of prayers) every Christmas. “I was 16-years-old when the choir was set up. Before that, the songs were often sung in English and a little Latin. Many of the older members from the gaothans would attend, but would hardly understand anything,” shares Creado who traces his roots to the Pond gaothan in Vile Parle.This changed with the initiative. With songs written by Fr Hillary Fernandes, the choir started out in 1974. Sung simply like bhajans, these songs were written in pure Marathi — different from the ‘boli bhasha’ that had an influence of East Indian and Koli dialects, says Creado. The music also has elements of taal similar to Hindustani folk music traditions. Raymond Creado; a Marathi hymnal choir book Things are changing though. With the next generation educated in English medium schools, and moving abroad, Creado admits the songs need protecting. “We still have a strong choir that performs and has won multiple awards. But we are training and helping the children learn these songs. After all, they are a part of our legacy and heritage,” he says. The coastal influence Across the neighbourhood at the CNI Ambroli Church, Vile Parle, Cecil Phillips shares a similar story. “I have been a part of the choir since my childhood. I grew up in Mahim and later, Vile Parle. I learnt the songs from my father, and he learnt them from his,” shares Phillips, now a resident of Chennai. Describing the choir’s traditional roots, the 55-year-old adds, “We have a song book of 500 hymns [called bhajans] that are almost 150 years old. In Gujarati, the hymnal book is called the bhajan sangraha.” Cecil Phillips This compilation has been enriched by works of Indians and foreigners as well. “In the 18th century, JVS Taylor was one of the influential scholars who translated songs from English to Gujarati. Others like Jaywantiben Chavan have since added to it.” “We have translated versions of the English carols like Joy To The World and Silent Night. The composition and scales remain the same. Then, there are Gujarati songs that are traditional Garba-type songs written for Christmas. One other song is ‘Alaame aaj ugyo soneri suraj’ praising the birth of Christ. This song is in Indian classical form,” he reveals. The Ambroli choir in rehearsal With a new generation on the move, is there a worry for the tradition? Not at all, says Philips. “The tradition is 120 years old, and the Gujarat Diocese and Tract and Book Society of India publish these hymnals. Now, there are a lot of audio cassettes as well, so the tradition will carry on.” From the gullies of Grant Road One rare institution for the Gujarati Christian community in the city is the Centenary Hindustani Methodist Church in Grant Road. “The community is spread across Mumbai, and this church has been a key part of the Gujarat Diocese for several generations,” remarks Phillips.
14 December,2024 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarTweet the joy Celebrate Christmas by crafting a DIY wooden gingerbread birdhouse. The kit includes a pre-cut wooden birdhouse, paints, lights, decorations, and step-by-step assembly instructions. It comes with a hook for easy hanging on a tree or windowsill.Call: 9769037996 Cost: Rs 1,600 Floral fun Spruce up your holiday table at this hands-on floral design workshop. Create your own Christmas floral arrangement with provided materials and take your festive masterpiece home.ON December 21; 9.30 am to 12.30 pmAT Institute of Floral Design, LJ Education & Training Center, NC Kelkar Road, Dadar West. Log on to: @instituteoffloraldesignindiaCall: 9769768838Cost: Rs 3,500 Cup of happiness Design and decorate your own personalised holiday mug in this guided hands-on workshop. Add custom clay decorations to make your mug unique, and enjoy sipping hot chocolate from your festive creation.Age limit: 8 years and aboveON December 22; 12 pm to 3 pmAT Nautilus Candies, 5AA Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to: @desiartstudio_india Call: 8655615440 Cost: Rs 1,500 Whip up Christmas cheer Here, kids will learn to make hot chocolate, blueberry muffins, brownies with chocolate mousse, and decorate cookies. The little bakers can carry home their treats, a recipe book and a certificate. Age limit: From 8 years to 16 yearsON December 15; 9 am to 12 pmAT Nolita Cacao, Ground floor 1st Road, Govind Dham, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Log on to: @nolita.inCall: 9380500300Cost: Rs 2,500 Light up the holidays Brighten up the season with Christmas-themed candles. Let the kids get creative at this candle making workshop and craft tree, Santa, snowflake, and gingerbread man-shaped candles. Age limit: From 6 years to 16 yearsON December 15; 4 pm to 6 pmAT Revealed on requestLog on to: @martinibynidhiCall: 9867673627 Cost: Rs 1,500 Tree-time fun Build a tree that lasts beyond this holiday season at this woodworking