Three Moderns at IIC Delhi Showcases Himmat Shah, Krishen Khanna & Thota Vaikuntam

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December 10, 2025

A Rare Sangam of Sculptural Giants at IIC

New Delhi’s International Centre (IIC) has once again transformed into a poignant space hosting the “Three Moderns,” an art exhibition of sculptures by the three iconic masters of Indian art- Himmat Shah, Krishen Khanna, and Thota Vaikuntam. These sculptural marvels are presented by the Namtech Fine Art and are curated by Uma Nair. The exhibition runs from December 12- 22, 2025. This display of masterful craftsmanship bridges the spaces between material, memory, and the human spirit that seeks never-ending things. The exhibition space is a repository of twelve major works that are engraved with the conceptual depths of modern Indian art. The event aims to reassert sculpture as a living and evolving public encounter. This also depicts a unique convergence between historical linkages and metaphors of materials.

The three towering sculptures are distinctively acknowledged for their distinct sculptural forms. Three Moderns unfurls as an aesthetic representative of how identities and lived experience are etched into a perceptible medium, such as stone, cast in bronze, and resinated fiberglass. In the IIC, this exhibition is housed at the Gandhi King Plaza.

The Vision Behind the Art

The master curator, Uma Nair, has previously spearheaded five watershed sculptural projects at the Gandhi King Plaza. And this time, she envisoned the energy and design of Three Moderns. She views the exhibition as an act of creation in itself. She stated, “Curating an exhibition of Three Indian Moderns at the Gandhi King Plaza is about creating a feeling, an energy formed through the synergy of great artistic minds.” In her opinion, time becomes witness and sculpture becomes language.” The venue’s spatial orientation, under the open sky surrounded by a lush green canopy, makes the sculptures appear more lively.

The Art & The Artists

Krishen-Khanna-Sculpture-1 — Artwork – Krishen Khanna

This exhibition critically reflects on the artistic practice of those stalwarts whose craft has played a massive role in shaping modern art. Among them, Krishen Khanna has marked a century of an illustrative artistic career. This exhibition houses his masterpieces from the celebrated Bandhwallah Series. The Bandhawallah figures are also very well-known in his paintings. However, their depiction in sculptural forms amplifies their significance. The sculptures represent figures of humble street musicians as a symbol of celebration. His carvings are uniquely chiseled into resin-impregnated fiberglass. Krishen Khanna’s figures are presented in simplified forms that connect the “personal” to the “peripheral” and create deep resonance in the heart of the viewer. As he was the last among the progressive group, his artwork reverberates the modernist approach that incorporates the “everyday Indian experience.”

Himmat-Shah-Sculpture-1 — Artwork – Himmat Shah

Another stalwart whose sculptures adorn the space is Himmat Shah. He was an important member of Group 1890, a notable but brief artists’ collective founded by J. Swaminathan that spearheaded radical artistic expression. He is one of India’s most senior and revered sculptors. His medium of expression is stone. His “heads” are acclaimed as anachronistic but also possess an idiosyncratic contemporary touch, which is exquisitely eloquent. Himmat Shah’s work on textured stone turns out to be a meditative process of dealing with time and patience. He stripped the stone from multiple fronts to mould it in a way that pleases him. His art is a journey that is aptly reflected in every incision. His stone models scream the stories of ancient civilizations, migration, exile, and survival. The curvatures created in the granular surfaces of stones leave a permanent array of deep-seated sentiments.

Thota-Vaikuntam-Sculpture-A1 — Artwork – Thota Vaikuntam

Apart from these two, Thota Vaikuntam introduces his expatriates through bronze work from his series “The Sacred Gaze”. He is noted for his animated depiction of the rural life of Telangana. His bronzes are ritualistic in orientation and are sculpted with a spiritual outlook. The surfaces he painted reflect the earthly hues of the Deccan, offering a delightful peep into the rural landscape. He beautifully celebrates the rawness of rural life with dignity and grace.

The Exhibition at A Glance

Important Points	Description
Exhibition Title	Three Moderns: Sculptures by Himmat Shah, Krishen Khanna, Thota Vaikuntam
Artists	Himmat Shah, Krishen Khanna, Thota Vaikuntam
Curator	Uma Nair
Presented By	Namtech Fine Art
Venue	Gandhi King Plaza, IIC, New Delhi
Date & Timings	(12th – 22nd December 2025) 11 AM – 7 PM
Number of Works	12 Sculptures
Materials Used	Marble, Bronze, Stone, Resinated Fiberglass
Context	A rare confluence of three distinct sculptural languages rooted in memory and identity
Tribute	Honours the late Prof. M.G.K. Menon, a champion of Indian sculpture at the IIC

Key Highlights

A rare public convergence of three modern Indian masters in a single sculptural exhibition.
Krishen Khanna’s centenary year is marked by monumental sculptural interpretations of the Bandwallah series.
Himmat Shah’s stone heads as archaeological and existential metaphors of time and migration.
Thota Vaikuntam’s rural Telangana-inspired bronzes foreground spirituality and everyday ritual.
Curated by Uma Nair, known for shaping the sculptural legacy of the Gandhi King Plaza.
Hosted in an open public plaza, reinforcing sculpture as a civic and democratic art form.
Tribute to the late Prof. M. G. K. Menon and his enduring cultural vision for IIC.

A Critical Perspective

In the broader dimension of Indian modern art, the Three Moderns occupy a very significant spot as they negotiate the boundaries between artistic endeavors and public spaces. The physicality of these sculptures offers a sensory experience through well-defined, perceptible means of consuming these masterpieces. The most compelling factor of the exhibition is the intelligence put behind the arrangement, with distinct works intersecting as well as complementing each other. The effect is that the viewing of sculpture goes beyond visual consumption; it makes people linger around, see and re-see, and come back again because of an invisible pull. The corpus of these 12 sculptures reiterates the story of modern India in itself, covering a plethora of contexts.

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In recent years, the Three Moderns has been one of the most intellectually acclaimed exhibits. It forms a vital chapter in the ongoing history of Indian Modernism. Shah’s abstract timelessness, Khanna’s social narrative, and Vaikuntam’s rooted ritualism weave a syncretic conscience that respects humanism above all. The main argument shaped by the functionality of these sculptures is that even in a rapidly digitizing world, the power of a solid, tangible form, carved and cast from the earth, remains an irreplaceable vessel for national and personal identity.

Visiting this classic visual retreat is a wholehearted recommendation, as its coverage and beauty demonstrate the very essence of modern Indian sculpture and keep it alive. Three Moderns reminds us that endurance, depth, and integrity remain the truest measures of artistic greatness.

Signs of Life: Kunel Gaur’s Immersive Solo Exhibition at Method Delhi

By

Kriti Sen

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December 10, 2025

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Method Delhi’s winter programme is housing a mesmeric exhibition by artist Kunel Gaur, christened “Signs of Life”. This solo exhibition is on display from December 11, 2025, running until January 25, 2026, with a private preview scheduled on December 10, 2025. His art focuses on capturing the coded tones of the contemporary world and presents those in a very eye-pleasing form. His latest solo explores a hoard of these artistic explorations. Located at D-59, Block D, Defence Colony, this exhibition provides an immersive sensory experience through masterfully engineered pieces that define 21st-century life.

