In the book The Long Strider in Jehangir’s Hindustan (Speaking Tiger), Sarayu Srivatsa recalls Dom Moraes’s words. “We have only five letters that [Thomas] Coryate wrote from India. Beyond this, we have to reconstruct from available facts, reinvent his life all the time… Seriously, Sarayu, we are going to have to imagine a lot.” Moraes was speaking about the 17th century traveller from Odcombe, England — “an eccentric man” — who would travel from Somerset to India by foot to write about places that were mysterious to the West. “Master Ben, it is to the Indies that I wish to go,” he would tell the British playwright and poet, Ben Jonson. Although his ambition was fulfilled, his hope of seeing an enchanting land was often ousted by its stark reality. Crawford Market Moraes and Srivatsa, fascinated by Coryate’s story, decided to write a book that would trace this journey. Since their styles differed, they thought of experimenting by including an insider’s perspective of the country, Srivatsa’s, and an outsider’s perspective, Moraes’s. “Dom’s view of India is a bird’s eye view; my view of India is a worm’s eye view because I grew up here. He was able to see the overall picture, and for me, those were things that I had grown up seeing,” the Mumbai-based Srivatsa comments, when we speak with her. The book, therefore, became a dual travelogue that seamlessly weaved two narratives. One followed Coryate through the 1600s, and the other showed India of the late 1990s and early 2000s through the travels of the two authors, who were looking to understand Coryate’s life and his journey across various cities within India. Dom Moraes and Sarayu Srivatsa. Illustrations courtesy/Apoorva Lalit, Speaking Tiger Moments of lightness are injected through the character of the caterer-researcher-self-proclaimed-“face reader” Juzer, who unearthed interesting information on Coryate (or Coryati, as he’d call him). “He was classic — such a lively companion, especially during the long stretches of drive,” Srivatsa says, thinking of the time she spent with him. The authors often returned to Mumbai to write their book between the years 2000 and 2003. They first met the researcher in the city near the Lockwood Kipling Fountain (better known as Crawford Market Fountain), before they began visiting other places including Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Vrindavan, Haridwar and Surat. Juzer’s way of thinking intrigued them. Once after meeting Srivatsa outside Iranian Cultural Centre, he took her on a tour through Crawford Market into Chor Bazaar, picking up clothes for himself and his family, running errands, egging her to eat Suleiman’s Aflatoon, and leading her into a mosque to show a community marriage. Meanwhile, a fuming taxi driver waited for him so they could continue their ride to Bandra, where they were to meet Moraes. Chor Bazaar. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons In Srivatsa’s diary notes, we sense Moraes’s deteriorating health and, therefore, the stress under which the book was written. The discovery of a cancerous lump in his throat led to the urgency and anxiety of finishing what they started. Srivatsa shares, “There was always a worry: having worked so hard; would he be able to complete it? I used to carry his medication while travelling.” She treasures that they could bring the title, Moraes’s last project, to fruition and launch it in Odcombe, where Moraes wished to be buried. AVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores
15 June,2024 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaA regular day for Chembur-based Hari Chakyar kicks off in his kitchen with a ladle full of dosa batter in his hand and a podcast playing in the background. “This is pretty much how my mornings look like these days,” the former creative director shares. This routine and his never-dying love for the South Indian dish birthed an innovation and Chakyar’s new project — Type of Dosa. Hari Chakyar cooks a dosa letter In Type of Dosa, you will find the dish reshaped into alphabets — from A to Z, both in upper and lower case. “It is a typography project which I have wanted to execute for a long time now. One day, I told my friend Nash Fernandes about it, and he willingly came over to shoot the process,” Chakyar says. With an ambition to publish his own graphic novel someday, the writer takes up such creative projects as practice. Letters of the alphabet made of dosa batter “I also create comic strips whenever I get inspired by something that occurs in my daily life. A graphic novel requires you to be able to create a lot of drawings. Such projects, I feel, help me prepare for it,” he explains, adding that he has also made illustrations out of pancake batter a few years ago. It took him over three hours of trial-and-error before he could create all letters, and even numbers till nine. “We started at noon, and finished by around 3.30 pm,” he reveals. The process, he says, is simple. It is just like how one makes dosa. “Keep your batter ready. But remember, that using your ladle will not give you enough control of the shape of dosa. You want