workshop. Guided by experts, kids will learn to safely craft and decorate their own wooden Christmas trees.Age limit: 10 years and aboveON December 15; 10.30 am to 12.30 pmAT Museum of Solutions; Victoria House, Lower Parel. Log on to: @museumofsolutionsCall: 8828481000 Cost: Rs 999 Also Read: Meet Mumbai’s OG Christmas bakers Also Check Out >> This stitch-it-yourself weekend workshop lets children tap into their creativity to create personalised stockings, and festive decorations. Age limit: Above 7 years ON December 21 and 22; 4.30 pm to 6.30 pmAT The Hab by Usha, G 1 no 444 Corporate Lounge, Khar West. Log on to: @thehab_ushaCall: 7777026367Cost: Rs 2,499 >> A three-day workshop lets kids create festive crafts like 3D Christmas trees, clay models, canvas paintings, and more, with an optional DIY Christmas card kit available. Age limit: From 3 to 15 yearsON December 13 to 18; 3 pm to 5 pmAT Hema’s Hues, 1st floor, Chandrabhaga Housing Society, Anant Vishram Nagvekar Marg, Prabhadevi. Log on to: @hemashuesCall: 9967773558 Cost: R1,500 >> Sign up for workshops on tote bag painting, mug design, gingerbread house decorating, and cookie decorating.ON December 10 onwards;12 pm onwardsAT Hue by SLA, 47, St Francis Avenue, Willingdon, Santacruz West. Log on to: @huebysla Call: 9082462997 Cost: R1,099 onwards
13 December,2024 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaPhysical stores . From festive greetings to custom keepsakes, this shop has been spreading holiday cheer for five decades. They offer a wide range of options, from Christmas designs featuring Santa and his elves to Christmas cards featuring the Nativity scene with a variety of different embellishments inside some. Cards with custom text are also available for orders of minimum 50 cards, while photo personalisation begins at minimum of 100 cards. AT Satyam Collection, Chheda Sadan Building, Churchgate. TIME 9.30 am to 8 pm (Monday to Saturday)CALL 242138800COST Rs 30 onwards . A craft shop brings back the charm of old-school Christmas cards with sacred illustrations and blessings. Sold in as single-buy cards as well as in packs of five with vintage floral envelopes, these cards are perfect gifts for spreading festive cheer to your loved ones. AT Itsy Bitsy, Korum Mall, Mangal Pandey Road, off Eastern Express Highway, Thane West. TIME 10.30 am to 9.30 pm CALL 6366951536 COST Rs 50 onwards . Head here for Christmas-themed cards in the classic red, green and gold shades. They also sell Christmas décor and festive merchandise. AT Satyam Gallery, Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga Railway Colony, Matunga East. TIME 10 am to 9 pm CALL 9321489062 COST Rs 60 onwards . This has been a go-to gifting haunt for years, offering over 50 unique card designs, including pop-up cards and Christmas tree-themed styles, it’s a treasure trove for Christmas shopping.AT Archies Gallery, Natasha Shopping Centre, Hill Road Bandra West. TIME 10.30 am to 9.30 pm CALL 9820797337 COST Rs 50 onwards . This veritable goldmine offers a wide range of cards designed to capture the festive spirit. Choose from 12 different types of prints and traditional motifs to a variety of card sizes with options available across price ranges.AT St Paul Book And Art Centre, St Paul Media Complex, Duruelo Convent School, Bandra West. TIME 9 am to 7 pm (Monday to Saturday); 9.30 am to 7 pm (Sunday) CALL 226407127COST Rs 12 onwards Take the e-route . With an eclectic range of hand painted and illustrated Christmas cards which have been digitised for the perfect wish, this platform has cracked the code of Christmas warmth. They offer regular and express deliveries pan-India.LOG ON TO @skyforapalette on Instagram COST Rs 125 onwards . From classic Christmas designs to quirky and cute Santa cards, they offer an affordable and festive range of greeting cards for everyone.LOG ON TO thepeppystore.inCOST Rs 100 onwards . Switch to sustainable gifting options this Christmas with these seed-based cards and envelopes made with 100% post-consumer waste cotton. These greetings are available in the form of single-buy cards as well as sets. LOG ON TO plantables.storeCOST Rs 149 onwards . With Christmas postcards in sets of five, a special secret Santa card with a hidden surprise, and even a light-up card, this e-store is sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday greetings.LOG ON TO oyehappy.comCOST Rs 200 onwards