The colours, structures, and codes defined in the paintings of Kunel symbolize the contemporary life of industrial orientation and the mechanization of human life. He employs architectural materials such as wood, concrete, metal, and acrylic to repurpose these elements into his vision of creativity. This method is inspired by functional design and brutalist architecture. His artworks probe into how identity, memory, and emotion move through the niche of art and are featured as elements that represent the rawness of life.

The Prime Foci

The very essence of contemporary life is the heart of this solo. Kunel seeks to explore the nook and corner of how people’s mechanical lives are sculptured by technology, industries, and a new emerging culture. His artistic practice finds its origins in graphic design and architecture. His background is pretty predictable, given the precision of his art forms and the composition. Despite using architectural elements, he skillfully makes the art appear “soft.” This reflects vulnerability, trapped memories, and emotional dregs.

The emotional warble is synced by the series, Colour Field Studies. Here, the lush environment is held by rigid frames. The visual effect of the series generates a tension, a free-flowing wave of emotions that confides in the void between control and vulnerability. The artist next turns towards the human face in his “Interface Portraits.” However, the catch in his painting is that the human face does not conform to the traditional representations. Rather, these “portraits” are punctuated by signage and mass communication. The “human” identity gets filtered through interfaces that resemble screens, advertisements, or mechanical readouts. The beauty of these portraits is how the emotions are depicted. Humans are not stripped of emotions; they exist, but in a digitized space where they are fragmented and disorganized. This is a very strong stand that reflects the core of human life in the present. This series resonates strongly in an age of algorithmic selfhood, where the self is increasingly known through data, pixels, and profiles rather than flesh and presence.

Other Series

A more mischievous and quaint depiction is introduced to viewers through “KUMI”. This one critically analyses the intellectual dimensions of the exhibition. The artist got inspired form Japanese arts and graphic tradition and the Y2K aesthetics and presented this series in a singular character-like form, which appeared to be quirky and eccentric at first, but when seen through those, they represent a deeper meaning. Graphics become 3-D, blurring the boundaries between surface and structure.

The Tile Assemblies, in contrast, feature the narratives of cultural inheritance and ornament. He uses different kinds of patterns to show that domestic spaces, crafts, and histories are subjected to mechanical restraint and industrial framing. The ornaments he drew, now become more fragmented, controlled, and forced to adapt within a new system. This states a very strong message that tradition is not always the result of seamless continuity, but a reconfigured negotiation with modern infrastructure.

Together, the four of these weave a fabric that constantly shifts between what is perceptible and the other framework that shapes the world. This solo does not give off a linear narrative, but builds many on a common base.

The Exhibition At a Glance

Aspects	Details
Exhibition Title	Signs of Life
Artist	Kunel Gaur
Venue	Method, Delhi (Defence Colony)
Dates	11 December 2025 – 25 January 2026
Core Themes	Sensorial experience vs engineered systems
Major Series	Colour Field Studies, Interface Portraits, KUMI, Tile Assemblies
Artistic Medium	Assemblage, sculptural studies, interface-based portraiture
Broader Inquiry	Identity, memory, industrial design, visual systems

Key Highlights

Brings together four major ongoing series into a unified conceptual presentation.
Gaur’s visual style is deeply inspired by the stripped-down rigor of 90s functionalism and the robust honesty of Brutalist design.
Explores the intersection of emotional life and mechanical systems through material and visual language.
Engages with contemporary urban aesthetics, industrial signage, and graphic design traditions.
Reflects on how identity is mediated through technology, consumption, and interfaces.
Demonstrates Method Delhi’s commitment to experimental and emerging contemporary practices.
Extends Gaur’s internationally exhibited visual vocabulary into a cohesive curatorial narrative.

The Artist and His Craft

Kunel Gaur is a creative director and founder of projects like Indianama. He is an artist who is exceptionally skilled at distilling complex societal observations into minimal, high-impact compositions. He is an electrician, a machinist, and a carpenter rolled into one. His artistic practice is grounded in contemporary material culture. His craft is distinguished by the “technical” aspect, which helps him convert his portraits into refined queries of deep intellect. His paintings showcase the encounter between what is constructed and what is felt. The philosophy imbued in his artworks is of “introspection and extrospection.” His art reflects the interior pockets of the inner self as well as the superficial engagement with the socio-political realities. Therefore, The Signs of Life is a fragment of a bigger conversation amongst the art, the artist, and the spectators.

Takeaway

Today, the world is accelerating towards a speedy hybridization. In such circumstances, the artist picks up his tools to create a collection of artworks that compel people to inquire about their lives in an extremely winsome manner. His solo at Method Delhi is very adaptive and risk-taking in nature. He seamlessly departs from the traditional norms of depicting human lives and their mechanizations. Signs of Life is ultimately less about machines becoming human and more about recognising how humans are already within machines. It offers a fresh and rejuvenating perspective, as people ought to feel relatable. Our lives are no more ours; they are dominated by a packed schedule and a mechanized system.

From Meme To Masterpiece: How Brands Remix Internet Humor Into Marketing Gold

By

Cscope Staff

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December 9, 2025

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Memes have transitioned from being simple internet jokes to the hidden awesomeness of modern marketing, and have changed the way that brands speak and connect to entertain. The days of formal advertisements are long gone; now, brands crave relatability, wit, and artistic mindfulness. Every scroll brings a new chance for horselaugh, and the brands that understand this meter are the bones people flash back.

In this world of fast-moving trends, Dreamina helps generators transfigure viral humor into vibrant juggernauts. Its AI video generator gives marketers the capability to bring meme-inspired ideas to life, not just as clips, but as stories that speak the language of the internet. Dreamina islands humor with imagination, helping generators turn comedy into connection.

Memes the Twinkle of a Digital Liar

Memes speak emotion briskly than words ever could. They’re the longhand of the internet, familiar, funny, and incontinently understood. What began as arbitrary images with captions evolved into a new liar language. Brands now use this humor not to vend, but to belong.

A clever meme doesn’t just promote a product; it promotes a feeling. It’s a wink, a nod, and a combined moment between the brand and its followership. That’s why companies are embracing memes as part of their identity. They’re using humor to sound more mortal and less commercial. Some exemplifications include

A snack brand using a trending meme template to poke fun at Joness
A fitness brand pairs a viral joke with a motivational twist.
A tech incipiency remixing old pop brand references for ultramodern humor.

Humor, Timing, and Tone, the Triad of Viral Success

Every viral meme-grounded crusade depends on three unnoticeable vestments: humor, timing, and tone. Humor is the hook, timing is the meter, and tone is the voice. Get the humor right, and a branded smile. Get the timing wrong, and it’s history’s joke. Brands that understand brand’s palpitation, the speed at which trends shift, dominate digital discussion.

Tone, meanwhile, must feel effortless. However, it breaks the vision if humor sounds forced or dissociated. Brand wants to laugh with the brand, not at it. A good tone makes a brand feel like a friend who just gets it.

