Shikha Sheoran’s Solo Exhibition Zikr Brings Hidden Human Stories to the Forefront

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Portrait artist Shikha Sheoran, who began her professional art journey in 2022 in her 50s, is set to present her first solo exhibition, Zikr, in New Delhi. The show will be held at the India International Centre from Feb 11–17, offering an intimate showcase rooted in remembrance, identity, and human stories.

A Practice Shaped by Observation and Emotional Truth

Known for her pencil and charcoal portraits, Shikha Sheoran has developed a signature human-centred voice that captures fleeting emotions, resilience, and untold narratives. Her work reflects a deep attentiveness to faces and expressions, reading them with the sensitivity of a storyteller.

Early Series “Brokpas” Explored Cultural Identity Through Portraiture

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Her artistic evolution began with Brokpas, an instinctive entry into realism that focused on identity and cultural detail. The series was first showcased at AIFACS (2022) and later at Visual Arts Gallery (2023), marking her emergence as a portrait artist engaging with cultural heritage through intimate representation.

Social Narratives Took Form in “Farmers” and “Kashmakash”

Shikha’s later works shifted toward grounded social themes. Farmers, displayed at Lalit Kala Akademi (2024), highlighted resilience and the dignity of everyday labour. In Kashmakash, exhibited at Palm Court, India Habitat Centre (2024), she created silhouettes of women and children reflecting water scarcity and invisible labour through minimalistic yet emotionally weighty forms.

Recognition and Awards Mark a Rapid Artistic Rise

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In a short span, Shikha Sheoran has received significant recognition, including a gold medal from the Bundelkhand Society of Art (2024), first prize for her Brokpa portrait from the Asian Literary Society (2023), and a cash award at AIFACS (2025) for her farmer portrait. Beyond accolades, her practice continues to focus on social relevance and emotional honesty.

“Zikr” Brings Overlooked Lives Into Quiet Focus

In Zikr, Shikha honours those often unseen in everyday life—a girl selling toys on the street, a lady cutting grass in the mountains, a chaiwala, or a rickshaw driver. Through the humble medium of pencil, she celebrates quiet lives with dignity and care, offering viewers a space for reflection and remembrance.

Exhibition Details

Detail Information
Exhibition Zikr
Artist Shikha Sheoran
Venue India International Centre, New Delhi
Dates Feb 11–17, 2026
Medium Pencil and charcoal portraits
Theme Remembrance, identity, and hidden human stories

Conclusion

With Zikr, Shikha Sheoran brings a deeply personal yet socially resonant portrait practice into the spotlight, celebrating lives often overlooked and stories rarely told. Her late-blooming journey, marked by emotional truth and artistic courage, makes this debut solo exhibition at the India International Centre from Feb 11–17, 2026 a significant moment in contemporary Indian portraiture.

India Design 2026 Rolls Out the Designer Red Carpet in New Delhi

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With India Design 2026 almost here in Delhi, the week promises a front-row seat to some of the country’s most definitive design experiences, bringing together craft, innovation, and spatial storytelling across immersive exhibitor spaces.

Design Week Takes Center Stage

The event will unfold at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi, from February 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd, with visitors able to explore the showcases daily between 11 AM – 6 PM.

Aspects Details
Event India Design 2026
Venue NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi
Date February 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd
Time 11 AM – 6 PM
Highlights 11 standout exhibitor spaces, installations, and design showcases

A-Class Marble Launches Angelo Fiore as a Dynamic Canvas

Moving beyond slabs to spatial storytelling, A-Class Marble transforms marble into a dynamic canvas through form and movement. This year marks the launch of Angelo Fiore, a Zambian marble defined by its warm white and champagne-toned base, sourced exclusively from their own quarries.
A-Class Marble: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 70

Immersive Interiors and Material Narratives Define Key Exhibitor Spaces

Among the most compelling highlights is ‘The Velvet Chateau’ by Beyond Designs, conceived as a complete residence unfolding from corridor to study, bedroom to living–dining, set within the shell of an old European church. Coast to Coast Designs brings veneer to life through layered surfaces, while Drapesy in collaboration with Arte unveils a new collection exclusively for the exhibition, where walls tell stories through textures, wallcoverings, and soft furnishings.

