The Cubbon charisma

One of the largest lung spaces in the city, Cubbon Park, has more to offer than what meets the eye

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE Music lovers make a beeline for Cubbon Park on Sundays Photo: G.P.Sampath Kumar

When you think of Cubbon Park, the first images that come to mind are determined joggers, kids running around trees and the occasional couple.

Apart from this, the green haven is also the haunt for poetry and music lovers and is the destination for a range of activities from doggie meet-ups, community hangouts and even a vegan picnic! While the activities are endless, MetroPlus lists out the top seven activities you can do at Cubbon Park.

Poetry in the woods

An event for all the creative souls out there, ‘Poetry in the Park’ features a small community of poets and listeners who gather once a month to share and listen to poetry in all its forms and languages. An event open for all who appreciate the oral art form, this intimate gathering among the trees happens on a regular basis. Swetha Akshita, a first-timer at this month’s meet, says: “The event was the perfect combination of nature and poetry. It was inspiring and peaceful.” Anjala Farahath, another participant says: “From students venting about the ridiculousness of the education system to a home-maker yearning to be heard, the forum is a common ground for rhythm and words.” Check them out on Facebook.

Every dog has his day

Every Sunday, Cubbon Park also opens up to our four-legged friends in a specially cordoned-off area so they can run free and interact with other dogs. Maria Joseph who takes her Labrador, April regularly, says: “In our apartment, April has no place to run around. Here, my dog not only gets to make friends with other dogs, she can also dig around to her heart’s content. With the Garden City slowly turning into a labyrinth of concrete buildings and congested living spaces, these pets rarely have a place to be free.” Make sure you head over this Sunday with your dog.

Green yoga

This is a community-based initiative to spread the wholesome power of yoga and make it accessible to all. Radhika Chaliha, one of the founders, says, “One of the founding principles of Yoga Mat-ters was community building. You get to experience mutual affection, learn that collaborations break boundaries and open hearts and minds through yoga.” An event that happens monthly, it is open to all.

Shakespeare in the park

The Bardolators, as the name suggests, is a theatre troupe dedicated to all things Shakespeare. The group has a repertoire of productions in the park with A Midsummer Night’s Dream being the latest one. Organiser Danish Sheikh says, “The idea is to present Shakespeare in a public space to make his text accessible and also allow us to dynamically reinterpret them in playing with the natural space that the park affords.” Sreyashi Ghosh, a member of the audience, says: “The event provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together to celebrate their love for Shakespeare.” Follow them on their Facebook page to witness the magic of the Bard.

Everything under the trees

From music jams and poetry to story-telling sessions, the InkWeavers, at least when not hindered by rain, use the cover of the trees to let their creative spirits run amok. “You can’t resist the trees,” quips Janet Orlene, one of the founders of the community built on love for poetry, prose, art and well, life, in general. Their events are open to all and though various other venues are being used for now, due to the rains, Cubbon Park will continue to be “the place as soon as the sun comes out,” she adds. Keep an eye out for them on their Facebook page.

Photo and heritage walks

These events happen frequently both in and around the sprawling park. Nature lovers who would love to spend the day capturing the beauty of the park and those who crave to listen to the story behind the Garden City can easily sign up for the large number of guided tours and walks that happen all year round. This is also the perfect way to spend a quiet weekend.

For the vegans

One truly doesn’t have to be a vegan to attend these meetings. A curious spirit armed with a dish (strictly vegan) is the only necessary requirement that needs to be met to join in.

It is the Bangalore Vegan Potluck, after all. This group meets monthly in Cubbon Park to promote the benefits of healthy living and more importantly, simply have fun. Follow them on their Facebook page.