Visual Creativity with an Image Creator

Behind every meme is a striking image, one that captures emotion incontinently. That’s where an AI image creator becomes a game-changer. It lets generators produce unique illustrations that image internet humor while staying original.

Imagine casting a meme where your brand’s charm joins a trending format, but rather than stealing an image, you induce a fully fresh bone. The AI image generator gives measureless creative freedom, helping brands stand out without copying what’s formerly viral. It turns arbitrary ideas into pictorial, shareable illustrations that catch attention and earn laughs in equal measure.

Micro-stories that move

Meme-inspired vids are the moment’s form of micro-storytelling. They’re short, facetious, and punchy, yet packed with meaning. Each frame, caption, and response is precisely timed to produce a meter that feels natural.

The secret isn’t complexity; it’s timing. brand moment scroll snappily; you have seconds to make them stop. A clever visual paired with an emotional twist can transfigure a small joke into a story they renewed again and again. Meme-ground marketing thrives when it connects through participatory gestures. A funny clip about morning coffee struggles or the internet fails becomes further than a joke; it becomes a glass of real life.

Lights, Laughs, and Circles Dreamina’s 3-way to Creative Magic

Dreamina makes it simple for generators to turn meme-inspired ideas into eye-catching stir stories. With just a few clicks, humor transforms into a looping video masterpiece.

Step 1: Enter the Prompt & Upload Image

Subscribe to Dreamina and head to the “AI video” section and write your prompt describing what kind of video you want to produce.

Illustration: “A funny short clip of a penguin confidently walking into a meeting room wearing sunglasses.”

You can also click on Add reference image to upload your print and let Dreamina do the magic.

Step 2: Induce Your Video

Choose a generation model, select your video’s duration, and set the aspect ratio, 16:9 for YouTube or 9:16 for TikTok. Also hit Dreamina’s icon and let the AI do the magic in seconds.

Step 3: Enhance & Export video

Take your clip to the next level with Dreamina’s tools: the Upscale point increases the resolution, and Generate Soundtrack includes music to fit your style of humor. When you’re done polishing, export your content. Now your creative, meme-inspired creation can be shared across your favorite channels.

Humor as Digital Art

The great part about meme marketing is that it breaks that boundary between humor and creativity. A meme doesn’t just entertain, it inspires. With tools like an AI art generator, generators can give visual depth to their humor, turning ordinary memes into surreal or painterly masterpieces.

These brandural traces don’t abolish humor; they enhance it. They give advertisements a unique identity, a commodity both funny and visually stunning. It’s where horselaugh meets art. This shift shows that memes aren’t disposable presently. They’re getting collectible, pieces of a visual brand that define our digital generation.

Dreamina and the New Age of Marketing Humor

Memes have the emotional palpitation of the internet: hot, clever, and endlessly remixable. Brands that master this form of communication turn transitory moments into lasting impressions.

With Dreamina, that process becomes smoother, brisker, and infinitely more creative. It’s not just a tool; it’s a mate in humor helping generators express wit, timing, and artistic applicability through technology. As memes evolve into ultramodern liar formats, Dreamina ensures that every joke, visual, and caption is drafted to connect, not just to vend. The future of digital marketing isn’t about crying louder, it’s about laughing smarter.

Raabta Lucknow – Calcutta Ka: Inside Mahindra Sanatkada Festival 2026

By

Kriti Sen

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December 9, 2025

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Raabta Lucknow–Calcutta Ka

The Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival (MSLF) is the vector of the throbbing pulse of a living heritage that has continued its streak from antiquity. With its forthcoming seventeenth edition, the event marks a renewal of the richness of its own tradition. The theme for MSLF 2026 is “Raabta Lucknow Calcutta Ka” (The Connection between Lucknow and Calcutta). The festival is a highly ambitious exploration of the intimate connection between the two cultural capitals. This festival stands as a luminous pathway between the past and the present. The MSLF was conceived in 2010, and since then, it has beautifully evolved into one of India’s most significant platforms dedicated to celebrating socio-cultural syncretism. As the countdown to the seventeenth edition of MSLF 2026 officially began to tick, the anticipation of the grandeur of the celebration also flourishes. The arrival of the festival in Kolkata with a two-day curtain raiser is scheduled on December 13-14, 2025, at Studio Bari.

The scheduled curtain raiser will act as a prelude to the festival, disseminating its essence with immersive music, walks, panel discussions, and so forth. The prime festival is scheduled to take place from January 30- February 3, 2026. The official launch of the festival in Kolkata is a crucial marker of the acknowledgement of Kolkata as a subject of history and a partner in cultural exchange. The “raabta” will make people encounter the stream of history and emotions associated with the narrative of exile, migration. Artistic patronage, evolved cuisines, music, craftsmanship, and political histories have critically shaped the metamorphoses of the cities. The festival has created descriptive accounts of cultural journals, heritage platforms, etc, that demonstrate how MSLF has consistently swayed beyond the notions of nostalgia. The festival presents heritage as a living entity and as an integral part of our lives. The 2026 edition, curated around Lucknow–Calcutta connections, builds strongly on this philosophy.

The Tale of Two Cities: Oudh and Calcutta

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The thematic core of MSLF 2026 stems from the forced political movement of the Nawab of Awadh to Calcutta in the mid-19th century. The year was 1856, and India was gradually getting engulfed by the company. With the treacherous policy of the Doctrine of Lapse, many states like Satara (1848), Jaitpur & Sambhalpur (1849), Udaipur(1852), Jhansi(1853), and Nagpur (1854) were already annexed. Finally, the cherry of Awadh fell into the British hands in 1856, as the colonial power deposed the then Nawab of Oudh, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, on the pretext of misgovernance. Despite having a legitimate heir, the doctrine was ruptured, and Awadh was absorbed. Subsequently, the deposed Nawab was exiled to the outskirts of Calcutta at Metiabruz. It is said that when the Nawab migrated, he was accompanied by a large retinue of over 6,000 attendants who proceeded with him on his journey. The Nawab also authored under the pen name Akhtar, and he did not let this political instability extinguish his cultural pursuits.

With the Nawab settling at Metiabruz, a hybrid and syncretic culture grew around that settlement and came to be christened as “Chhota Lucknow”. Thousands of retinue, including poets, musicians, craftsmen, and master Chefs (rakabdars) also followed him and found a refuge home. This settlement functioned as a premier site of cultural exchange for virtually three decades. The Awadhi dance form Kathak received further patronage in the Nawab’s new court. Musical genres like Thumri and Ghazal flourished. The most important innovation of all was the formulation of the Kolkata Biriyani with the potato. This sublime culinary excellence was born out of necessity but soon began to dominate the royal kitchens.

The aroma of Awadhi kebabs and the tradition of paan (betel) shops run by descendants of the Nawab’s paanwalas still define the Metiabruz and Kidderpore areas. Crafts also flourished under his patronage, particularly the gold-thread work of Lucknow.

