KALA GHODA FEST: A KALAEIDOSCOPE OF ART, CULTURE, DANCE, MUSIC, FOOD, HERITAGE WALKS, VISUAL ARTS…WHAT NOT!!!

The fabulous Hindustan Times Kala Ghoda Arts Festival’s theme this year is ‘Crossing the threshold’. Everybody is welcome to savour a specially curated selection of the classic, contemporary and the curious. Mumbai is all decked up to host this unique festival from February 6 – 17, 2016, extended for three days to coincide with ‘Make in India’ event. The festival would be hosting dance, music, heritage walks, street, food, cinema, workshops, visual arts, urban design & architecture and Make in India.

This is third in the series on my festival series. I have been to Kala Ghoda festivals in the past along with my daughter who is an ‘art freak’ enjoyed it to the hilt. Spending entire day amidst art, culture, paintings, music & dance, nothing could have been better than being here. I must say all of us must visit to explore the fest – it has something for everyone. With Hindustan Times sponsoring and hosting it, it has been scaling up leaps and bounds with every year. I am super excited to visit it, though without my daughter, I assume I have great fun & learning lined up in the coming weeks. There is another prominent festival lined up…talk about it in my next post.
Kala Ghoda Association, was formed on 30th October 1998 with the objective of maintaining and preserving the heritage and art district of South Mumbai. Every year, since 1999 the association hosts the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, the country’s largest multicultural festival, created to draw attention to this unique and beautiful area in Mumbai. Now in its 17th edition, the Festival draws visitors in large numbers, not just from the city but from all over the country, and, indeed, the world.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival this year will open doors from Saturday 6th February to Wednesday 17th February 2016 (Extended by three days at Cross Maidan for Make in India Festival). With a kaleidoscope of music, dance, theatre, literature, food, street stalls, cinema, workshops, visual arts, urban design and architecture and heritage walks in store, this 12-day extravaganza promises a cultural palate like never before witnessed!

• The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a community celebration of the arts within one of the most beautiful and historic precincts of Mumbai, The Kala Ghoda Art District.
• It is open to all, free of charge.
• The Festival has grown exponentially, and is hugely successful; drawing over 150,000 people from all over the city to KGAF 2015 hosted a total of 590 events over 9 days.
• Funds raised from the festival go towards the restoration and upkeep of the area. Several heritage buildings and institutions in the area have benefited from this.

THE FESTIVAL VENUES
• Children
Lawns of (CSMVS), The Museum Mumbai
Kitab Khana at Somaiya Bhavan
• Children’s Literature
Kitab Khana at Somaiya Bhavan
• Dance
Cross Maidan
Dance Workshops are at Somaiya Centre, Somaiya Bhavan
• Cinema
The Coomaraswamy Hall and The Visitor Center at (CSMVS), The Museum Mumbai,
Auditorium at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
• Food
Westside
Restaurants in the district
Food stalls at Rampart Road and Cross Maidan
• Literature
DSL Garden
Artist’s Center
Author’s Lounge at Serafina
Seminar Hall of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
• Stand-Up Comedy
Irish House
• Street & Stalls
Rampart Row
Cross Maidan
• Music
Cross Maidan
Steps of the Asiatic Society Library (Town Hall)
• Visual Arts
Rampart Gallery
Lawns of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Gallery 7
Art Entrance
Artists’ Centre
Coomaraswamy Hall
Cross Maidan
DSL Garden
Tarq for Art Walks
• Workshops
Somaiya Centre
Artisan’s and Artists’ Centre
• Theatre
Horniman Circle Garden
Auditorium at NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art)
M. C. Ghia Hall at Kaikashru Dubash Marg,
Stand up comedy at Irish House at Kaikashru Dubash Marg
Gallery Beyond
• Urban Design & Architecture
Library at Max Muller Bhavan
NGMA
Art Entrance Art Gallery

The Kala Ghoda precinct can be roughly defined as the area that stretches from the Regal Circle at the Southern end of Mahatma Gandhi Road, up to the Mumbai University at the northern end, flanked by the Oval Maidan to the west and the Lion Gate to the east. The name Kala Ghoda can be traced to the old equestrian statue of King Edward VII, which was placed at the centre of the large node on the old Esplanade Road. The statue, a vestige of the colonial era, has since been removed from the site, but the colloquially used for the district name persist regardless – an assertive confirmation of a compelling public memory.

