Mumbai’s famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival goes virtual this weekend

Every year the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival KGAF draws a footfall of over half a million visitors setting the heritage precinct abuzz This year would have been no different had the pandemic not surfaced But like how COVID19 compelled us all to adapt to the new normal KGAF did so too And starting this weekend they are set to present a nineday multicultural fest onlineBrinda MillerldquoThe virtual format has allowed us to have more international presence at a fraction of the cost We have a lot of consulate participation We have also given more importance to workshops and demonstrations and kept performances to a minimumrdquo says Brinda Miller honorary chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association She also adds therersquos a 5050 distribution of live and prerecorded events and even if they are prerecorded they are exclusive to KGAF so attendees will indeed have a oneofakind experience Here are The Guidersquos top picksOn February 6 to 14Log on to kalaghodaassociationcom for full schedule and registrationBuy localApart from the cultural extravaganza KGAF was made memorable by the slew of stalls it housed Now that experience too will be offered virtually as part of lsquoKGAF Marketplacersquo hosted on their website that will offer products by artisans from across India ldquoWe have about 60 estalls and the sale proceeds will go directly to the artisans It will continue to be up for the rest of Februaryrdquo Miller saidWorth a decoWhile we may not be short of selfies at Marine Drive many of us donrsquot know much about whatrsquos on the opposite end of the sea mdash the impressive ArtDeco buildings To learn more attend a virtual tour by conservation architect Angela Fernandes organised by Art Deco Mumbai TrustOn February 7Time 3 pm to 4 pmNight at the museumThis is an event that seems straight out of a movie Children up to 16 years of age accompanied by a parent have an opportunity to visit the grand lawns of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya CSMVS and observe the night sky through a telescope The initiative organised in collaboration with Nehru Science Centre is the only physical addition to KGAF this year Along with social distancing and sanitisation norms in place registrations are capped at 60 attendees per dayOn February 8 to 13Time 730 pm to 930 pmEmail educationcsmvsin to registerWhatrsquos cookingIf yoursquove followed her work on Instagram yoursquod know that actress turned food chronicler Tara Deshpande has a knack for simplifying the complicated when it comes to the kitchen But therersquos a twist to this KGAF session for as Deshpande helms a culinary workshop foodie and funny man Kunal Vijayakar will look on the processExpect gags throughout this sessionOn February 12Time 11 am to 12 pmJust danceLet loose with a rhythmic flamenco workshop that is sure to raise your spirits It will be conducted by French instructor Laura Kenyon who has taught the dance form for a decade The session is for beginners and all you really need is a fanOn February 11Time 4 pm to 5 pmGreen roomIn a discussion moderated by radio host Rohini Ramnathan actor and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza will converse with nineyearold climate activist Licypriya Kangujam on the urgency of climate actionOn February 6Time 6 pmHumour meWhether yoursquore single or taken this Valentinersquos Day trust comedians Vir Das and Rohan Joshi to entertain you Both will be posed with 22 questions about comedy in this session And as Miller said ldquoComedy is what people want right now They want to be happyrdquo Right onOn February 14Time 7 pm to 8 pm