The Celebration

The upcoming curtain raiser in Kolkata will narrate a huge part of this saga and offer an early glimpse into the intellectual and artistic direction of the main festival. The weaves and craft bazaar will be at the heart of the 2026 edition, featuring over 100 artisans from across the country with signature Zardari and Chikankari styles as well.

The extent of the festival can be interpreted through its setting of venues. This year, the festival is expanding its sites into the Qaiser Bagh complex, utilising Safed Baradari, Raja Ram Pal Singh Park, and the Amir-ud-Daulah Library. These venues are critically important as they once functioned as the hubs of the Nawabi culture of Lucknow. There will be literary exchanges, concerts, dance, and poetry in the famous Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.

The Event At a Glance

Aspect	Details
Festival Theme	Raabta Lucknow Calcutta Ka
Curtain Raiser	Two-day prelude in Kolkata (Studio Bari, Dec 13–14, 2025) to launch the theme
Main Festival	Five days (30 Jan – 3 Feb 2026) of crafts, food, performances, and talks in Lucknow
Historical Link	Exile of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah to Metiabruz in 1856, leading to “Chhota Lucknow”
Cultural Events	Shared traditions in Biryani, Kathak, Zardozi, and kite making
Signature Feature	Weaves and Crafts Bazaar
Venues	Safed Baradari, Raja Ram Pal Singh Park, and Amir-ud-Daulah Library, Qaiser Bagh
Core Focus	Living heritage, migration, crafts, music, food, memory

Key Highlights

Immersive music performances reflecting Indo-Awadhi and Bengali cultural syncretism
The theme speaks of migration and adaptation, exploring stories that reach beyond familiar neighbourhoods and well-known histories
Panel discussions on migration, memory, and cultural exchange
Heritage walks tracing shared histories
Expanded Weaves and Crafts Bazaar supporting artisan communities
Focus on zardozi, kite-making, culinary traditions, and textile heritage
The inclusion of many flavours of Lucknow and Kolkata suggests a dedicated focus on the culinary innovations born from the raabta.
Activation of historic sites within the Qaiser Bagh complex
Strong emphasis on living legacies and community-based heritage

Takeaway

The MSLF beautifully proposes heritage as a continuity of human interaction shaped by displacement, adaptation, resilience, and creativity. The current era is synchronizing with cultural homogenization; amidst this ongoing phenomenon, MSLF’s intervention induces a sense of inertia in it. “Raabta Lucknow Calcutta Ka” is a narration of historic truth that demands to be remembered and accepted by people at large. By protracting the focus on the exile of the Last independent ruler of Awadh, MSLF is reclaiming an opportunity to view history from multiple dimensions.

The Upstairs Fest Reimagines Baithaks for a New Generation in Delhi

By

Kriti Sen

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December 9, 2025

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Over the weekend of 13–14 December 2025, music lovers in Delhi have been invited to experience something quite rare: the first edition of Upstairs Fest, presented by Upstairs with Us and hosted at The Kunj in Vasant Kunj. This fest presents a collection of performances and aims at building a deep, emotionally invested community centred around Indian classical music. Founded by Tejas Jaishankar and Sukanya Banerjee, Upstairs with Us was initiated through gatherings in their Vasant Kunj home in 2018. Their core mission is to sanitize the “elite” label off classical music and make it accessible to everyone. The model they adopted is hosting intimate baithaks where artists are paid their fair price, and audiences share a home-cooked meal. This model appeared to be successful and received a lot of praise, and has successfully sold out nearly every event since its formal launch. The Upstairs Fest is the aggregation of this philosophy and is transforming the same warmth into a concentrated two-day mega event, opening doors for more audience to hop in.

A Sneak Peek into The Schedule

This two-day music extravaganza is set to run on the weekends and is structured in a way that places equal emphasis on participatory learning workshops and the concert. This blend of events reflects the organizer’s ideology that true appreciation comes from the understanding and emotional investment in music, not just from passive listening.

The festival will begin on Saturday with the workshop christened as ‘Sam Pe Aana’ (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM). This session will be led by a Tabla artist, Saptak Sharma. This will be a beginner-friendly guide to finding and hearing tāla (rhythm) in classical music. This session is solely aimed at training the untrained ear to receive a better pulse of the concert.

Following this educational start, the afternoon presents a Hindustani Classical Concert (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM). This session is advertised as a “close, quiet concert” featuring Kartikeya Vashisht on the flute. This piece will unfold music at its own pace, infusing an experience of deep presence that contrasts with the contemporary, rushed musical tunes. In the evening, ‘Stories You Wish You Knew: The Uncles and Aunties Who Made Music’ (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM) is scheduled. This session drifts away from the musical aura and brings together the family members of the legendary musicians to share their memories. This humanizes the artists from famous performers to off-stage, real people who are as down-to-earth as ordinary men. This softens the distance between the listener and the tradition they are engaging with.

Day & Date	Time	Event / Session Description
Saturday, 13 December	11:30 AM – 1:00 PM	Workshop: Sam Pe Aana
Saturday, 13 December	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Hindustani Classical Concert
Saturday, 13 December	6:00 PM – 7:30 PM	“Stories You Wish You Knew: The Uncles and Aunties Who Made Music”

A similar richness in activities can be traced on Sunday as well. The morning session, ‘Three Phrases to Know a Raag: Bhimpalasi’ (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM), led by co-founder Sukanya Banerjee, demystifies the structure of a rāga. This workshop focuses on viewing the rāga as a unique tune, using the soulful āga Bhimpalasi as a case study. The afternoon session puts a tinge of variety by dedicating the session to Carnatic Classical Concert (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM), ensuring that the festival covers both major traditions of Indian classical music. The festival concludes with ‘Behind Baithaks: Building a Listening Community’ (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM). The last segment will feature hosts from other Delhi-NCR community-focused initiatives like Naadyatra Baithak and Evenings Unplugged.

Day & Date	Time	Event / Session Description
Sunday, 14 December	11:30 AM – 1:00 PM	Three Phrases to Know a Raag: Bhimpalasi
Sunday, 14 December	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Carnatic Classical Concert
Sunday, 14 December	6:00 PM – 7:30 PM	“Behind Baithaks: Building a Listening Community”

This fest sets the stage for a gradual drift from the hustle culture that dominates modern lives and the economy. By shifting the focus to intimacy, deep listening, and fair economic practices for the artists, Upstairs With Us is curating a culture based on ethics and purity.

Important Points	Details
Event Name	The Upstairs Fest, December Edition
Organizers	Upstairs with Us (Tejas Jaishankar & Sukanya Banerjee)
Venue & Location	The Kunj, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Dates	Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th
Core Philosophy	Democratizing classical music access, ensuring fair pay for artists, and fostering a non-judgmental, deep listening audience
Event Type	Blend of classical concerts (Hindustani and Carnatic) and listener-centric workshops

Key Highlights

The Upstairs Fest isn’t just a festival; it’s a revival of the age-old “baithak,” where music resided in homes, loved and respected by a dedicated listening audience.
The inclusion of workshops (e.g., “Sam Pe Aana”, “Three Phrases to Know a Raag: Bhimpalasi”) shows an emphasis on not just passive listening but active learning and appreciation.
According to press coverage, Upstairs with Us aims to dismantle rigid, elitist notions around classical music concerts — where dress code, social standards, and etiquette often alienate newcomers. They offer accessibility, warmth, and shared meals after the gig.
By charging ticket prices modestly and directing proceeds to artists, Upstairs challenges the conventional system of grants or elite patronage that often limits who gets to perform and who gets to listen.
The fest is inclusive of multiple Indian classical traditions, offering both Hindustani and Carnatic concerts, a rare treat that recognizes India’s musical diversity.