Today, the area is a hub of cultural activity and a throbbing urban node with institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, Max Mueller Bhavan, Bombay University, Prince of Wales Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Institute of Science, Bombay Natural History Society, Elphinstone College, and David Sassoon Library around it, all within comfortable walking distance of each other. Apart from the entertaining pursuits of art and education, the area also offers a host of famous city restaurants and cafes, along with art galleries, designer boutiques, and many culture-related activities and venues – the most popular one being the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, where many artistes, performers and craftspersons gather every February.

With a combined total of almost 1,10,000 sq. ft of existing indoor gallery space, the Kala Ghoda Precinct has an existing critical mass of art galleries, museums, and cultural spaces unrivalled in all of India, and perhaps comparable to art districts in other parts of the world. To this could be added an additional mass of outdoor pavement galleries on Rampart Row and potential exhibition space within the covered arcades to make the Kala Ghoda area a veritable ‘Urban Museum’. Such a phenomenal ensemble of art functions within one concentrated zone, offers tremendous avenues for future development and, added to this the support infrastructure of existing lecture halls, convocation halls, and conference facilities offered by The Mumbai University, Elphinstone College, and other neighbouring institutions, gives Kala Ghoda a unique place in the world of art and culture.

source: http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com & The Hindustan Times

Tourism Minister of India inaugurates Tourism Malaysia Booth at SATTE 2016

Dr Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent charge) Ministry of Tourism & Culture, India inaugurated the Tourism Malaysia booth at SATTE recently. The Minister was joined by Dato’ Daljit Singh, Indian Community Relations Advisor to the Minister of Tourism & Culture Malaysia and a member of Tourism Malaysia Board of Directors. India is one of the top 10 tourist generating markets for Malaysia.

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Tourism Malaysia is leading 50 Malaysian travel trade players and state tourism authorities to participate in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE). It is in line with Malaysia’s efforts to boost arrivals from India, with as many as 7.7 lakh Indian tourists visiting Malaysia in 2014.

Leading the Malaysian delegation to the 23rd edition of SATTE is Dato’ Daljit Singh and he is accompanied by representatives from 18 travel agents/tour operators, three hotels/resorts, three tourism products/attractions, two state tourism authorities, and three airlines.

On January 30th, Tourism Malaysia is scheduled to give a special presentation to a group of women travellers, known as ‘Women With Wings’, to promote and launch the Malaysia Shopping Campaign. In the evening, an Appreciation Night will be held at The Imperial Hotel to thank travel agents who have helped promote and sell Malaysia to their clients. Besides that, the Malaysia Sales Carnival tour packages will also be launched.

To boost Indian arrivals, Tourism Malaysia will encourage and persuade more tour operators to develop and sell holiday packages to Malaysia with a focus on niche products like luxury travel, shopping, and sports tourism. A discussion will be carried out with the top travel trade associations in India, namely Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), India Tourism Golf Association, and Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI).

Tourism Malaysia’s participation in SATTE and its promotional efforts in India are expected to increase the number of Indian tourists to Malaysia. It aims to promote greater awareness of Malaysia as an ideal holiday destination, besides fostering greater cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity.

My Review: Ramayana – The Game of Life – Stolen Hope by Shubha Vilas – published by Jaico Books

After reading Shattered Dreams by the author, I was very curious to know – What next? What led to turn of events for Rama – Sita – Lakshmana in the fag end of their exile? My mother, an avid reader of Ramayana, who remembers entire Tulsidas Ramayana by heart, the book would be a prized possession for her. I, who grew up on inputs / anecdotes from Ramayana, love it beyond measures, my daughter, young & peppy teenager sub-consciously knows Ramayana.

This is one EPIC which is loved across generations. Author Shubha Vilas’s interpretation of Ramayana has applications in day –to-day life for all of us, irrespective of the generation we represent. The ‘footnotes’ (interpretations are life line of author’s book) which are so practical, applicable, enlightening and strong that these could transform one’s life – if applied in our day- to- day lives or while dealing with crisis situations. The colourful & poetic rendition of the book takes you through the times prior to Rama, synchronizing one happening with the other. How stories of Sati & Shiva, King Nahusha, Shabari, Maricha, Jatayu, Sarupnakha, Saint Agastya, his beautiful wife – Lopamudra, Ravana’s Wife Mandodari, Vali, Valmiki, Kadamba, and Akampana have impacted lives of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in exile keep the readers hooked to the book. Reading their stories, my belief is firmed that all of us are here to fulfill a purpose and our deeds impact us not just in this life but in many more lives to come.