to draw on the tava, so the best thing to do would be to get a squeezy bottle — like the ones used for ketchup — and fill your batter in it. This way, you will have better command over the shape of the batter poured on to the tava,” he shares. Using the letters made of his comfort food, he shares a comforting message with his viewers — Sab theek ho jayega. “If dosa says everything will be alright, it must be true, no?” he signs off. Log on to @harichakyar Take your pick If all this dosa talk is making you drool, here is where you can get the snack in other unique avatars across Mumbai: Tall and temptingIndulge in the flavourful Burj Khalifa Dosa at this famous dosa centre in Thane.At Angel Dosa Centre, Vikas Complex, Thane West.Call 9820777909 Long live dosaThis dosa requires a group of five to finish. At a length of four ft, it comes with 18 different chutneys and restaurant special, pineapple sheera. At Ayyappan Idli, Bhau Daji Road, Matunga East.Call 9167796609 Pics Courtesy/Instagram Dosa in a potThe matka dosa is a flavourful burst of chutneys and masalas.At Kumar Dosa Centre, Sarvodaya Nagar, Mulund West.Call 9004584476 Sinful delightEat it as a dessert or a meal; the chocolate overload dosa, served alongside chocolate sauce, will please the sweet-tooth.At Narayan Dosa, Giragon. Call 9920793287 Also check out Digital Dosa: This one is made automatically by a dosa printing machine at the new Borivali eatery. At Dosa Anna, Borivali West.Call 9372904997 Pink Dosa: This version is made from beetroot.At Bombay Street Food House, Bandra West.Call 9167329876
15 June,2024 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThe quiet gaze party organised by The Gay Gaze Bombay this weekend will be nothing like your typical party in the city. Imagine the lights dimmed, mellow music playing in the background, a dancing guide, with everyone in their personal space. The party forms a part of the collective’s two-day long pride celebrations set to the theme of Bizarre Bazaar. “Queer individuals often find it hard to abide by heteronormative constructs. Bizarre Bazaar is a celebration of the ones that stand out, the bizarre,” shares founder Winnie Chopra. The weekender will include a marketplace for queer-owned small businesses, a nukkad-style theatre show, a barbecue cookout and a drag show. “What I like is that there are no competitive undertones to these events,” shares Palash Gogoi, a musician from the collective. The drag event, for instance, will witness experts like Naaz B and Melancholia share their tips with newcomers. Chopra adds, “The core idea is to make all individuals feel comfortable in their skin beyond what is perceived as glamorous. Last year, we built a community of more than 700 members and allies. We hope we grow larger and closer this year.” ON June 15 and 16; 4 pm onwards at Veranda, Pali Hill, Bandra West. LOG ON TO sortmyscene.com ENTRY Rs 499
15 June,2024 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOne of 2024’s more persistent fashion trends, ruffles or frills is showing no signs of fading away. As popular as they may be, frills can still be quite tricky to pull off, especially in more sedate settings where you may want to be taken more seriously. But that doesn’t necessarily mean ruffles are off the menu as far as office or formal wear are concerned, clarifies image consultant Taylor Elizabeth. She adds, “Frills, which were once reserved for princess costumes and childhood dress-up, have made a triumphant return to the fashion scene. From the runways of Paris to the vitrines of high-end boutiques, these playful embellishments are capturing the spotlight. While they can infuse an outfit with whimsy, and help us get in touch with our feminine and fun side, it is essential to understand the important value of time and place when choosing to incorporate them into your outfit.” Taylor Elizabeth Ace it at work The key to successfully incorporating any statement embellishment, especially frills, into your wardrobe lies in its balance and discernment, says Elizabeth. “While a large, oversized frilled shoulder might be too whimsical for the boardroom, there are subtler ways to embrace this trend without sacrificing sophistication. Consider, for instance, a suit coat with slightly embellished shoulders, or a button-up shirt that has ruffles at the buttons or a hint of frill on the cuffs. These subtle touches add style to your wardrobe, striking the perfect balance between playful and professional,” she notes. If you are partial to ethnic wear, a ruffled saree may be too casual for work; instead, opt to wear small frills on your blouse or at the base of your kurta. Frill up your evenings When it comes to more lavish frills, timing and occasion are everything, Elizabeth advises. A night out on the town with your partner or friends presents the ideal opportunity to indulge in more extravagant frill designs — whether it’s a statement dress adorned with cascading ruffles or a blouse with dramatic sleeve detailing, embrace the opportunity to showcase your adventurous side in a social setting where fashion risks are celebrated. Ruffles