13 December,2024 08:06 PM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamThursdayA royal platter Indulge in the rich flavours of a royal Malwa feast curated by chef Anuradha Medhora (right) with an elaborate spread that aims to revive the old recipes of Madhya Pradesh’s khansamas.TIME 8 pm onwardsAT KMC Bar and Bistro, Kitab Mahal, Azad Maidan, Fort.LOG ON TO in.bookmy show.comCOST Rs 3,599 Sporting frames A photograph from an IPL match Relive the glorious history of Indian sports across different disciplines through an extensive exhibition featuring photographs by mid-day’s chief photographer Atul Kamble. Atul Kamble TIME 12 pm to 7 pm AT Mumbai Press Club, Mahapalika Marg, Azad Maidan. FridayFresh jokes Dive into a comedy set that promises an evening of unfiltered jokes as stand-up comics, Shreya Priyam and Devanshi Shah (below) try out their new material to set the mood for the weekend. TIME 8.30 pm onwardsAT 3 Art House, Ajanta Building, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West.LOG ON TO @3arthouse on InstagramCOST Rs 350 SaturdayChristmas conversations A moment from a previous session Attend a special workshop hosted by educator Bhavna Faizullabhoy at the Just B Library that celebrates the spirit of Christmas through a session where children’s stories are used as a bridge to offer a safe space to adults. In addition to the special display of Christmas books including JRR Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas among others, the session will feature two key illustrated children’s books, Kid Christmas of the Claus Brother's Toy Shop by David Litchfield and What do you do with an idea? written by Kobi Yamada and Illustrated by Mae Besom. The read-aloud sessions will be followed by an extension activity and art activity along with fun treats for participants.TIME 4 pm to 6 pmAT Just B library, Seagull building, Carmichael Road, Malviya Nagar, Tardeo.EMAIL [email protected] (prior registration mandatory)COST Rs 3,000 Mumbai story-hop From stories and anecdotes about the city by authors like Shabnam Minwalla and Katie Bagli, to fun sessions in English, Hindi and Marathi, let your kids have an immersive time at the Mumbai Masala festival at CSMVS. TIME 12 pm onwardsAT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Kala Ghoda, Fort. EMAIL [email protected] (to register) SundaySongs of the season Attend a musical evening by the India chapter of Pueri Cantores, an organisation encouraging young singers towards sacred music to usher in the festive season this year.Time 11.45 am onwardsAT St Peter’s Church, Hill Road, Bandra West. What a dilemma! Attend an insightful one-man play, Defending the Caveman, featuring Vishesh Arora (below) about the often misunderstood dynamics of a relationship seasoned with humour and relatable anecdotes. Time 6 pm onwardsAT Veda Kunba Theatre, Andheri WestLOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 360
13 December,2024 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIf you catch someone doodling like their life depends on it at an art gallery in SoBo this weekend, give them a pat on the back and cheer them on; they’re possibly racing against time in art educator Anika Goenka’s The Amazing Art Race. Conceptualised with co-founder Madhumita Srivastava, the art gallery-hopping trail returns for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic with new visual clues, activities, and tasks, tomorrow. “As an art educator, I know that the quickest and most efficient way to get someone interested in art is to leave the classroom and head to an art gallery,” Goenka, a Parsons School of Design alumnus shares. To that end, four art galleries and six outdoor spots form part of the upcoming art trail. As for the beginning, that remains a mystery to be solved. “After we gather at the meeting point, participants will receive a written clue coloured in wordplay and rhymes that points them to their first checkpoint,” she reveals. A mother-child duo observe an installation at CSMVS For anyone who has ever stood in front of a painting and whispered “I could’ve made that,” the clues and tasks should be a test of their confidence. At a previous race, participants were tasked with making their own zines at art gallery Chatterjee & Lal, and later recreated etchings of the towering statues at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya to work their way through the trail. “Through these activities, the gallery and museum staff also become a part of the experience. Our clues are framed in accordance with the ongoing exhibitions at the galleries. In that sense, no two trails are the same,” the organiser adds. The art race involves doodling and sketching as part of the tasks; (right) a girl marks lines on a sheet of paper at Malla Park in Bandra to solve a clue during an earlier edition of the race You can’t possibly walk the streets of Colaba and not talk about its architecture, says Goenka. Ironically, most Mumbaikars have been doing exactly that. “I want the participants to stop and marvel at the intricate Art Deco, Gothic and post-Independence-style structures in Colaba. Our outdoor clues encourage people to interact with these structures and read the signage and texts engraved on them to find the answers. “When Watson’s Hotel [Esplanade Mansion] was in better shape, one