Subha Vilas has taken us through the physical and emotional journeys of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita’s in the evil labyrinths of the Dandakaranya forest where human values are subject to harsh tests. They visit so many hermits, rishis on penance, and fight demons of different forms; till Sita is abducted by Lanka King Ravana and this is when righteous Rama’s all hope is stolen. It seems whatever happened was destined to happen which was written / happened many years ago. The description of Vanvas is vivid, where Sita instead of complaining about leaving it all in Ayodhya is actually happy that she gets to spend time with her husband. Their love actually blossomed here in the confines of forest, which would not have been possible with Rama dispensing his duties as King of Ayodhya. This is the novel interpretation of love, with which all of us connect well. For the first time, the romantic encounters / connect between Rama & Sita is so well portrayed that I was forced to remember the old adage – Ram Sita ki Jodi for describing a compatible couple. Their love was unflinching; not even harshest of the adversities could shake it.

Indeed the book presents angles of extreme love and extreme deception. Lakshmana’s character is well-etched and presents him in an entirely different light particularly in crisis situations. Lakshmana describing four good reasons to elder brother Rama to prevent him from taking any rash action are applicable to all of us, even today. The book deeply explores the dynamics of human relations – father & son, husband & wife, brothers & sisters, devotees & lord, teachers & disciples, ruler & ruled and the complexities it brings forth even in most simple situations. However, Sita’s outburst on Lakshmana as described by the author is difficult to absorb going by Sita’s nature and demeanor.

Some illuminating footnotes would be:
• At the altar of ambition are often sacrificed the finer emotions of love.
• A followers level of motivation is directly proportional to the leader’s level of involvement
• Difficulties are nature’s speed-breakers that prevent us from driving too fast in life to be able to gratefully appreciate the beauty it has to offer.
• By acceptance, pain transforms into will power to fly and by non-acceptance into a helpless cocoon to die
• The currency of glorification cannot be exchanged with the currency of criticism. The exchange rates are exorbitant.

Which youngster would not like to know in which context these were interpreted? Not only in content and narrative, book by Jaico Books is very well-illustrated and is pleasing to the eyes of the reader. For its over 300 pages, books narration is quite gripping, so much so that in the end, I was like – Oh! The Book is over. Only solace was to know that next in the series is in the offing…

This is the story from one the most read epic in the world which was written centuries ago but is as relevant today as it was then. Every action / development has some invaluable underlying implication which author Shubha Vilas has brought to the surface.

Author Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern day life situations through the teachings of Bhagvad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions.

Recommended reading for one & all in the family!

CHANNEL V’S ‘GUMRAH’: THE RIVETING YOUTH CRIME DRAMA THE FIRST EVER INDIAN TELE SERIES TO GET ADAPTED INTO A BOOK

Channel V’s intriguing ‘teen’ crime tele series, Gumrah- The End of Innocence stunned the nation and astonished viewers with real-life thought provoking youth crimes. Getting a new face, the show has now earned the distinction of emerging as the first ever Indian Tele Series to be adapted into a book. Written by bestselling author Ira Trivedi, the book ‘Gumrah’ was unveiled by Chetan Bhagat, the popular voice of India’s youth today. The launch was hosted by Channel V and took place on Wednesday, 27th January at Title Waves, Bandra, (W).

With a foreword by Chetan Bhagat, the book has 11 gripping short stories, each telling a tale and unravelling the consequences of wrong choices made by an innocent teen. Each story is drawn from real life events revolving around adolescent crimes, deceit, bad judgment & treachery.

Kevin Vaz, (Business Head, Channel V), said “Gumrah is not just a show; it’s a brand in itself. Over the past few years it has gained in stature and is revered by youngsters. It redefined the way in which we looked at teen crime in the country. Even parents ask their teenage children to watch Gumrah so that they can be better prepared to face the uncertainties of the current environment. The purpose of the book is the same; it just gives us another avenue to engage with the youth who can now consume the content in a different form”

channel-v-launches-gumrah-the-book-unveiled-by-best-selling-author-ira-trivedi-and-chetan-bhagat-foreword-written-by-him.

Ira Trivedi, author of the Book said “The stories featured in this book are powerful, touching and gripping all at the same time. They are not only entertaining, but they are also important – they were important to write and they are important to read, and I do hope young Indians everywhere read this book. Many of the stories are chilling, gruesome and even horrific– they are based on true incidents and the book is telling of our times.”