can also help to soften a structured look; a ruffled blouse worn with a tailored pantsuit can add a dainty touch. For more casual outings, a ruffled jacket or cardigan can dress up a basic jeans and tee ensemble. Remember to balance the rest of your outfit so that your ruffles are the only statement piece — stick to a sleek silhouette and wear minimal jewellery. Figure it out Since ruffles can easily overwhelm a more petite frame or throw off your bodily proportions, here are a few ground rules to consider: . Horizontal ruffles across your chest will add volume to your bust. If you are heavy set, avoid very wide ruffles around your collar as they can made your bust look large. . Vertical ruffles along your torso work best if you have a larger bust. These ruffles have a lengthening effect on your torso and can make you look leaner. Balance your look with flared pants and chunky footwear. . Ruffled skirts can add volume to your hips, making you look curvier, while ruffles at the very bottom of your skirt can balance wide hips — look for pieces in which the ruffles start where your legs begin to narrow.
15 June,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe quest for ‘glass skin’, inspired by Korean beauty, has captivated skincare enthusiasts both on social media and in real life. From snail mucin to sheet masks, beauty lovers are leaving no stone unturned in a bid to give their skin an almost glass-like and marble-smooth appearance. The latest skincare trend in this succession to catch their attention is not nearly as exotic as its predecessors. Rice water is far more budget-friendly and approachable, and has its roots in centuries-old beauty regimens practised by Korean and Japanese women. Mrunal Thakur is a fan of making her own rice water, which she freezes into ice cubes Rice is nice “Rice water has become quite popular because of its extensive history and reputation in traditional beauty rituals, especially in East Asian cultures. It contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that provide numerous benefits for the skin and hair,” explains Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Ambrosia Aesthetics. Some of the elements that make rice water so effective are: √Inositol: A carbohydrate that has the ability to repair and protect skin and hair from damage.√Antioxidants: These are beneficial in fighting free radicals, which may help reduce signs of aging.√B vitamins: These help to nourish the skin and hair, promoting a healthy appearance.√Ferulic acid: An antioxidant that boosts the stability and effectiveness of vitamin C and E. Kim Kardashian has used rice water to grow her natural hair out. Pics Courtesy/Instagram How to use? Rice water can be incorporated into your skincare routine as a facial cleanser, toner, or as an ingredient in a face mask. To apply it to your skin, use a cotton pad or a spray bottle. You can leave it on or rinse it off, says Dr Sonavane. In terms of hair care, use rice water as a rinse following shampooing or as a leave-in conditioner. You can also gently massage it into their scalp and hair, allowing it to sit for 10 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out completely. Famous actor Lee Jong Suk has seemingly flawless Korean skin Who is it for? Rice water is known for its astringent properties, which can be beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, says Dr Sonavane. “It can help control oil production and minimise the appearance of pores. If you have dry or sensitive skin, this product can offer soothing and moisturising effects,” she adds, cautioning that individuals with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema should conduct a patch test prior to using the product extensively. Cardi B demonstrated how she sprays her cleansed hair with rice water, on social media A true multitasking hero, rice water can also be used to boost hair health. “Rice water is great for all hair types as it helps enhance elasticity, minimises frizz and gives your hair a beautiful shine. Many people with curly or textured hair love this product because it works wonders when it comes to detangling. However, if used excessively, it can lead to build-up on very fine hair,” Dr Sonavane recommends. Handy alternatives If you experience adverse reactions to rice water, several alternatives can help to achieve similar results, says Dr Sonavane. A top choice is aloe vera, which is well-known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it a great option for both skin and hair. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties — it can help soothe irritated skin and maintain healthy hair. Niketa Sonavane Similarly, rose water offers anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits, making it suitable for all skin types. Honey acts as a natural humectant, helping to lock in moisture, and has antimicrobial properties that can help keep your skin and hair healthy. Finally, in addition to helping you stay hydrated and being packed with vitamins and minerals, coconut water is also known for its skin-soothing and hair-conditioning properties, shares Dr Sonavane.