Why It Matters – An Opinion

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The mainstream classical-music ecosystem has long struggled with financial sustainability, accessibility, and elitist norms. Upstairs with us aims to make amends right at this critical juncture. The “home concert” movement challenges all that by offering inclusive, paid, and globally accessible concerts. Also, by having a ticketed model and by channeling proceeds directly to artists, Upstairs is reimagining classical music’s economic foundations.

The scale of this event does not make it feel like just another weekend activity. It marks a subtle shift in how we experience and value classical music in India. It doesn’t just preserve tradition, it rejuvenates it. The organization combines education, performance, storytelling, and community essence, and elevates this genre beyond “entertainment” and honours it as a living heritage of our country.

This movement, built on empathy and ethical practice, offers a vital blueprint for the future of arts patronage. Of course, challenges remain. Sustaining consistent audience interest, ensuring enough revenue to support artists, and so forth. But if the organisers and community remain true to their ethos, Upstairs Fest could become a blueprint for cultural resurgence.

National Handicraft Week 2025: Reviving India’s Artisans Through Digital India Handmade

By

Kriti Sen

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December 8, 2025

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The annual All National Handicrafts Week, observed nationally from December 8th to 14th, is a zestful, week-long dedication to millions of artisans who are the custodians of India’s tangible heritage. This nationwide observance is announced under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in collaboration with the India Handmade digital platform. This strategic blend of tradition and technology displays an initiative that not only promotes handicrafts as consumable products but also as living cultural legacies and sustainable livelihoods.

The Handicraft Week is projected as a participatory campaign urging citizens to discover, shop, support, and share India’s vast artisanal heritage. The recent promotional drive by @indiahandmademdeofficial on platforms like Instagram represents a transformation in bringing traditional craftsmanship into the modern digital marketplace. This annual celebration serves as a call to action for every citizen to participate in boosting the artisanal economy. It aligns with the national vision of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Celebrating Centuries of Craftsmanship

The Digital India Corporation develops the campaign. The revolutionary aspect of this initiative is that it operates on a Zero-commission, Zero-portal-fee model. Its primary objective is the direct financial and social empowerment of weavers and artisans by eliminating exploitative intermediaries. The platform ensures that the entire value of the transaction flows back to the creators, helping to stabilize livelihoods and providing access to a global customer base. The Indiahandmade portal showcases an authentic range of handloom and handicraft items, from exquisite Madhubani paintings and rare Muga Silk textiles to intricate Bidriware metal crafts, spanning the entire breadth of India’s state-wise craft identity. By shopping here, consumers directly contribute to preserving skills passed down through generations.

The initiative clearly delineates two crucial ways of public engagement with handicrafts. Citizens are encouraged to discover and shop by visiting the official website and purchasing authentic handmade products. Secondly, people are encouraged to capture a picture of the handmade products and post it on Instagram or other social media, and tag @indiahandmademdeofficial. These engaging actions ensure the visibility of the artisans. The accompanying hashtags, such as #I Stand for Swadeshi and #Be a Proud Indian, frame the consumer to act as a patriotic and culturally conscious choice.

Contextualising The Handicraft Week

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The celebration of the handicrafts week holds a profound historical significance. It pays homage to the Late Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a celebrated social reformer and freedom fighter recognized for her dedicated efforts in reviving and supporting the Indian handicrafts movement post-independence. This annual focus allows for the revival and showcasing of diverse, regional specialities. It encapsulates everything from the Kalamkari and Etikoppaka toys of Andhra Pradesh and the Sikki grass craft of Bihar, to the gold-hued Muga Silk of Assam and the detailed Kutch Embroidery of Gujarat.

The aim of the government is enormous. It is aiming to onboard over 60 lakh (6 Million) artisans onto the digital platform. The handicraft week successfully bridges the rural-urban divide, delivering authentic, high-quality, and often sustainable products from remote villages and craft clusters directly to urban and global customers, thereby safeguarding the soul of India’s intangible heritage. This model mirrors earlier efforts such as the GeM portal for government procurement, but with a stronger cultural and livelihood orientation.

Scholarly studies on India’s handicraft economy consistently highlight three core challenges. They are – lack of market access, price exploitation by intermediaries, and declining youth participation in hereditary crafts. Thus, in order to bridge it, the handicrafts week directly addresses all these shortcomings. It offers national visibility, encourages direct consumer-artisan interaction, and makes the craft aspirational for younger generations through digital media.

Event Overview

Event	Details
Title	National Handicraft Week 2025
Duration & Date	8–14 December (Annual national celebration)
Organizing Body	Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, via Digital India Corporation
Official Platform	Indiahandmade.com (Zero-commission digital marketplace)
Key Objectives	Financial empowerment, elimination of middlemen, skill promotion, and cultural preservation
Participation Methods	1. Shopping directly on indiahandmade.com. 2. Sharing photos of handmade products on social media and tagging @indiahandmademdeofficial.
Historical Homage	Pays tribute to Late Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay for her contribution to the sector
Core Theme	Vocal for Local, Digital Support for Traditional Crafts

Key Highlights

Promotion of handmade over machine-made products.
The Indiahandmade platform operates on a zero-commission and zero-portal fee basis, ensuring artisans receive full and fair remuneration for their work.
It is a flagship project aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local movements, prioritizing self-reliance and domestic industry support.
Encouragement of citizen participation via social media.
Use of digital platforms to democratise craft consumption.
Direct financial support to artisans through online purchases.
Integration of Swadeshi ideology with modern consumer culture.
Youth-centric engagement strategy using Instagram and online tagging.
Emphasis on captioning the story behind the craft, not just the product.
The initiative provides end-to-end seller support, including free registration, catalogue creation, and logistics assistance, thus digitalizing the traditional sector.

Economic, Cultural, and Social Impact

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From an economic perspective, India’s handicraft sector is a major contributor to the non-farm rural economy. During festive seasons and national campaigns, artisan incomes can witness a tangible rise. By scheduling the handicraft week in December, a peak consumption month, the initiative smartly taps into year-end buying behaviour.

Culturally, the campaign plays a crucial role in heritage preservation. Many Indian crafts are endangered due to declining demand and intergenerational discontinuity. Digital archiving through consumer-generated content acts as a form of crowdsourced cultural documentation.

Socially, the visibility given to artisans restores the dignity of labour. When a potter or weaver is framed not as a “poor craftsman” but as a “skilled heritage bearer,” it reshapes social perception and fosters pride within craft communities.