  • Beyond Designs: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 106–107 & 117–118
  • Coast to Coast Designs: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 47 & 48
  • Drapesy: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 86 & 87

Global Home Brands and Indian Heritage Craftsmanship Converge

Visitors can step into the Spring collections at Pottery Barn and West Elm, where modern shapes and honest materials combine in inviting ways. Sarita Handa presents a collection weaving Indian heritage into a contemporary architectural narrative, where geometry, memory, and craftsmanship converge in quiet dialogue.

  • Pottery Barn: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 140 & 161
  • West Elm: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 141 & 160
  • Sarita Handa: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 157 & 158

Systems, Future Living, and Public Art Installations Expand the Experience

A system-led approach defines VOX, showcasing ceiling systems, flooring, wall panels, and façade applications that integrate seamlessly into architecture. Wriver debuts a new design language that reimagines home living with timeless pieces carrying a pulse of the future. The exhibition also features “The Dance of Balance,” an installation by Vibhor Sogani reflecting the fragile equilibrium that sustains public life, drawing from the scales of justice.

  • VOX: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 66 & 67
  • Wriver: Booth No. Experience & Editions – 132-135 & 166-169

Event Details Table

Exhibitor Booth No. (Experience & Editions)
A-Class Marble 70
Beyond Designs 106–107 & 117–118
Coast to Coast Designs 47 & 48
Drapesy (with Arte) 86 & 87
Pottery Barn 140 & 161
West Elm 141 & 160
Sarita Handa 157 & 158
VOX 66 & 67
Wriver 132-135 & 166-169
Vibhor Sogani Installation: “The Dance of Balance”

Takeaway

India Design 2026 promises to be more than an exhibition of objects—it is an exploration of spaces where materials, heritage, and innovation converge. From marble reimagined as movement to immersive interiors, future-focused systems, and public art installations, the event offers visitors an opportunity to experience design beyond the surface at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi, from February 19th to 22nd, between 11 AM – 6 PM.

Ramaleelas of Odisha at IGNCA Offers an Ethnographic Journey into Heritage

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Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is set to present Ramaleelas of Odisha, an evocative documentary that captures the living tradition of Ramaleela through the lens of ethnography.

Event Details

Aspects Details
Programme Ramaleelas of Odisha
Presented By Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
Venue Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA
Date 14 February 2026
Time 3 PM
Focus Ethnographic documentary on Odisha’s Ramaleela traditions

Mapping the Diversity

The documentary offers a unique cultural mapping of Ramaleela performances across Odisha, highlighting the diversity of this vibrant tradition as it continues to thrive in different regions of the state.

An Immersive Cinematic Journey 

Designed as an immersive cinematic experience, Ramaleelas of Odisha invites audiences to witness the richness of Odisha’s cultural heritage, where performance, devotion, and community memory come together in powerful ways.

A Window into Living Traditions

By approaching Ramaleela through ethnographic storytelling, the film reflects on how traditional performing arts remain active cultural practices, carrying forward histories, rituals, and shared identities.

Screening at Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA

The documentary will be screened at Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, offering viewers in New Delhi an opportunity to engage closely with Odisha’s enduring folk and theatrical traditions.

Takeaway

With Ramaleelas of Odisha, IGNCA brings audiences closer to one of India’s most vibrant living traditions, offering an evocative ethnographic lens into the cultural diversity of Ramaleela performances across the state. The screening promises an immersive journey into Odisha’s heritage on 14 February 2026 at Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA.

Thapar Contemporary Presents The Engineering of Rubble in New Delhi

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Thapar Contemporary has opened The Engineering of Rubble, a group exhibition featuring 18 artworks by 11 contemporary European artists. Curated by Jasone Miranda-Bilbao and Vaibhav Raj Shah, the show is currently on view in New Delhi until 4 April 2026.