14 June,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulEverything is connected to nature, explains Kalyan Joshi. It is at the heart of all folk art, he explains. Joshi should know. The 55-year-old artist is in town as his works will be on display at Jehangir Art Gallery as part of the ongoing exhibition, Beyond Tradition: Change and Continuity in Indian Art. Featuring 10 National Award-winning artists including Joshi, Anwar Chitrakar, Ladobai, Shakir Ali and Gitanjali Das, among others, the exhibition highlights the diversity and complexity in Indian folk art. It is also the only exhibition by the collective in Mumbai this year. Each of the art forms are particular to the region and carry within them geographical and cultural elements. A Phad folktale of Pabuji created using natural pigment on cloth by (right) Kalyan Joshi Joshi points out that most folk art are narrative forms. “Phad, for instance, was like the cinema of its time. The canvas would tell a story that two performers would then recreate for the audience sitting in front of them. It was an accompaniment to the performance,” he shares. While they traditionally told folk tales of legends such as Pabuji, Joshi has slowly found his own voice through adding elements of mythology, abstract forms and societal context to his works. “I have created canvases on issues such as water scarcity and pollution as well. What I say might change, but the medium is meant for stories,” he shares. A Bhil-style canvas titled Tree of Life animals by (right) Ladobai depicts natural harmony This is a common echo that finds voice in another award-winning Bhil artist, Ladobai. Born in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, her artistic bent found new expression when she arrived in Bhopal with her husband looking for employment. It was at Bharat Bhavan that she was discovered by the artist Jagdish Swaminathan. Since then, she has exhibited at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris and Grosvenor Gallery in London, among other spaces. “My works are in the tradition of Bhil art made through natural and earth pigments. They are stories of life as we observe it,” she notes humbly through her son, Ajay. For this exhibition, she worked on canvas with new pigments such as charcoal and cow dung/mud, to keep with the focus on nature. They might be carrying on a tradition, but innovation is a necessary part of the game. Anwar Chitrakar began learning the art of Kalighat painting from his father in Midnapore. “Art is meant to evolve. Elephant Jungle by Gitanjali Das, tussar on silk Even the Kalighat artists were initially sculptors and clay artists from the 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, who started painting when they moved to Kalighat,” he explains. A prominent name in Indian Mughal miniatures, S Shakir Ali adds, “Folk artists can sometimes be lost in a singular style. For instance, with Mughal miniatures there is only so much innovation you can bring to court scenes stylistically.” In a canvas titled Mythological Horse, the Padma Shri-awardee infuses mythology and nature to the style of Mughal miniatures. “My works are built around the black buck, blue cows and vultures. The use of mythology adds creativity and expression to the style,” he notes. This is a synthesis of the ongoing change in Indian folk art. Anwar explains, “As we [folk artists] grow and travel beyond the villages, we are discovering new visuals. This enables our works to move beyond the museum space.” It is also a responsibility, states Joshi. “I have used traditional, abstract and modern forms. Some mythologies I use, like the Hanuman Chalisa, are traditional, but my children create works that feature on tote bags and notebooks,” he says. Mythological Horse by (right) Shakir Ali blends Mughal miniatures with nature In the end, that is the purpose of folk art. “The Kalighat paintings show life as it was in the era of the British. Our paintings and work must tell the story of our world, in their own unique way of expressing. That is the only way for the tradition to carry on,” concludes Anwar. After all, stories must go on. From June 12 till June 17 Time 11 am to 7 pmAt Jehangir Art Gallery, MG Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