Chetan Bhagat commented “I congratulate channel V for their successful show, which is not only entertaining to watch, but actually serves a purpose to the society. I also congratulate Ira Trivedi for translating the episodes of the show into easy to read stories, that people can now carry with them and read them overtime”

Gumrah as a brand is now being extended into a book in an attempt to appeal all the readers out there to be aware and be prepared. Taking forward the show’s aim, the book is written with a view to help teens differentiate between perception and reality of the real world. The show is focused towards appealing to the young, vulnerable and impressionable minds of India. Channel V started on a journey 4 years ago to create awareness, and most importantly to inculcate the thought that it takes just one moment of weakness that makes someone go ‘Gumrah’.

Reaching out to almost 40 million viewers every week in India, Channel V is the ultimate destination for youth entertainment in the country. Channel V has pioneered unique youth engagement initiatives since its inception. From the launch of the first reality show on TV – V Pop Stars, the soaring success of close to a decade for V Get Gorgeous, the launch of India’s first youth fiction, V Roomies and having 4 daily youth fictions to the hosting of India’s Biggest College Festival – VFest and execution of it’s subsequent annual installments, Channel V is today known for creating innovative, award winning and cutting edge content and interactions that reflect youth passions.

STAR India has defined India’s broadcast media for the last two decades and is today India’s largest media and entertainment Company. The STAR India network comprises of more than 40 channels in seven languages received by over 600 million viewers every week across India and 100 other countries. The network’s channel portfolio includes Channel [V], Life OK, Movies OK, Star Gold, Star World, Star Movies, Star Movies Action, Star World Premiere HD, FX, FOX Crime, Star Utsav and Star Plus, India’s No. 1 General Entertainment Channel.

Rupa Publications India is the largest and oldest independent English language publisher in India. Founded about eighty years ago, the company has been at the forefront of Indian publishing throughout its existence, finding and promoting the most exciting writing talent the country has to offer. Over the years, the company has published numerous acclaimed novelists, and non-fiction writers including well-known sportsmen, politicians, economists, journalists, actors, entrepreneurs and industrialists.

Colour Me Rich: Mohan Deep’s after Eurekha!!!

“Mohan Deep was the only journalist who supported Pooja during the body paint controversy!” – Mahesh Bhatt while launching ‘Color Me Rich’, the new novel of the author, Mohan Deep recently. The launch was done by veteran film – maker Mahesh Bhatt and new age film maker Shirish Kunder for Kindle edition.

nimmi-chandiramani-kunickaa-sadanand-lall-mahesh-bhatt-mohan-deep-and-shirish-kunder-launch-color-me-rich

In an unusual gesture, producer, director and writer Mahesh Bhatt launched the book edition and Shirish Kunder the Kindle edition of Mohan Deep’s new novel ‘Color Me Rich’. The event was held at Renaissance Club at Andheri on recently which was attended by the author’s friends, guests, and the media.

In a rare disclosure, Mahesh Bhatt revealed the reason he admires Mohan Deep. Said Bhatt, “As I was leaving my daughter Pooja’s office at five to seven, making sure that I come here by 7:45 , she told me ‘I think Papa you’re doing the sweetest thing by going for Mohan Deep’s book launch because he was the only guy who supported me when this controversy erupted about the body paint. So, when you burn into people’s memory, when they feel vulnerable, especially in the society which pretends to be very upright and very moral and it takes sadistic delight in kind of savaging you, you remember those few very brave people, in the media especially, who have the balls to stand up and protect you from the so called rot which is unleashed on you. So, on behalf of my daughter I thank you for what you did, Mohan.”

Talking about Mohan Deep’s book he said, “’Color Me Rich’ has the fragrance of a blockbuster and it’s going the climb the charts higher and higher and higher. And we’ll make sure that every individual who walks out of here tweets about it and raves about it even if they’ve not read more than two lines in their bloody life! So I think, congratulations and it’s very heartening to see you still on the crease, daring, baring and saying, “I won’t stop as life doesn’t have a full stop, the spirit of Mohan Deep will not have a full stop! I’m certain about that! Well done, Mohan. Congratulations!”