Exhibition Reflects on Fragmentation and Endurance

The exhibition explores fragmentation, imperfection, and endurance as active conditions of making. It considers how meaning can emerge from what is broken, provisional, and unresolved, inviting viewers to engage with incompleteness as a productive state rather than a failure.

Artists Whose Works Embrace Rupture and Process

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At the gallery, The Engineering of Rubble features works by Ali Glover, Ana Genovés, Charo Garaigorta, Damien Meade, Ian Dawson, Ian Gouldstone, Katrin Hanusch, Mike Marshall, Oona Grimes, Robin Megannity, and Sarah Staton. Instead of treating rupture as something to be resolved, these works allow disorder to remain open, where form is continuously becoming rather than arriving at closure.

An Architecture Built Through Attention, Not Walls

The exhibition proposes an architecture built not of walls, frames, plinths, or screens, but of attention. The fractured and incomplete speak of matter’s quiet will to endure even after its original purpose has dissolved, suggesting that presence can emerge from loss and incompleteness.

Ashish Thapar on Creating Space for Open Meaning

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Speaking about the exhibition, Ashish Thapar, Founder, Thapar Contemporary, said, “The Engineering of Rubble brings together contemporary practices emerging from Europe that resist certainty and closure. By creating a context for these artists in India, the exhibition reflects an interest in attentiveness—allowing ideas and materials to remain open, and meaning to emerge gradually through process, material, and time rather than through resolution.”

Event Details

Aspects Details
Exhibition The Engineering of Rubble
Venue Thapar Contemporary, Kapashera, New Delhi
Artists Featured 11 Contemporary European Artists
Curators Jasone Miranda-Bilbao and Vaibhav Raj Shah
On View Till 04 April 2026
Gallery Timings 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Monday to Saturday

Takeaway

Curator Jasone Miranda-Bilbao added, “The Engineering of Rubble brings together practices that work with fracture, pause, and repetition as ways of thinking. The exhibition is not concerned with resolving what is broken, but with staying with it—allowing form and meaning to unfold through time, attention, and material presence.”

Gallery Silver Scapes and Dhoomimal Art Gallery Revisit Almelkar’s Modernist Legacy

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Indian Modernism in Mehrauli

February 2026 | New Delhi: Gallery Silver Scapes, in collaboration with Dhoomimal Art Gallery, recently hosted an exclusive modernist evening at QLA, Mehrauli, presenting works by two seminal figures of Indian modernism — A. A. Almelkar and Akkitham Narayanan. Conceived as a continuation of ongoing artistic and intellectual conversations, the gathering brought together collectors, artists, diplomats, and cultural patrons for an intimate engagement with modernist legacies.

A Dialogue Between Figuration and Abstraction

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Set against the elegant backdrop of QLA, the presentation created a compelling exchange between Almelkar’s lyrical figuration and Narayanan’s meditative abstraction. The pairing highlighted the breadth of Indian modernist expression, demonstrating how two distinct artistic languages can coexist within a shared framework of memory, form, and philosophical depth.

Launch of a Major Publication on A. A. Almelkar

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The evening also marked the launch of a new publication titled ALMELKAR: THE RESURRECTION – Letters & Lines of a Master, which chronicles the artistic journey of the legendary master A. A. Almelkar. The book offers deeper insight into his enduring contribution to Indian art, expanding contemporary understanding of his practice beyond the canvas and into personal correspondence, archival reflection, and critical interpretation.

Rural Memory & Cultural Life

Almelkar’s works reflected his profound engagement with Indian rural life, cultural memory, and lived experience. The publication features works from the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) collection, underscoring institutional recognition of his importance within Indian modernism. Contributions from leading voices — including Archana Khare-Ghose, Vikram Mayor, Rajendra Patil, Dr. Rehaman Patel, Deepak Kannal, Shivprasad Khened, Rekha Hebbar Rao, and Lina Vincent — offer layered perspectives on his stylistic evolution and legacy.