of the tasks was to capture a panoramic shot from its rooftop,” Goenka reveals. If art and its many isms and layered interpretations are a puzzle in the first place for you, you’re not alone. Goenka reassures us you don’t have to be an art connoisseur to win the race. “If you can hold a pen and take notes and doodle, you’re fit for the race. We have hosted parent-child duos, teenagers, working professionals and art students in the past. On most trails, it’s the children who emerged victorious,” she laughs. Anika Goenka In the seven years since the last race, the average Mumbaikar’s view of art has evolved, she believes. “There has been an uptick in the interest towards art and museums. Social media and the increased visibility art exhibitions get as a result have played a vital role,” Goenka remarks. To sustain this rising interest, the trail ends with an art appreciation discussion at a popular café in Colaba. While we know where to catch the discussion, we’ll leave you with a clue to rack your brains over: Where the sea meets the city, a gate stands tall. Think of an iconic cartoonist, and you’ll find him on these walls. AGE GROUP 13 years and aboveON December 14; 10.30 amAT Colaba (meeting point revealed on registration)CALL 9820191354 (to register)ENTRY Rs 1,200 (includes art supplies)
13 December,2024 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt’s that time of the year, when the mind does a quick recap if you’ve out-maxed yourself when it comes to Christmas décor, especially if you’re the kind who slants towards quirk and off-beat. It was typically in one of those moods that this writer went into browsing overdrive, and stumbled upon Santa Claus. Except that this version is a desi one, from Kerala to be precise. Dressed in a mundu and his iconic red jacket, this version has swapped the sleigh and reindeer and appears all set to vroom around in an autorickshaw to distribute gifts to children from different parts of the state. The quirky find is hand-painted individually, using marble dust and resin. It definitely grabbed the eyeballs for reimaging Santa in a desi avatar in every sense. We’re pretty close to bringing him home this Christmas; what about you? LOG ON TO memorytrain.comCOST Rs 3,600
13 December,2024 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamEver imagined Maa Durga taking your child on a ride on her tiger or Lord Ganesha helping your little one pluck mangoes? Chitwan Mittal’s My First Shloka Book Collection (AdiDev Press Pvt Ltd) introduces children to the world of Sanskrit shlokas in a fun and approachable way. Illustrated by Bhargavi Rudraraju, the six-book series explores shlokas related to Hindu deities — Durga, Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, and Vishnu. Designed to make ancient verses accessible, the books aim to teach children more than just the words, fostering a deeper connection to the meaning behind them. Mittal was inspired by her own childhood experiences of reciting shlokas with her family, “The goal was to engage the next generation’s curiosity, ensuring kids understand the prayers rather than just memorise them.” Annapurna Todi Each book includes the original Sanskrit verse, an English transliteration, a child-friendly translation with word meanings, and colourful illustrations. When seven-year-old Devanshi Todi from Thane picked up the book, she was instantly hooked. She breezed through all six books in the series over the weekend, sneaking in shloka readings between school homework. “When I first opened the books, I loved how bright and colourful the books were. I didn’t know we could read shlokas in English that too with a pop of colour,” the child tells us excitedly. The shlokas were chosen based on their popularity and their strong associations with specific deities. For example, Vakratunda Mahakaya is included for Lord Ganesha. “It would be helpful if they showed us where one shloka ended and the next one began since it was a little confusing sometimes,” the little reader suggests. The book set. PIC/ASHISH RAJE The set comes in a compact design, with all six books fitting neatly into a sleeve. “Every aspect of the book’s production was carefully thought out for the kids. From the illustrations to the size and weight of the book, to the colours, every detail was deliberate. The colours were chosen to reflect the hues associated with each god. We show the gods interacting with children in the illustrations, which helps make the books relatable and approachable,” Mittal reveals. The illustrations link the text to the deities. For instance, Lord Ganesha is drawn with his characteristic large ears and riding his Mushak (mouse), while Maa Saraswati teaches a child to play a tabla. Devanshi, however, noted that some illustrations were harder to understand at first. “I had to think for a bit to understand how they matched the