14 June,2024 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarI got a call from Manoj bhai in the middle of the night a few months ago. I woke up, understandably startled as you can imagine, and answered the phone. What he told me was something you’d only expect from someone who holds the artform so dearly,” recalls writer Ishaan Doshi, while retracing the journey of his new play Third Bell, directed by veteran Gujarati theatre maker Manoj Shah. A moment from a performance of Offending The Audience in 1966. Pic courtesy/Youtube The duo’s new play, born from a fleeting idea during a show at Prithvi Theatre a year ago, puts the spotlight onto the audiences, their conversations, conflicts, and worries before the titular third bell rings and the show begins. In Doshi’s words, it’s a tribute to theatre audiences who have played an equally important part in furthering the artform. Shah, over a call, gleefully admits to his obsession with theatre and his audiences. “A new idea had dawned on me. I was at a wedding earlier that day, and I imagined how a married couple in a theatre audience would behave. Of course, I had to make the midnight call to Ishaan at once,” he laughs, adding that he has also been visiting commercial, experimental, regional, and foreign language plays over the past year to note their mannerisms. “My biggest learning was that across genres, two things remain common — the audience often has better actors than the stage. And most times, better stories to tell,” shares Shah. Echoing this sentiment, Doshi adds, “Indians make for a unique audience. You’ll have a family debating if they remembered to close a water tap before leaving, couples using the time to settle scores, and a few young faces wondering why they agreed to come to the show at all.” Manoj Shah and Ishaan Doshi Presented in Hindi, English, Gujarati and English, the duo believes you don’t have to be proficient in either to laugh along. Shah elaborates, “At one of our previous plays, I overheard a family discussing their dinner plans. They started in English, switched to Hindi soon, and when the restaurant was finally decided upon, they all agreed in Marathi,” he chuckles. “The play, similarly, will be presented in a hybrid tongue that Mumbai audiences are familiar with,” he adds. Amidst all the humour, Doshi reminds us that the jokes shouldn’t be confused for mockery. He refers to Austrian playwright Peter Handke’s 1966 play, Offending The Audience. “Handke was one of the earliest writers to explore this concept. However, he was critical of theatricality and the audiences. We, on the other hand, aren’t judging the audience or looking down our nose at them. The play is our attempt to embrace the humour, the criticism, the mundane, and the emotions they bring when they walk into the room,” he concludes. ON June 16; 7 pm AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com COST Rs 500 onwards
13 June,2024 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursdayCine evenings Alliance Française de Bombay in partnership with the Wench Film Festival present Cinéma de l’Étrange, which includes four short films — Ausencia (below), Bodies of Desire, Entanglement and Une Histoire Vertébrale.Time 6.30 pmAT Theosophy Hall, Churchgate. REGISTRATION bombay.afindia.org NOTE Limited seating (first come first serve basis) FridayDream with a poet Pics Courtesy/Instagram Catch a musical performance that examines a poet’s journey through self-love, longing and the complexity of life expressed through poetry. TIME 8.30 pmAT Creative Adda 191, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO insider.in COST Rs 150 Resin revelations Step into the fascinating world of resin art where you will be guided in masterfully mixing resin, epoxy and pigments to create your own shiny masterpiece. TIME 2.30 pmAT Shobha’s Art Studio, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @shobha_artsworld for details SaturdayMake classical cool again Tune into a night of classical fusion music with maestros like Purbayan Chatterjee (in pic), Ojas Adhiya and Taufiq Qureshi.TIME 7 pmAT St Andrews Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 600 onwards On a Meghalayan taste ride Enjoy the flavours of Doh sniang nei-iong, (pork in black sesame) or Ja stem (rice in lakadong turmeric) as the famous Symbai sisters bring Khasi cuisine to Mumbai. TILL June 16; 7.30 pm onwardsAT Ishaara, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel. CALL 9892464738COST Rs 3,500 (for set course menu) SundayPaint for a cause