Narayanan’s Sacred Geometry and Stillness

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In contrast, Akkitham Narayanan’s contemplative abstractions unfolded through a visual language shaped by sacred geometry and metaphysical thought. Constructed through elemental forms and measured spatial relationships, his canvases introduced moments of stillness and introspection within the evening’s discourse. Narayanan’s gracious presence offered guests a rare opportunity to interact with the senior contemporary artist and gain insight into his philosophy and practice.

Gallery Directors Reflect on Modernism’s Continued Resonance

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Speaking on the presentation, Uday Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Art Gallery, noted that bringing together the works of Almelkar and Narayanan allowed Indian modernism to be revisited in a way that is reflective, relevant, and rooted in dialogue. Vikram Mayor, Director of Gallery Silver Scapes, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the exchange of ideas throughout the evening as reaffirming the richness of Indian modernist thought and its resonance today.

Event Details

Event Detail Information
Event Modernist Presentation and Publication Launch
Date February 2026
Location QLA, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Hosted By Gallery Silver Scapes + Dhoomimal Art Gallery
Artists Presented A. A. Almelkar and Akkitham Narayanan
Publication Launched ALMELKAR: THE RESURRECTION – Letters & Lines of a Master
Focus Revisiting Indian modernism through dialogue, works, and scholarship

Takeaway

The evening brought together a distinguished cross-section of India’s cultural landscape, including Suhel Seth, Chetan Seth, Ajitabh Bachchan, Ramola Bachchan, and eminent artists such as Jatin Das, Biman Das, M. Pravat, and Manish Pushkale. By presenting the works of A. A. Almelkar and Akkitham Narayanan in a focused yet convivial setting, Dhoomimal Gallery and Gallery Silver Scapes reinforced their commitment to revisiting and recontextualising Indian modernism, ensuring its continued relevance within contemporary cultural discourse.

World Radio Day: Celebrating India’s Legacy from Akashvani to Podcasts

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“…At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”

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Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic speech on Radio

Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic speech declaring India’s hard-earned Independence, the country didn’t have a single television transmitter, let alone a TV audience. But they did have radios. Many Indians experienced that historic moment over the radio waves.

World Radio Day, the Beginning

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World Radio Day, UN, 1952 – United Nations Photo/Flickr

Global Organisations put in efforts to celebrate the medium, promote international cooperation between radio broadcasters and encourage networks to foster access to information and freedom of expression. World Radio Day, a day proclaimed by UNESCO remembering the anniversary of the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946.

Radio, a medium to educate and entertain people. Since the inception of the Internet, Radio has been on the decline due to people always glued to their smartphones and consuming content from the web. Podcasting, one of the new innovations which has taken the youth’s minds by storm. Content has been flowing in the internet, with even news organizations getting into this new space. Despite several prospects coming up, radio is still one of the most consumed media due to its unique ability to reach out to the widest audience.

The Journey of Radio in India

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Akashvani (All India Radio)- Kolkata Center – Wikimedia

The journey began with clubs being set up in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras between the span of November 1923 – June 1924. 1926, saw the British Government grant a license to a private body named Indian Broadcasting company to establish broadcasting stations in India. IBC’s failure resulted in the beginning of Indian state Broadcasting Service, further renamed to All India Radio (AIR) in June 1935. On the suggestion of famous poet Pandit Narendra Sharma AIR was renamed to ‘Akashvani’, the message that comes over the skies.

‘Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya’, motto of Akashvani is a dictum mentioned in the Rigveda which translated to happiness of many, for the welfare of many. AIR, India’s public service broadcaster, the radio vertical of Prasar Bharati has been serving to inform, educate and entertain its audience since its inception. It is one of the world’s largest organizations in terms of languages of broadcast and the spectrum of socio-economic and cultural diversity.