Expressing his admiration for Mahesh Bhatt, the author Mohan Deep said that he admired Mahesh Bhatt for being whatever he is as a man and as a filmmaker and thanked him for coming. He said “As a man, Mahesh Bhatt is extremely bold, controversial and doesn’t fear anything. Mahesh is the one who doesn’t call a spade a spade, he calls it a shovel! Had he been a journalist he would have wiped out half of us. Thankfully he is not a journalist. He’s a filmmaker.”

Please watch out this space for Review of the Book which I am reading currently.

 

Celebrate Khajuraho, in all its splendour, glory, mystic & culture!

In my series of Festivals/ Celebrations on my blog across the country, I bring forth for you – Khajuraho Dance Festival which is one of the most celebrated dance festivals, where most profound artists from all over India across all dance forms perform. For the uninitiated, Khajuraho is in Madhya Pradesh, which has an airport of its own where flights from Mumbai and Delhi are regular. If you are a train freak like me – you can alight at either Jhansi (UP) or Gwalior (MP) and Khajuaro is approx. 175 Kms from there. Or if you want to take meter gauge train, then Mohoba station is the closest. The dates for Khajuraho Dance festival are: February 20 – 26, 2016. Still time, you can book your tickets now – for Khajuraho, for hotel and for festival. But none of us would deny knowing that Khajuraho is world famous for its temples which have erotica scriptures and attracts lakhs of visitors every year. The ‘Khajuraho 2016’ would present a bouquet of the very best of Indian dances to its visitors. It is must visit destination for art, culture, scriptures, architecture and history connoisseurs.

Why Khajuraho?

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres (109 mi) southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 20 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers. Of the various surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.

Why Khajuraho Dance Festival?

Khajuraho Festival of Dances is celebrated at a time when the hardness of winter begins to fade and the king of all seasons, spring, takes over. The most colorful and brilliant classical dance forms of India with their roots in the rich cultural traditions across the country, offer a feast for the eyes during a weeklong extravaganza here. This is year it is being held from February 20-26. Since times immemorial, myriad forms of dance have been absorbed into the classical dance styles. Watching these performances reveal the age-old trends, traits and nuances that are firmly established in dance in various regions of India.

The aura of these masterpieces has not dimmed over many centuries; nor have the living traditions of these styles lost their fluidity and charm over the long passage of time. Indian traditions of dance have been considered to be divine in origin. In Indian mythology, the gods and goddesses are great lovers of music that comprises vocal singing, instrumental music and dance.

For ages these ethos have continued in the realm of art and culture of India and embedded into the diverse dance styles prevalent in various parts of the country. These dances materialize against the backdrop of the glorious temples of Khajuraho, which stand a testimony to the glorious past of India’s cultural richness. This temple complex glows with the warmth of sandstone which is ornamented with the sinous curves of sculpture unparalleled in their beauty.

The past of Khajuraho is shrouded with mystery and conjecture. In the midst of the wilderness full of ferocious animals, there is the small town of Khajuraho standing alone in its solitude with its ancient temples. With hardly any written records and rare references to its origin, the history of Khajuraho has become trapped in the mythical folklore of the region. The beautiful artworks of these temples have gained the attention of the art lovers all over the world but the real purpose behind their construction is a mere guess work of the intellectuals. The These temples fire the imagination of the visitors with innumerable questions such as their significance and their position in the society, the reason behind using these temples as an art gallery, the whereabouts of the said kingdom and why only the temples have been found and there are no ruins of the mansions and palaces in the nearby area. The graphic representation of sexual and erotic postures in a religious place is bewildering too.

For details, visit: http://www.Khajurahodancefestival.com

Land of two suns!

The Miracle has happened today USA and CANADA saw two suns. This is called as Hunters Moon..

Due to change of orbit the sun sets and moon rises at the same time with both being opposite to each other at a particular angle or degree moon reflects the sun so bright that it almost feels like another sun.
Effects stays for couple of days.

Received this as facebook post – thought of sharing with you!

Fiesta De Diu: Music Lovers, Dancing queens, Diu calling!

Diu is hosting Asia’s largest beach festival for all you music and dance lovers from December 1, 2015  – February 15, 2016 with special appearances by noted singers Kailash Kher, Shreya Ghoshal and G SIvamani.

Over the next few weeks the isle of Calm will celebrate art, heritage, culture, music and much more. A festival village, set up on the beach, with 5-star luxuries will keep you cosy and comfortable during your stay. So join in the festivites at Festa De Diu and get ready for some fun at the isle of calm.