shloka,” she adds. Each book includes a QR code that unlocks two options: an audio version of each shloka or the complete audiobook. The latter features a detailed translation, including the Sanskrit verse and its English transliteration. Chitwan Mittal Devanshi received guidance from her mother, Annapurna Todi, to understand certain words and access the QR code. “Hearing the shloka in Sanskrit helped her attempt the pronunciation. Although she was incredibly enthusiastic while reading, she struggled with a few words. This set is visually appealing, and with the English translations and a bit of parental support, children will find it engaging and be able to understand and learn the shlokas,” Annapurna summed up the experience. Also Read: Book review: Ditch the cape, lungi is cooler
13 December,2024 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaWe have all grown up hearing stories about the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci. From the hugely popular Mona Lisa and its many renditions, to movies and books that go deep into the mind of the polymath, there has been no dearth of conversation around him and his oeuvre. Over the years, people have found their own creative ways to engage with the artist, even when his artworks stay tucked away in the halls of The Louvre in Paris. A girl interacts with the painting of Mona Lisa at the show One such show at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon attempts to bring da Vinci closer to people through an interactive and experiential interface. Produced by London’s Phoenix Immersive and introduced in the country by Theia Enterprise India and Black Tie Production, the show’s debut in Mumbai has captivated people of all ages. “The idea behind our show, Da Vinci-Genius is to bring an artistic experience to India that people have not seen before. I first saw the show in Amsterdam and immediately thought that people would also love it here. It is beyond an art show; it is an educational experience for the 40 to 60 minutes that you would be spending at the centre,” Tabish Khan, director, Theia Enterprise India tells us. Visitors view the immersive experience in one of the zones Making a strong departure from the traditional ways of interacting with an artwork, the show seeks to explore da Vinci’s craft in novel and exciting ways. “Usually immersive experiences are limited to animation being spread over the wall and floor of the hall. You’re just sitting there and watching. But this show uses LiDAR technology, which is a remote sensing system that enables people to touch the wall and see it react to their touch. We have also incorporated AI in the show to make the experience more interactive. You can scan a QR code and ask questions to Mona Lisa and she will respond to you with a voiceover or you can ask da Vinci to paint Mona Lisa over the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and he’ll do it for you. With AI and LiDAR, we’ve created an atmosphere where animation is generated on a real time basis, something which is completely new to India,” Khan explains. A picture of Leonardo da Vinci at the show; (right) a wall showcases Leonardo da Vinci’s writings using projection mapping technology The process behind curating the show was a mammoth task itself. As Khan tells us, “Getting people to do something that they had not seen or experienced before was very challenging. We invited the team from Europe to fly down here in order to teach our staff the technology and logistics required to run the show. All of them had to be taught and trained over months.” Tabish Khan Da Vinci-Genius is scheduled to premiere in major metropolitan cities in the coming year, with the next production slated for Bengaluru. “The idea was to make art more accessible with the use of technology and given the fantastic response in Mumbai, we’ll bring the show to other cities in India as well. Right now, the show is premiering in Florida and Mumbai, and we are happy to see people in India experiencing the quality of shows that the world is watching. I also believe that it is a matter of time before we bring up something of our own, something local and situated in India as well. The world should also experience India’s rich history and culture,” he concludes. Till January 29; 10.30 am onwardsAt Hall 7, Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Mhada Vanrai Colony, Goregaon East. Log on to: insider.in Entry Rs 900 onwards