Radio: Cultural Connection

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Image – Pippa Ranger/Department for International Development/Flickr

Radio units like Farm & Home, Vividh Bharati, Yuva Vani are one of the popular sections of Akashvani which brewed content for the masses. Farm & Home focused on the farmers and one of its best programs was ‘Kisanvani’, which focused on educating the kisans and spreading awareness. Known for its mix of music featuring a wide range of genres including film songs, classical music, ghazals and folk tunes, Vividh Bharati has been a staple for listeners of all ages. It features popular segments like ‘Sangeet Sarhita’, ‘Aap ki Farmaish’ and ‘Bhule Bisre geet.’

Reaching the Masses through Radio

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Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann ki baat’, which interacts with the Indian masses through radio, has struck chords with the common people. Farmers, labourers, truck drivers sitting in dhabas tune in to Maan ki Baat on the day of broadcast. Its popularity is such that AIR centers receive thousands of postcards and letter from listeners who want to give opinions and comments related to the program.

Initially AIR was only transmitted in a few languages and covered in a few cities. Its reach, however, swiftly grew and by the 1950s, it was transmitting programs in a variety of languages across the country. Private players discovered a fresh viewpoint to the Indian radio sector. They have brought about to the radio industry new programming formats like music shows, chat shows and celebrity interviews. Their emphasis on appealing to certain listener segments such as youth, women and sports fans had resulted in the increase in the popularity of FM radio. As a result, the FM radio has become India’s favourite source of entertainment.

The Rise of FM Radio

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Image – Wikimedia

The rise of commercial FM radio in the 1990s was a watershed moment in the history of the Indian radio business. Previously, AIR was India’s sole radio broadcaster. However, when the Indian economy liberalized, private businesses entered the sector. The government auctioned out FM radio station licenses to private entities in several cities around the country. This marked the radio industry’s commercialization in India.

‘Radio is a dying medium’, a statement procured by many. The medium’s attractiveness is falling short with the rise of the Internet and dominance of television. Streaming platforms such as Apple music, Gaana and Spotify have attracted the music listening audience giving them the choice according to the mood and convenience.

Radio to New Age Listeners

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Image – Wikimedia

Gone are the days when we would gather around radio sets to tune into the broadcast of Republic day or Independence Day. The medium has now been relegated primarily to music through AIR is still doing efforts with their news bulletins but there are channels where music and soft content programs dominate. The main audience of radio’s are the ageing ones or the people commuting to work in their vehicles.

Radio has also embraced digital technology with several FM stations broadcasting their programming online. The advent of podcasting has also provided new opportunities for India’s radio sector. Innovations related to sports commentary, interactive game-programs, hyper local news and events, presence of an incredible array of frequencies and a sound monetization strategy are just some of the factors that could have delayed the inevitable by a bit.

Radio in Web Space

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Private players as well as AIR nowadays are looking for presence in the Web rather than only voice programs. Radio jockeys/presenters are looked upon as commodities who can create content for various platforms, which has somewhat taken away the authenticity of them sticking to only one medium.

There still remains a scope to associate more people with the storytelling form. Radio is a very personal medium, where the presenter talks with the listeners in their private space hitting the chord of emotions right.

To mention Yaadon ka Idiot Box, Sunday Suspense and many others had a huge fanbase in radio but companies decided to not just stick with one platform and move into different spaces with the same content. They need to focus more the platform which is still very emotional for many of the people.

Radio along with new innovations is still trying to get back to what it was once but for it we the people also have to show more eagerness to let these broadcasters trust this medium again.

FAQs on World Radio Day

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Question: What is World Radio Day?

Answer: World Radio Day is observed globally to celebrate radio as a powerful medium of communication, education, and cultural exchange.

Question: When is World Radio Day celebrated?

Answer: World Radio Day is celebrated every year on 13th February.

Question: Who declared World Radio Day?

Answer: World Radio Day was proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the United Nations to highlight the importance of radio worldwide.

Question: Why is World Radio Day important?

