Retrieved via the Wayback Machine. Originally posted by Harini Calamur

Today I went touritst. At the Kalaghoda Festival. Walked about without an agenda, took in the sights, smells, sounds and more.

It was a lovely, sunny saturday. And entering the Kala Ghada area seemed like walking thorugh the looking glass - a differnt world of vibrant colours, passionate artists and mouthwatering khana. There were as many people there for the food as for the culture. You left the stress, strain and, most importantly the vehicular traffic & honking horns of Mumbai behind. You stepped into Kala Ghoda and you feel the pace of life changing gears to a much mellower and introspective one.

Various types of artists (painters, sketchers, caricaturists) were busy displaying their wares - for them maybe it is just another day. a whole bunch of outsiders in ‘their’ space. But the crowds saw, lingered, appreciated and participated. Young and old alike had this burning desire to get their potrait made. And crowds just gathered watching someone draw.

Street stalls, poster art, and an incredible looking rickshaw and whole bunch of street exhibitions later, you get into - Rampart Row - the performaance & food area area. Three very differenct performances:

The first a street bansuriwalla - who was selling various types of flutes and playing along to entice crowds. The wasn’t great, but atleast it didn’t have you reaching out for the ear muffs. He did fairly decent business.

The second was Sur Aur Taal by Nrityanjali - seemed like bollywised kathak, thought it was advertised as folk and classical dance. Dancers with flowing white costumes performed in the blazing sunshine. The seating was occupied sparsely - with lots of gaps. But there was a lot of standing crowd. It ended with a famous piece from Paakezah.

And then of course were the puppets.

And tons of food - but that is a different post.