Members of the community lend a hand to paint a wall at the space They say that a good deed can lighten the heart. Pick up the brush for a good cause, and join the artists from Wicked Broz as they brighten up the walls of the new school space in the Marol Art Village (above). Feel free to bring your own creative energy as it is the perfect way to wrap up the weekend, and make new friends. AT Marol Art Village, Bharat Van, Andheri West. Call 9920499089 Master the moves Slip into your dancing shoes and learn Bollywood moves from the best at this dance workshop by Shehzaan Khan (left) and Punyakar Upadhyay.TIME 12.30 pmAT Tangerine Studio, Bandra WestCALL 9867369960
13 June,2024 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Shriram IyengarOn her 13th birthday, German-born Anne Frank was presented with a diary. In it, she wrote about her feelings and her life in the Secret Annex. This was a place within an office building in Amsterdam, where the family hid during the Holocaust years of the 1940s. Dealing with her loneliness, she decided to give the diary a name. “I don’t want to jot down the facts... I want the diary to be my friend, and that’s why I’m going to call this diary kitty.” While Anne died when she was 16 years, after a police raid drove her family to a concentration camp, her diary was preserved and published as The Diary of a Young Girl. It continues to be read by readers across the world. On her birth anniversary today, we bring recommendations for you to check out. A still from the movie. PIC COURTESY/YOUTUBE READBehind the Bookcase: Miep Gies, Anne Frank, and the Hiding Place: Miep Gies was a Dutch woman who worked for Otto Frank, Anne’s father. She was the protector of the Frank family and retriever of Anne’s diary. The book takes the reader behind the bookcase where the Gies (Miep and her husband Jan) helped the family hide. The words are accompanied by illustrations. The latter fill in the silences between the lines. Otto’s worry, for example, is written in his frown lines, when he asks Miep for help to hide in the rooms above his office building. “Miep knew what war meant.” Having survived World War I as a child, she felt deeply for the children, Anne and Margot (Anne’s sister).Available Leading bookstores and e-stores WATCHMy Best Friend Anne Frank: Directed by Dutch filmmaker Ben Sombogaart, the film shows life inside the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where several Jewish women and children were imprisoned. The story looks at the experience through the eyes of Hannah Gosler, a close friend of Anne Frank’s. The moments of the camp are punctuated with fragments from their life in the Jewish Quarter in The Netherlands, much before they were brought here. Gosler’s perspective adds another layer to the world we read about in the diary, alongside offering additional details.Available Netflix EXPLOREThe Anne Frank House: Take an online tour around the Secret Annex in Amsterdam. We learn haunting details about the bookcase which acted as a secret doorway, why people in hiding couldn’t use the toilet and wash basin for half an hour in the morning, Anne’s room, where she wrote her diary, the posters she put up; her parents’ room, and the Van Pels family room where they celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. Viewers can also take a guided video tour, which contains fragments of the video diary created inside the Anne Frank House using some of her writing. Log on to annefrank.org/en/anne-frank/secret-annex
12 June,2024 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaSherline Pimenta has vivid childhood memories of Russia and Eastern Europe from the 1980s. The kicker? The Pune resident never stepped out of India growing up. “Travelling overseas wasn’t feasible for us back in the day. But every time my grandfather narrated European folklore to put us to sleep, we felt like we were right there,” recalls Pimenta, now an established storyteller. This weekend, when she conducts a session on palanquins — human-powered carriages from days gone by — it will be nothing short of travelling to a land far away for young city audiences. Mejanah (Miyana), coloured etchings by Baltazard Solvyns, from Les Hindoûs, Vol. III, 1808 - 1812. PICS COURTESY/DR BHAU DAJI LAD MUSEUM Palanquin comes from the Sanskrit word for a bed — palyanka. These carriages, or litters, were used primarily to carry