13 December,2024 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaThere is much abuzz amidst the serene oasis of Pirojshanagar in Vikhroli. The annual event of Godrej Design Lab, Conscious Collective returns this week with the new theme of Bridging Horizons. Nyrika Holkar, executive director, Godrej Enterprises Group, states, “When curating the sessions and experiences for Conscious Collective, we focused on key facets that align with our overarching mission of fostering a more sustainable future. The idea of building a community is for everyone to come together to find solutions that can address the pressing needs of a warming planet.” On: December 14 and 15; 10 am onwardsAt: Godrej and Boyce, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli East. Log on to: insider.com INSTALLATIONS Leather talesThis installation, titled Luminous Lore, will bring together the ancient art of leather used for Tholu Bommalata and ancient shadow puppet theatre in the Deccan with the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast to create a perpetual play of light.ON December 14 and 15Also Read: From food to sports: Explore these unique events in Mumbai this weekend Of green spacesThis spatial experience created by the Design Village will bring to visual reality the slow degradation of soil, life and the ecosystem in the absence of Mumbai’s mangroves.ON December 14 and 15 An example of the terra cotta installation. Pics Courtesy/Godrej Design Lab Terra-cool itDespite temperatures being on the lower side of late, this bio-coolant installation, Coral, highlights the innovative concept of using material such as terra cotta and moss to reduce ambient temperatures.ON December 14 and 15 Deep in the wellsThe traditional baoris come alive in this installation, The Baori Cube, a multi-sensorial installation that will serve as a catalyst by triggering sense, sight and sound.ON December 14 and 15 TALKS Saving the mangrovesLearn the role and advantage of the city’s sentinel greens — mangroves — in this conversation featuring Anne Guerry (lead scientist, Stanford University), Lubaina Rangwala (WRI India), Suresh Babu (WWF India), Dr Ramasubramanian (MS Swaminathan Research Foundation) among others.ON December 14; 11.45 am to 12.45 pm Vikas Dilawari For a healthy balanceConservation architect Vikas Dilawari joins urban designer and architect Oormi Kapadia and Avid Learning CEO Asad Lalljee in a conversation about uniting heritage conservation with urban growth.ON December 14; 2 pm to 2.45 pm Ken Yeang Natural inspirationMalaysian ecologist and architect Ken Yeang will delve into the need to tap into existing ecosystems to design sustainable urban infrastructure for the future.ON December 15; 2 pm to 2.45 pm Bringing design to realityWith the city prone to climatic changes, architects Dr Kaiwan Mehta, Veerendra Wakhloo and Chitra Vishwanath discuss the need to translate passive design concepts to urban reality.ON December 15; 11.45 am to 12.30 pm Putting theory to practiceArchitects and educators Rohan Shivkumar, Vinu Daniel and Monish Siripurapu join Henry Skupniewicz of Godrej Design Lab on bridging the gap between practical and theoretical design for sustainability in a world driven by AI technology.ON December 15; 6 pm to 6.45 pm KIDS Walk in the wildStep into the green haven hidden in Pirojshanagar with naturalist Sunjoy Monga and experience its hidden ecosystem.ON December 14; 10 am to 11 am A child works at a city plan Bee the changeThe Pune-based waste-mining chain Advanced Nature will educate children on the process of pollination and its crucial role in our ecosystem using simple and fun exercises and recycled plastic bottles and bamboo sticks. ON December 14; 10.30 am to 11.30 am Little citizensLet your little ones free up their imagination at this workshop designing cities with forests, mangroves and residences on mock landscapes.ON December 14 and 15; 10 am to 7 pm EXPERIENCES Hooked by the GhatsJoin author and visual storyteller Svabhu Kohli, artist-musician Aaron Myles Pereira showcase the immersive installation of the Western Ghats through 15 endemic plant species.ON December 14 and 15; 11 am to 4 pm Music from the wildThe group of socially-conscious rappers from Swadesi bring their unique sounds and stories from the Warli experience to the fore.ON December 14; 1 pm to 2 pm Running wildJoin authors Lavanya Karthik and Shabnam Minwalla as they bring to life a tale of three lakes with an army of ants, a chorus of frogs and a mantis ballet to boot.ON December 15; 12 pm to 1 pm WORKSHOPS Taste the chocolateIf you want something for your taste buds, walk in to learn about the art of chocolate making, and the ecosystem that leads to its delicacies.ON December 14; 11.30 am to 12.30 am Experience the pastIf you are in need of a digital detox, sign up for this sustainability workshop that brings back the 17th century art of making handcrafted paper using waste and cotton rags. ON December 15; 11 am to 1 pm Wowed by Warli artArtist Dinesh Barap will introduce participants to the traditional techniques, indigeneous motifs and artistic heritage of the Warli community. Barap’s use of natural colours and materials adds to the experience. ON December 15; 4 pm
12 December,2024 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