Other Social Initiatives

Other meaningful initiatives were Hunar Haat, Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Delhi Haat exhibitions, and Crafts Bazaar under Rural Livelihood Missions. All of these aim at connecting artists to the market. However, Handicraft Week uniquely functions as a digitally driven, decentralised national festival, where participation is not restricted to physical locations but expanded across smartphones and social media platforms. This is a very significant step, especially in the post-pandemic era, as the digital boom has happened. It normalizes craft consumption that has hitherto been labelled as a luxury.

Takeaway

The handicraft week is a cultural intervention in the political economy of Indian crafts. It infuses a feeling of national sentiment in digital consumerism. The campaign transforms the act of purchasing into a well-established nexus of support systems for effective backing of India’s artisanal communities. Steps like these prevent the erosion of traditional skills by prioritizing human artistry over mechanical efficiency. It empowers the artisan not merely as a creator of objects but as an entrepreneur in the global economy, giving their work the dignity and economic stability it deserves. By choosing to invest in hand-crafted products, people will cast a vote for cultural preservation, economic equity, and the sustainability of a generational legacy.

In India, craft is more than an industry; it is the thread of our civilization. And this dedicated handicraft week carries within it a story of skill, survival, evolution, and centuries-old identity. It is the definitive way to be a truly Proud Indian, by supporting the skilled hands that weave the nation’s rich tale.

The Angadi Soiree 2025: Bengaluru’s Favourite Year-End Fest Returns

By

Kriti Sen

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December 8, 2025

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A Festive Confluence of Craft, Culture, and Christmas Cheer

As December gently settles over Bengaluru with its cool evenings and festive vibe, the Angadi Heritage prepares to don its most enthusiastic form with the return of The Angadi Soiree- Year-End showcase. The fest returns with its signature charm, a perfect blend of high-end craftsmanship, cultural richness, and a high Christmas spirit. On Friday, December 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the heritage space on Ashoka Pillar Road will be transformed into a bustling hub of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. With free entry, no age bar, and an open invitation to all, the Soiree promises to be one of the city’s most wholesome and immersive year-end festive experiences.

The event is scheduled to take place as the holiday season peaks, offering city-dwellers an exclusive shopping experience. The venue has earned a reputation in Bengaluru as a cultural landmark that is deeply invested in the philosophy of sustainability, handicraft, and Indian heritage. Over the years, it has hosted exhibitions, workshops, heritage walks, and artisanal pop-ups, making the event a very happening site. They are continuing a legacy by offering a thoughtful platform for over 40 independent artisanal brands to showcase their work under one iconic roof.

The Artisanal Hub

By showcasing over 40 artisanal brands, this event does more than formally collaborate with the vendors; it meticulously represents the best craftspersons in contemporary India and its independent enterprise. The diversity of products ensures that it fits the unique tastes of people. Shoppers can explore clothing, featuring bespoke textiles and modern silhouettes, and fine and silver jewellery collections alongside contemporary designs. For home, handcrafted décor, beauty essentials, and perfumes are displayed for self-care treats. Furthermore, there are quirky stationery, stylish handbags and accessories, sophisticated art, and a variety of gourmet treats and festive foods.

Unlike large commercial exhibitions, The Angadi Soiree prioritizes homegrown talent. The participating brands are often based on slow fashion, sustainable sourcing, and traditional techniques. This closely aligns with Angadi’s larger vision of preserving heritage while enabling innovation. Previously, Angadi’s showcases attracted a great crowd that values authenticity over mass production. Visitors are encouraged to meet the creators, understand the processes behind their crafts, and shop directly from them.

The environment of the whole site ignites with the Christmas spirit. The venue is expected to glow up with festive decor, warm lights, and the aroma of baked goods. Visitors can explore limited-edition festive collections ranging from handcrafted gifting options and festive foods to exclusive accessories and décor pieces designed for Christmas and year-end celebrations. The main aim is to put forth high-quality handcrafted goods with a trendy touch.

The Experience At A Glance

Aspects	Details
Event Name	The Angadi Soiree – Year-End Showcase
Date & Time	Friday, December 12, 2025, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue	Angadi Heritage, Ashoka Pillar Road, Bengaluru
Entry	Free entry, Open to all
Featured Brands	40+ artisanal brands
Product Focus	Clothing, Jewellery, Handcrafted Décor, Gourmet Treats, Beauty, Accessories
Special Attractions	Gold foil painting, cake mixing, Christmas quiz, lucky draw, nail art bar, live sketching, hot chocolate

A Merry Shopping Engagement

The retail experience of purchasing gets a boost and receives a much-needed lift with the Angadi Soiree. It is packed with special attractions and engaging recreational activities that are vital for attracting visitors and shoppers. These exciting elements infuse a sense of cultural engagement and festive cheer, making a mere shopping trip into a delightful day out. The Soiree represents a growing urban desire to reconnect with slower, more intentional forms of consumption. It fits perfectly into this evolving landscape, offering not just products but experiences, stories, and shared moments.

Key Highlights

A festive showcase of over 40 curated artisanal brands
Wide-ranging collections spanning fashion, beauty, décor, and gourmet foods
Direct interaction with independent creators and artisans
Discovery of exclusive festive and limited-edition products
Immersive, hands-on activities including gold foil painting and live sketching
The popular Nail Art Bar also provides a fun, instant aesthetic upgrade.
Seasonal experiences such as cake mixing and a hot chocolate station
Family-friendly engagement through a quiz and a lucky draw
Hosted in a heritage space synonymous with sustainable culture

A “Heritage” Venue with Lasting Legacy

The iconic Angadi Heritage building provides a historical backdrop that complements the artisanal products. The physical setup is significant as it offers a bustling atmosphere to the event. The Angadi Soiree stands out for its commitment to nurturing the independent creative ecosystem. In an age of mass-produced goods, the Soiree championing bespoke, handcrafted products is a powerful statement. It is a brilliant, community-focused initiative that includes a focused spirit promising to leave every visitor feeling inspired and thoroughly ready for the holidays.

Krishna Reddy at 100: Celebrating a Master of Printmaking at Santiniketan

By

Kriti Sen

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December 8, 2025

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A Centennial Celebration

On December 6, 2025, Experimenter unveiled the first in a series of centennial exhibitions for Krishna Reddy (1925–2018), titled Krishna Reddy at 100: Of Friendships, held at Tokaroun in Santiniketan, in collaboration with Musui Art Foundation. This is a retrospective of his artistic journey and also an earnest homage to his revolutionary practice. Krishna Reddy was an established Indian printmaker, sculptor, and esteemed teacher.

Tagore’s Shantiniketan is the place where Krishna Reddy’s artistic consciousness was shaped. The exhibition acknowledges and celebrates the formative years of his sensitive development towards nature, form, and the broader human condition. The organizers’ remark that “this centennial exhibition is at the root of where he had his heart” aptly defines this event. The exhibition’s significance lies in the fact that the soul of his artworks is displayed in the place that functioned as the bedrock of his career.