Answer: It recognizes radio’s role in spreading reliable information, supporting freedom of expression, and reaching remote communities during emergencies.

Question: What is the theme of World Radio Day this year?

Answer: UNESCO announces a unique theme each year focusing on radio’s impact. The official theme can be found on UNESCO’s World Radio Day platform.

An Ultimate Guide to 7-Day Ladakh Bike Trip

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Ladakh is a perfect mix of raw landscapes, adventure-packed rides, and rich Himalayan culture. While the region is vast and impossible to explore entirely in a short span, a 7-day Ladakh bike trip is the best option to experience its most iconic routes, high mountain passes, serene monasteries, and breathtaking valleys with our ultimate bike tour packages for Ladakh.

From snow-covered peaks and pristine lakes to stunning valleys and peaceful monasteries, our Leh Ladakh Travel Package are expertly curated so that no iconic spots are missed. 

Are 7 Days Enough for a Ladakh Bike Trip?

Yes, a 7-day trip to Leh Ladakh is an ideal time to explore the region. However, to make the most of it, you need to plan your trip strategically. 

  • Acclimatize properly and adjust with harsh surroundings
  • Cover major destinations like Nubra, Pangong, and Khardung La
  • Immerse in Ladakh’s culture and landscape without feeling rushed

Leh Ladakh Itinerary for 7 Days

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Here’s your itinerary for a 7-day trip to Leh Ladakh:

Day 1: Arrival in Leh – Acclimatization Day

  • Your 7-day bike trip to Ladakh will begin with your arrival in Leh. You will spend the first day acclimatizing and hydrating.
  • It is advised to rest well and adjust to the harsh surroundings. However, in the evening you can explore local attractions like Leh Market and Shanti Stupa.

Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

  • Your real adventure will kick off on the second day, when you will ride toward Nubra Valley via Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The ride is both adventurous and scenic, making it a highlight of any one-week trip.
  • In Nubra Valley, you can spot Bactrian camels and take a ride on one as well as explore dunes on an ATV bike ride. 
  • Do not forget to visit Diskit Monastery for a peaceful retreat and for witnessing the iconic 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue.

Day 3: Nubra Valley to Siachen Base Camp

  • This day is the most iconic part of your journey when you get to ride to the base camp of the world’s highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier, which will offer an emotional and patriotic experience. 
  • If you’re seeking a complete guided adventure, this 7 Days Thrilling Ladakh Bike Tour to Siachen Glacier covers everything in detail.

Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shyok Route

  • On the next day, you can take the Shyok route to reach the stunning Pangong Lake, which appears straight out of a postcard with turquoise blue waters surrounded by barren mountains.
  • Beside the lake, you can plan a camping night where you can experience stargazing at night along with enjoying Ladakhi cuisine.

Day 5: Pangong to Leh via Chang La

  • Head back to Leh, crossing the majestic Chang La Pass. While on the route, stop by Thiksey Monastery and the 3 Idiots school (Rancho School).
  • This day can be utilized to reflect on your journey and relax before the final stretch of the trip.

Day 6: Leh to Tso Moriri Lake (Optional Excursion)

  • If you’re up for more thrill and can stretch your visit in Leh a bit further, then a ride to Tso Moriri is highly recommended. This lesser-visited lake offers the opportunity for birdwatching and spotting rare animals.

Day 7: Departure from Leh

  • On the last day, you have to depart from Leh, with unforgettable memories and a heart full of stories. This completes your Leh Ladakh 7-day trip. Make sure to carry home some souvenirs and tons of photos!

Ladakh Bike Trip Cost for 7 Days

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Here’s the complete cost breakdown for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh for 7 days:

Expense Category Estimated Cost
Bike Rental INR 1,200 – 3,500 per day
Fuel (700–1200 km) INR 2,500 – 3,000 per day
Accommodation (7 nights) INR 800 – 25,000 per day
Food & Water INR 300 – 500 per day
Permits & Entry Fees INR 500 – 800 per day

Total Estimated Budget: INR 30,000-45,000 per person depending upon bike choice, bike rental, route taken, travel style, travel duration, accommodation preferences, and meal choices

Which Route Is Best for a 7-Day Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh?

