After a weekend with the city bursting at its seams, this is downtime now. With some residual winter chill hanging in the air and a haze that hasn’t made up its mind to go away for good, the warm sunshine is something you will deliberately seek out. This January weather seems ordered for bicycle rides and lateafternoon strolls. But it won’t last long though, is all we can say!
Things to do
Dance the Brazilian way
This Saturday, discover a popular Brazilian dance, with African roots- the Samba de Roda at La Casita. Dancing around a circle to the sound of traditional percussion, the Samba is seen as a dance of emancipation and a celebration of freedom. Luciana Camargo, choreographer and co-founder of Brazilian Divas, from Rio de Janeiro, will conduct the workshop which blends dance, poetry and music. To rserve seats, call 7639405194 or e-mail lacasita.india@gmail.com
Watch a Mexican tale inspired by the Pondicherry sea
Mexican artist Leyla Braksha has spent six months in Pondicherry on an art residency, taking in the many influences the city breathes. Her cumulative work in India, ‘Nature Explorations’ which is on for another week, features paintings and mixed media installations that are inspired by her love for the Bay of Bengal and her efforts to encourage people to save it from abuse.
Find out what happens when East and West entwine: Indo- French festival
Starting this weekend, the Alliance Francaise de Pondichery will host Pondy Partages, a month long festival that celebrates the intermingling of Indian and French cultures through film screenings, musical concerts, exhibitions and plays. While the city always celebrates the two cultures that permeate it, this festival will showcase various efforts in performing arts where the East and the West not only meet, but merge.
Rewind to WWI
This weekend, you can catch a photo exhibition at the Maison Colombani, ‘War and Colonies’ that presents World War I with the focus on the various colonies of Europe, including India.
French-Indian duet
For a musical evening that can turn from soothing melodies to rock and roll, head to the Kamban Kalai Arangam on Saturday at 7 p.m. Azarak, a duo made up of Alexandre Jurain, a French musician and Sukanta, a classical Bengali singer will perform an Indo-French duet that mingles vocals with Esraj, a pipe-like instrument.
Carnatic meets rock
The second half of the concert is again a mélange of two cultures, brought about by Krishna’s Temple Rock. The local band has been interweaving South Indian traditional music with rock and jazz to create an unusual brand of music.
Three things to try in Auroville this weekend
Try some gelato in the forest
There’s something to be said for standing in the middle of a forest and savouring Italian style ice-cream. We’ve heard good things about this new spot in Auroville — the ‘Gelato Factory’.
If you’re hot and bothered after all the walking, stop by for freshly made ice-creams in flavours such as chocolate, Ferrero Roche and Chantilly Cream. Sorbetttos or frozen desserts, come in the shape of coconut, lemon and strawberry.
Get bowled over with pottery from all over India
With its many pottery studios, including Golden Bridge, Pondicherry and Auroville, have always been the go-to-places for ceramics and pottery in South India.
It’s time to celebrate clay and its many associations this weekend at the Auroville International Potters’ Market. Over 30 potters from all over India, including Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata will showcase the many marvels that can be wrought from a piece of clay.
You can inspect and admire terracotta, stoneware, porcelain and more at the market.
The market will showcase utilitarian ware like bowls, teapots and mugs, decorative pottery and artisanal works in clay. Drop in between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Visitors Centre, till Sunday evening.
Retreat for parents-tobe
Auroville Retreat, which conducts regular weekend workshops, hosts a special retreat for expecting parents this weekend. The importance of a harmonious pregnancy in the backdrop of a stressful city life, and conscious parenting will be the themes of this retreat.
Visit www.aurovilleretreat.org or call 0413 2622571, 8940219725
Tuck in
Non-stop Saturday
If you want a taste of Hollywood in Pondy, La Plancha with its vintage Elvis/ Marilyn posters and wooden chairs, dedicated to the big stars of classic films, has been the place to go. The fried calamari, pink cocktails and the sloppy Joe burgers have been other incentives to visit. With the restaurant turning one this Saturday, the folks have decided to up the celebrations with all-day music, dance and happy hours, starting from 11 a.m. The theme of the day is ‘nonstop’ with DJ Akso from Hyderabad playing all day and night, and a steady supply of burgers and beverages to choose from any time.
Lunch for the business minded
If you like to mix business with pleasure, there is a new vegetarian buffet served in a corporate setting, starting this week at Le Boulevard. The highlights of the lunch buffet at the lobby-level restaurant at Hotel Atithi, are live counters for starters and chef’s selection of desserts.
Splurge
Fancy a necklace made with newspapers
Auroville based Well Paper, which specialises in handmade stationery and baskets out of recycled newspaper, has a new store at the Well Café. Besides their signature baskets and pen-holders, new paper necklaces and yoga bags have been added to the collection.