Santiniketan and Early Influences

In the mid-1940s, the sixteen-year-old Krishna Reddy got enrolled at the Visva-Bharati University’s Kaa Bhavana (Institute of Fine Arts). He was one of the key carriers of the legacy established by Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Benode Behari Mukherjee, and Ramkinkar Baij. He found himself centred around a unique pedagogy established by the charismatic figures of art. It was in this phase of life that he developed a deep sensitivity towards nature, so much so that it continued to be a lifelong cornerstone of his art. Interestingly, Krishna Reddy’s early education was greatly influenced by the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, whose support facilitated his departure for Europe for further studies.

The Tokaroun exhibition emphasises these foundational years and augments his craft. It presents key rare and early works of Reddy alongside those of his teachers, contemporaries, and students. This arrangement is consciously done to create a contrast among the different styles of his friends and apprentices, and create a composite sense of their camaraderie. Reddy’s artworks range from pre- and post-Partition India to the post-war artistic crucible of Paris and New York.

Contributions and Significance

After studying sculpture in London under Henry Moore, he moved to Paris, where his life changed forever at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17. This renowned printmaking hub, including figures like Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti, became the laboratory for Reddy’s most celebrated innovation: simultaneous multi-colour viscosity printing.

Krishna Reddy’s most significant contribution lies in modern printmaking through his development of the simultaneous multicolour viscosity-printing technique. Working alongside Hayter and others, Krishna Reddy mastered this revolutionary intaglio technique. The innovation was that by using inks of different viscosities and different hardnesses, he could apply multiple colours to a single engraved metal plate without mixing them. This resulted in a stunning range of prints with multi-layered colours in a single press run.

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This ultimately revolutionized how artists worked with colours, plates, and inks. This technique enabled each print to display a unique impression. His artwork challenges the narrow geo-centric narratives of modernism. As one scholar has argued, Reddy’s career invites a rethinking of modern art’s cultural pluralities under conditions of cross-regional contact. In practical terms, the exhibition offers valuable archival material along with sketches and sculptures. These artefacts revealed his technical experimentations and the depth of the philosophies he moulded in his art.

The Exhibition at a Glance

Event	Details
Exhibition Title	Krishna Reddy at 100: Of Friendships
Duration	December 6, 2025 – March 21, 2026
Venue	Tokaroun, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India
Collaborators	Experimenter in collaboration with Musui Art Foundation
Key Significance	Marks the artist’s centennial; held at Santiniketan, his key place of influence.

Key Highlights

Rare and early etchings and prints by Krishna Reddy, dating from the 1950s and 1960s.
The exhibition concept draws attention to the formative influence of Santiniketan’s pedagogical environment under Bose, Mukherjee, and Baij, and maps Reddy’s global trajectory from India to Paris, Central Europe, and New York.
A series of iconic prints, such as The Great Clown (Le Grand Clown), demonstrates his mastery of viscosity printing.
A body of his metal printing plates, showcasing the sculptural aspect of his printmaking.
On display are the actual engraved plates that he treated almost like sculptural objects, carved to minute depths, providing insight into his rigorous process.
Drawings of the human form, reflecting his lifelong practice and keen observation.
Works by Stanley William Hayter, Zarina, Ramkinkar Baij, Benode Behari Mukherjee, Nalini Malani, Shirley Witebsky, and Mona Saudi celebrate the spirit of friendship he cultivated globally.

A Unique Legacy? – An Opinion

Krishna Reddy at 100: Of Friendships successfully demonstrates him as a “global humanist”. The nature, different philosophies, and the catastrophic impact of global historical events such as the Bengal Famine and Partition left a deep mark on his mind. These are well reflected in his artworks throughout his career. This exhibition enacts the very spirit of what Krishna Reddy stood for: collaboration, cross-cultural dialogue, mentorship, and communal creation.

His move to Newyork in 1976 to lead the graphics and printmaking department at NYU strengthened his role as a revered mentor and guide. There, his studio became a refuge for many and nurtured the innovations in printmaking. This exhibition projects him beyond a technical genius. His role in the field of art is not restricted by geography and knows no limits.

The exhibition states that legacies are not constructed in isolation, but in countless acts of shared creativity, reverence, and mutual growth. Reddy’s practice bridges the modern world’s search for balance between nature, material, and human experience.

AKLF 2026 at Alipore Museum: Kolkata’s Grand Celebration of Books & Ideas

By

Kriti Sen

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December 8, 2025

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The city of joy, Kolkata, is also India’s cultural capital. The cultural schedule of the city is about to set foot into another intellectually charged fest- the 17th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF). Scheduled to take place over three days, from January 09 – 11, 2026, the festival promises a gathering of the finest creative minds from India and across the globe. This edition of the lit fest is taking place at the iconic Alipore Museum. The setup of a vibrant literary environment at the lap of history is an irresistible combo for all the folks. It aims to create an environment for a much-needed Literary Renaissance. Kolkata is already a hub of book lovers, not only in India but across the globe. This reading spirit is about to receive a boost as the enthusiasts will encounter their favourite authors and engage in immersive sessions with them.

About The Fest

The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival is instituted by the Apeejay Surrendra Group and its nearly century-old heritage institution, the Oxford Bookstore on Park Street. This fest was conceived in 2010, and since its inception, it has cultivated a distinct identity in shaping the literary landscape of Kolkata. Hitherto, the past editions too unfurled against the charismatic public monuments of Kolkata, including the pride of the British Empire- The Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and also the renowned Allen Park. This time, Alipore Museum is about to demonstrate this well-orchestrated continuity and ensure that the much-awaited conversations between the books, their authors, and people never get disrupted.

The space housing the coming edition of the fest resonates a distinct voice saturated with historical ties. The Alipore Museum, also called the Alipore Central Jail, was once the hub of India’s struggle for independence. This jail captivated nationalists like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, C.R.Das, and many more. The place holds a very intense corpus of sentiments associated with the liberty that we enjoy today. The Lit Fest, on the other hand, is a celebration of the same liberty, in the context of art, intellectuality, expression, ideas, and many, many stories. The correlation that has been established between the two is immensely powerful in igniting the vibe of inclusivity and oneness among the visitors and nudging them towards a delightful celebration of humans’ infinite capabilities.

The Thought Behind The Fest

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Over the years, the AKLF has itself transitioned into something between a tangible heritage and a cultural institution. It is a meaningful platform that engages people through insightful conversations across genres, disciplines, generations, and languages. The philosophical core of AKLF is multifaceted. It brings together books, music, art, and cinema. It seeks to explore literature beyond its literary aspect and dive into contemporary themes such as current socio-political realities, etc. Even in the previous editions, pressing issues like diversity, gender equality, etc., were thoroughly spoken about.

This 3-day literary endeavor, amidst Kolkata’s cultural warmth and welcoming atmosphere, aims to build an environment entailing books and reading, particularly focusing on newer voices and young writers. The fest aims to blend a progressive focus on literature and ideas with the foundational themes of independence and freedom, promising a truly immersive and enriching experience. It passes the statement that literature does not exist in a vacuum; it is rather rooted in places, memories, and identities.