Festival Village would comprise 60 luxury tents , 200 plus conference seating, hot air balloon, zip lining and Bungee jumping.

Be part of Asia’s longest beach festival…

For details contact: 1800 103 9257 or Visit: festadiu.com

 

Nishagandhi Dance & Music Festival set to bloom in Kerala!!

Spreading the fragrance of art in God’s Own Country, the annual Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival is set to enthrall the audience yet again.

Starting on 20th January 2016, the vibrant aura of divine music and dance will enrich the cool balmy air of Nishagandhi open air theatre in the Kanakakkunnu palace grounds on those nights. With performances by legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Anoushka Shankar, Hemal Melina and group and so on, the event is scheduled from 20th to 27th January 2016.

Odissi dancer Arushi Mudgal performing at the ongoing Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival, in Thiruvananathapuram on Thursday night. UNI PHOTO-4U

You can surrender to the beauty and grandeur of Indian classical dance and music at the Nishagandhi Festival, to be held in the lush grounds of the Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram.

Here, India bares its art and soul in God’s own country – Nishagandhi Festival – begins on January 20th in Thiruvananthapuram till 27th January, 2016.

It is an opportunity to watch India’s cultural heritage come alive in one of India’s most spectacular settings to enjoy magical evenings of raga and rhythm as some of India’s finest artists including Anoushka Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ileana Citaristi, T V Sankakranarayanan, Dr. Lalitha & Nandini and Hema Malini showcase the beauty and grandeur of Indian classical dance and music.

JANUARY 20
6.30 PM
Inaugural Ceremony
SPECIAL CHOREOGRAPHY
7.30 PM
Classical Concert
Anoushka Shankar

JANUARY 21
6.30 PM

Carnatic Hindustani
Jugalbandhi
Sreeranjini Kodampally
& Gayatri asokan

8.00 PM
Kuchipudi
Vyjayanthi Kashi &
Prateeksha Kashi

JANUARY 22
6.30 PM
Bharathanatyam – Smitha Madhav
8.00 PM

Carnatic Vocal
T.V. Sankaranarayanan

JANUARY 23
6.30 PM
Mohiniyattam – Parvathy Sreevallabhan
& Sandra Pisharody

7.30 PM
Instrumental Fusion – Dr. Lalitha & Nandini

JANUARY 24
6.30 PM
Kuchipudi – Arathy Sudhakaran
7.30 PM
Sattriya Dance Ramakrishna Talukdar & Krishnakshi kashyap

8.30 PM
Kathak – Marami Medhi & Megharanjini Medhi

JANUARY 25
6.30 PM
Mandolin – Pandit Sugato Bhaduri
8.00 PM

Odissi
Ileana Citaristi

JANUARY 26
7.00 PM
Dance – Hema Malini & Group

JANUARY 27
6.30 PM
Carnatic Vocal – Arjun B. Krishna

8.00 PM
Jugalbandhi – Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shashank Subramanyam & Rakesh Chaurasia

So what are you thinking? pack your bags for God’s own country for truly divine experience.

Information courtesy: Kerala Tourism

 

Paytm to foray into travel marketplace

Firm modeling its travel vertical on Alibaba run – Alitrip

Paytm, India’s largest mobile phone wallet provider is set to make inroads into the travel space. It is planning to build the country’s largest travel marketplace and provide all types of travel and tourism solutions, including cab rides, bus train and air tickets; hotel bookings, visa facilitation, foreign exchange and international mobile cards. The company is modeling its travel vertical on Alibaba – run Alitrip, which provides travel services on its portal. For international travel packages, Paytm might get into a tie-up with Alitrip. For now Paytm’s services would be incorporated into its present portal on web and mobile application and will not be a standalone travel business like Alitrip.

According to Abhishek Ranjan, Vice President, Paytm: We are looking to build the largest marketplace for travel in India…a person planning a holiday will not have to look anywhere else for any travel needs.

The One97 Communications – run company is first online e-commerce major, which has got into this segment. Till now this space has been dominated by Online travel companies such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra and travel and tour operators like Thomas Cook and Kuoni India. To build its travel market place, the firm is getting into tie-ups with big and small travel agents, transporters, hotels & ancillary service providers such as adventure sports company owners. The company is also working tie-ups with major players including IndiGo for air tickets and global distribution system major Amadeus, which enables automated transactions between third parties and travel agencies to provide travel related services.

Information Courtesy: Business Standard