the affluent and members of royal families across long and short distances. Through the session, children will learn not only about the individuals who had the privilege of being in one, but the bearers who made it all possible. “Interestingly, operating a palanquin was more complex than you’d imagine. The bearers had a language that they would use to coordinate movements between the two ends of a palanquin,” the storyteller reveals. More often than not, we learn, these palanquins would be relayed across more than one team of bearers to cover long distances. “They were human, after all,” remarks Pimenta, adding that participants will learn about the efforts that went into the seemingly luxurious travels. Sherline Pimenta narrates a story at a previous session at the museum “I had to do my share of research; it’s an ongoing process,” she admits. However, the storyteller has a head start. “I was part of a storytelling session at the same venue back in 2018 that happened to feature a short bit about a palanquin. When People of Bengal: Coloured Etchings by F Baltazard Solvyns premiered at the museum earlier this year, they reached out to me to conduct a session focussed solely on palanquins,” she recalls. At the session, Pimenta will narrate folklore from rural Madhya Pradesh, sprinkled with fiction and educational narratives. “Stories are the best way to share information; especially with kids. It might be convenient to show them a boring presentation, but you can best believe that the moment they step out, they will have forgotten it,” she chuckles. Sherline Pimenta To that end, Pimenta’s session will be followed by a walk to remember. “With the context of the storytelling session, we will begin walkthrough of Solvyn’s exhibition at the museum where they’ll see the palanquins come to life,” she shares. A PhD scholar in storytelling from IIT Bombay, Pimenta will conclude the day with a workshop where children will craft their own palanquins. “With the help of cardboard boxes, we will craft and decorate mini palanquins. These activities remain etched in children’s minds forever. I hope to spark an interest that transforms into a long-term journey in exploring and studying history and heritage,” she signs off. AGE GROUP 5 to 12 yearsON June 16; 4 pm onwards AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East. LOG ON TO @bdlmuseum ENTRY Rs 100
12 June,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleDuring the British rule, bombil, a fish found exclusively on the west coast of India, would be relished by Bengalis. The catch would be transported to Calcutta from Bombay via the Bombay Mail (Daak in Bengali) train. The fish was soon known as Bombay Daak, which later converted to the popular colloquial, Bombay duck. A unique art walk curated for children by Art and Wonderment in collaboration with The Heritage Project will bring alive such stories of the city and the Koli culture through murals drawn on the walls across the seaside hamlet, Worli Koliwada. Nishita Zachariah “Art is not constricted to any age group. Children, in general, are more receptive to it as they don’t suffer with creative blocks like an adult would,” shared Art and Wonderment co-founder Nishita Zachariah. The Koliwada, she added, boasts of intricate murals by artists like Sunil Padwal, Aravani Art Project, Parag Sonarghare and Vayeda Brothers. Children will walk past a mural by Padwal that features the Bombay duck, Aai by Sonarghare which captures the spirit of the women in the 800-year-old Koliwada, and Melody of The Deep by the Vayeda Brothers from the indigenous Warli community. Another artwork that will be a highlight is the Life and Tides of Worli Koliwada, which was painted by Aravani Art Project, an organisation run by transgender and cis women. This one showcases the cultural life of the gaothan and sports vibrant elements such as fishing, Narali Purnima, boats, and the coastal life. Bombay Duck by Sunil Padwal “As part of the walk each child will be asked to visualise and draw on a paper a mural they would like to create based on their cultural learnings and understanding of the Koliwada. It will be exciting to see what they come up with,” she signed off. On June 15 Meeting time 4.45 pm Meeting point Cleveland Jetty (Worli Koliwada entrance). Log on to townscript.comCost Rs 200 onwards
12 June,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