The best route for the Leh Ladakh bike trip is the Manali to Leh route, as it takes less time in comparison to the Srinagar to Leh route. 

Further, on this road, you get to experience the real adventure as well as sightseeing opportunities. Here is what you can experience on the bike trip to Leh Ladakh for 7 days.

1. Manali to Leh Route

  • Opening Time: April
  • Highlights: Baralacha La, Gata Loops, Moray Plains
  • Difficulty: Gradual ascent, better for acclimatization, varied landscapes

Best Time for 7-Days Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

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Here’s the best time for a 7-day Leh Ladakh bike trip:

  • June to September: The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is pleasant, with clear skies, and the roads are fully open and operational.
  • July & August: This is the peak season in Ladakh with rain showers and lush green surroundings. Do not forget to carry proper rain gear if you’re visiting at this time.
  • September: Post-monsoon is also a preferred time due to fewer crowds and pleasant weather, making it ideal for Himalayan bike-riding adventures.

Craft Collective Debuts in Kolkata With Artisan Clusters and Cultural Dialogues

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Kolkata Hosts a National Craft Gathering

Kolkata, 11th February 2026: Kolkata emerged as a vibrant meeting ground for handloom textiles, Indian crafts, and classical music as Craft Collective held its inaugural edition from January 29 to February 1, 2026, strengthening India’s evolving craft ecosystem.

A Platform to Shop, Explore and Learn

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Conceived as an institution-led initiative, Craft Collective was designed as a forum where visitors could shop, explore, and learn about India’s living textile and craft traditions. Hosted at The Red Bari, the four-day event placed equal emphasis on material culture, context, and contemporary relevance.

Inauguration by the Consul General of Italy

The inaugural edition was formally inaugurated by Mr. Riccardo Dalla Costa, Consul General of Italy in Kolkata, highlighting the growing global interest in India’s artisanal heritage and craft-led economies.

Special Exhibit Curated by KARU

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A special exhibit curated by KARU introduced audiences to stonework and sculptural craft, showcasing the depth of symbolism, skill, and material traditions that continue to influence contemporary design practices.

Artisan Clusters From Across India Participate

Both B2B and B2C buyers gathered to experience handloom and handcrafted products from states including Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. Participating artisan clusters included the Boko Handloom Cluster (Assam), Kotpad Natural Dyed Handloom Cluster (Odisha), and Maheshwar Handloom Cluster (Madhya Pradesh) among others.

Masterclasses and Dialogues Deepen Engagement

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Beyond the marketplace, Craft Collective curated masterclasses and dialogue sessions exploring India’s textile ecosystem. Highlights included The Art of Handloom Care by Vikram Joshi of Rangotri, Jaipur, and a talk on India’s textile economy through history by Ms. Ahana Majumder, Assistant Professor, NIFT Kolkata.

Human Value and Livelihoods at the Centre

The programme also featured a masterclass on Crafts, Livelihoods & Impact, led by Malika Dudeja Varma, Saumya Varma, and Mahima Varma of SHE Kantha, foregrounding the social and human dimensions behind craft-based livelihoods.

Evenings of Classical Music at The Red Bari

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As evenings unfolded, The Red Bari courtyard transformed into an intimate cultural setting with a series of classical music recitals, complementing the craft-led conversations and creating a holistic cultural experience.

Takeaway

With its blend of artisan showcases, knowledge sessions, and cultural performances, Craft Collective’s inaugural Kolkata edition reaffirmed the city’s role as a hub for craft traditions while strengthening networks across India’s handloom and craft ecosystem.

One Future Collective Hosts Khoj: A Mumbai City Treasure Hunt

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A Playful Treasure Hunt Exploring Mumbai’s Heritage

February 13, 2026, Mumbai, India: One Future Collective, a feminist social purpose organisation based in Mumbai, has announced Khoj: A Mumbai City Treasure Hunt, scheduled for February 28, 2026, as a playful celebration of the city’s histories of civic action, protest, and community-led movements for social justice.

