The GUIDE suggests you head to the Bliss Art Fest this weekend to buy handmade artefacts, attend wine and chocolate tasting sessions, watch movies, catch the unveiling of a men's wear clothing line and more

The minute you spot wall paintings depicting blooming lotuses, it's a cue. You've arrived at Bliss. The lotus (representing the Sahasra Chakra or the state of bliss on attaining nirvana) is the logo of the nine month-old lifestyle store housed in a two-storeyed bungalow at Aram Nagar. Conceptualised by a team of five professionals (two architects, a fashion designer, a graphic designer and a print solutions expert), Bliss hosts an arts and crafts festival this weekend.

Enamel bowl by Contemporary Enamel

"Bliss is more than just another lifestyle store. We planned a flea market a month ago and are following it up with an arts and crafts festival. The idea is to organise at least one event per month, which will become an annual feature," explains Suparna Bhavnani, merchandiser at Bliss.

The festival features 22 artists and craftsmen from across India. "We aim to promote newcomers and lesser-known brands. Plus, we are also offering several products at a discount," adds Mallika Desai Thakker, owner of the store.

Event checklist
Line-up of activities includes a book reading of You Are Not Alone by Arun Mirchandani on Sunday and the launch of an organic clothing collection by television actors Mayank Anand and Shraddha Nigam. The photography exhibition captures the starku00a0 beauty of Ladakh and innocent faces of street children. Cinema lovers must catch up the screening of feel-good movies ufffd Sound of Music, Finding Nemo, That Thing You Do, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Chhoti Si Baat. If you are a wine aficionado, don't miss the tasting session on Sunday.
shop here for...

>>Body care products by Neev, an NGO working with rural women in Jamshedpur. Their hampers are quite a steal for Rs 250, comprising organic soaps, handwash liquids and shampoos (in scents such as Almond Rose, Patchouli and Olive Rose).
>>Handpainted wooden mirror with inlay ceramic tiles by Pune-based Liveliwood (Rs 3,500).
>>Art 'n' Light's decoupage wooden boxes (Rs 2,500).
>>Revamp your plain sofa with cCube's quirky cushion covers (Rs 1,450) carrying images of the Rajabai Tower and trucks sporting Horn OK Please logos.
>>Ranjina Mehta's embroidered artworks using fabric, sequins and beads to create landscapes (Rs 7,500).
>>Beaded plants for your desktop (Rs 720).
>>Pajama Party's funky kettles (Rs 800).
>>Cutting chai glasses in funky colours (Rs 200).
>>Handmade fairylights made from tiny bulbs enmeshed in fabric (Rs 700).
>>Vintage Hollywood prints (Rs 350) and porcelain clocks (Rs 1,200).
>>Ceramicu00a0 brand Kuprkabi's dragonflies (Rs 450) and Contemporary Enamel's intricately crafted bowls (Rs 6,500).
AT Bliss, 180, Aram Nagar 1, Fisheries University, next to 7 Bungalows Garden,
near Legacy of China, Andheri (West).
till May 30, 12 pm to 8 pm
CALL 26332111 / 32095929