Event Details

Aspects	Details
Festival Edition	17th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF)
Dates	09–11 January, 2026 (Three Days)
Venue	The iconic Alipore Museum, Kolkata
Significance of Venue	Former Alipore Central Jail, a historical site of the Indian Freedom Struggle
Organizers	Apeejay Surrendra Group and Oxford Bookstore
Core Goal	To celebrate books, ideas, music, art, and film with creative minds globally
Access	Events are typically free and open to all (unless specified otherwise)

Key Highlights

The 17th edition shifts to the Alipore Museum, underscoring AKLF’s commitment to hosting events at Kolkata’s key heritage locations.
The venue, a former prison where freedom fighters were held, provides a poignant historical context for discussions on freedom of thought and expression.
AKLF remains unique as the only literary festival in India founded and run by a bookstore (Oxford Bookstore).
The festival is designed to facilitate “enriching conversations” with creative minds from both the nation and globally.
Beyond literature, the programming traditionally incorporates various art forms, including music, film, and theatre.

A New Vision

Although the full roster of speakers is not out yet, however, based on the previous editions, visitors can expect a robust lineup of intellectuals and artists. There will be different sessions touching contemporary issues like politics, identity, history, heritage, gender, etc. Cultural experiences are on queue as well. There are distinctive events for children and young readers, making the space family-friendly and inclusive for a younger crowd as well.

Today, people’s preferences heavily oscillate between e-books and social media, often leading to low attention spans. In an environment like this, AKLF acts as a mediator that brings back the vintage energy of reading a book physically and engaging with influential authors whose writings actually bring a change. The events are free, accessible to all, and encompass an excellent intellectual rigour and temperament. The 2026 edition feels like a renewal of a chance to re-experience Kolkata through its dominant literary niche, complemented by heritage and art. So, if you happen to be in Kolkata that week, do not forget to bury your feet into the lavish Alipore Museum campus with a chai in hand and notebook ready.

Call for Mural Proposals at The Steps Bandra: Art for Urban Renewal

By

Kriti Sen

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December 8, 2025

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Once a forgotten, narrow staircase, The Steps Bandra has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a vibrant public space. It is also a symbol of successful urban regeneration in the heart of Mumbai’s Bandra district. This initiative is spearheaded by the Bombay Greenway in collaboration with the local municipal body (BMC). The transformation of the site has restored utility and also instilled a dose of colour, creativity, and community spirit. Now, this iconic public space is opening its doors once again to artists with an exciting Call for Mural Proposals, inviting creators to become part of its ever-evolving story. With the submission deadline extended to December 8, 2025, at 12 noon, and painting scheduled between December 10–15, 2025, this initiative promises to further deepen the relationship between art, people, and place.

Reimagining Public Space Through Art

The site was once derelict and unsafe. But now the spot has undergone a massive transformation. The place has gotten a staircase, an amphitheatre, performance value, a leisure zone, and a cultural meeting point. The spot also caters to musicians generously, as the landings now serve as informal stages where musicians rehearse, children play, people unwind their hectic schedules, and encounter a pulse of artistic aesthetics in their neighbourhood. The recognition of The Steps Bandra as the Place Design Winner at the prestigious international Great Places Awards in 2021 further cemented its status as a global model for placemaking.

Urban design experts across India and abroad have since cited the project as an example of how small-scale architectural interventions can lead to large-scale community impact. Unlike many purely aesthetic-driven reconstruction projects, the steps focus on social life, accessibility, safety, and community ownership. The side walls of The Steps will serve as large public canvases, disseminating tales of community, identity, belonging, and movement.

A Call to Creativity

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The opening of opportunities with a call for Mural proposals is directly protracted at community engagement and celebrating the local artistry. This initiative aims to utilize the blank spaces in the side walls of The Steps Bandra and embody the “creativity and the colour of the place.” These murals are to be drawn with the intention of weaving a more intimate connection between locals, artists, and visitors. The rudimentary intention is to make the place bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a truly collaborative work of art. The art, once completed, will serve as a permanent, public exhibition of Bandra’s cultural pulse.

The process of submission is hassle-free. The platform directly pitches an invitation to the artists to share their vision for this iconic landmark. This kind of public art commissioning not only beautifies the area but also provides a platform for emerging and established artists. The tight timeline for painting, scheduled for December 10–15, 2025, ensures that the new artistic chapter will be unveiled rapidly. The organizers have committed to providing all paints and materials, removing financial barriers, and making the opportunity accessible to a broader range of artists.

Crucial Details

Important Point	Details
Purpose	Celebrate creativity, community, and public connection
Submission Deadline	December 8, 2025, 12 noon
Contact Method	Selected artists notified via phone or email
Painting Dates	Must be available December 10–15, 2025
Materials	All paints and materials provided by the organisers
Project Recognition	2021 Place Design Winner at Great Places Awards
Space Function	Amphitheatre, open-air stage, community gathering spot

Why The Steps Matter

Today, Indian metropolises struggle for inclusive public spaces with rising real estate pressures and shrinking open areas. Projects like this bring significant alternatives to this and challenge the norms of infrastructural development. The small public places, like stairways, street corners, and sidewalks, find repeated mentions in the words of urban scholars and planners, as they shape the “daily experience” of urban life. Residents report increased pedestrian activity, greater feelings of safety due to constant footfall, and renewed cultural life through informal performances and gatherings.

Public murals across Mumbai, from Bandra’s street art lanes to Versova’s fishing villages, have consistently shown how art can democratise urban aesthetics. The Steps’ murals will continue this tradition, embedding artistic expression into the routines of school children, office-goers, elderly walkers, and tourists alike.

Key Highlights

Open call inviting artists to become part of a landmark public project
Opportunity to create large-scale murals in a high-footfall community space
All paints and materials to be provided by organisers
Guaranteed public visibility in one of Bandra’s most culturally active zones
Continued legacy of a globally recognised urban design project
Strong emphasis on community, inclusivity, and public engagement
Direct participation in an ongoing story of urban regeneration

The Model of Transformation

The model adopted by them is collaborative and aligns with emerging global philosophies of placemaking, where people, not just viewers, but contributors as well. The extended deadline for submissions reflects the organisers’ intention to ensure wider participation and diverse artistic voices. By providing all painting materials, the initiative also removes financial barriers for artists, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. With Christmas and New Year knocking at the doorstep, this initiative ensures that the space is charmed with people’s stories and turns into a jolly place to be.

A Blueprint that Mumbai Must Replicate

The best part of this opportunity is that it is not competitive but cooperative. It’s a reaffirmation of Mumbai’s potential to nurture human-centred urban design. The decision to use public art as the next phase of regeneration is an inspired choice. It acts as a catalyst for dialogue and a source of local pride. By inviting local artists to leave their mark, the organizers are not just decorating walls; they are embedding the soul of Bandra into the very fabric of The Steps. This initiative proves that meaningful urban regeneration does not require massive budgets or grand monuments.

This project highlights the fact that urban renewal is not just about building skyscrapers on concrete and steel, but is more about community participation and shared experiences. The new murals, undoubtedly, will only further amplify the area’s vibrant reputation and inspire similar acts of creative placemaking across the city. In many ways, The Steps Bandra should now serve as a replicable model for neighbourhood-scale interventions across India’s cities.