Key Neighbourhoods and Streets

Khoj is designed as a city-wide, team-based treasure hunt where participants in groups of two to four will race through Mumbai, solve clues, and discover neighbourhoods shaped by resistance and civic engagement.

Prize Pool for Winning Teams

Up to five winning teams stand to win prizes ranging from 20,000 INR to 10,000 INR, adding an element of competition alongside learning and exploration.

After-Party at antiSOCIAL, Lower Parel

The hunt will be followed by an after-party featuring food, music, and poetry performances at antiSOCIAL, Lower Parel, extending the experience into a community celebration.

Learning Social Justice Through Play

Using play as a medium, Khoj introduces participants to complex social issues such as caste, gender, labour rights, migration, language, and urban access, offering a unique way to engage with Mumbai’s layered civic history.

Designed With Historians, Artists, and NGOs

The event has been developed in partnership with local historians, artists, and NGOs to centre historically marginalised and non-mainstream accounts of the city, ensuring that participants encounter stories often left out of dominant narratives.

Founder Vandita Morarka on Curiosity and Community

“At its core, this event is about curiosity and community,” said Vandita Morarka, Founder and CEO of One Future Collective, noting that Khoj introduces civic action and social justice work as structural, collective, and deeply joyful.

Tickets, Timings, and Registration Details

Tickets are priced at 1,500 INR per person. The treasure hunt will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the after-party from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, all on February 28, 2026.

Aspects Details
Event Khoj: A Mumbai City Treasure Hunt
Hosted By One Future Collective
Date February 28, 2026
Team Size Groups of 2 to 4 participants
Registration Check out this page
Prize Range 20,000 INR to 10,000 INR (Up to 5 winning teams)
Treasure Hunt Timing 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
After-Party Timing 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
After-Party Venue antiSOCIAL, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Ticket Price 1,500 INR per person

Takeaway

With Khoj, One Future Collective offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Mumbai through its histories of resistance and solidarity, blending learning, movement, and community celebration into an engaging civic experience.

Baro Art Presents Affordable Indian Art Show at Method, Kala Ghoda

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Affordable Art Arrives in Mumbai

Mumbai is set to welcome an exciting new showcase as Baro Art brings affordable, collectible artworks to the city. The exhibition offers a nationwide journey through India’s artistic traditions, from Leh to Rajasthan, Bengal to Central India, Gujarat to Kochi—all without leaving Mumbai.

A Diverse Range of Indian Art

The Baro Art showcase will feature an impressive mix of traditional and contemporary works, including Thangka, pichwais, pattachitras, Gond art, ajrakh, linocuts, watercolours, and contemporary canvases, reflecting the breadth of India’s living art heritage.

 

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Works by Emerging Artists and Masters

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore original, certified artworks created by emerging talents alongside respected master artists. The exhibition highlights authenticity, craftsmanship, and storytelling through collectible art forms.

Art That Is Accessible, Livable, and Affordable

Positioned as “art you can live with” and “art you can afford,” Baro Art’s exhibition makes collecting approachable with works priced between ₹3,000 and ₹3 lakh, inviting both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors.

Event Dates and Venue in Kala Ghoda

Aspects Details
Event Baro Art Affordable Art Show
Dates 19th – 22nd February
Timings 11 am – 7 pm
Venue Method, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai
Art Forms Featured Pichwai, Pattachitra, Gond, Ajrakh, Linocuts, Watercolours, Contemporary Canvases
Price Range ₹3,000 to ₹3 lakh
Highlights Certified original works by emerging artists and respected masters

Takeaway

With its blend of folk traditions, modern expressions, and accessible pricing, Baro Art’s Mumbai showcase offers visitors a welcoming space to discover Indian art, hear the stories behind each piece, and begin a meaningful collecting journey.