Kalaghoda Fest 2012

My joy knew no bounds when I realized that my favorite KGF has also began as I reached Mumbai and the thought on been able to attend my straight third edition made me glad as ever.

Something makes KGF so close to my heart though I dont exactly know what it is as yet. I have been a fan since I attended it for the first time in 2010. This year it seemed even better, even colorful. As always, the entrance welcomed you with some fine sculptors/modals each sending a message in a beautiful way. As you step inside you are welcomed with stalls on both the sides displaying some very innovating to very basic pieces of clothes/accessories/stuff you use daily etc etc.

At the center is erected the small stage. This time around I could see a lot of folk dances lined up for performance on this stage. I also walked over to the Horniman circle to catch up a play in progress.

Above all, I was glad deep inside to see the lovely crowd from all sectors of society, clicking pictures, posing, shopping and appreciating the efforts done by unknown artists of this country.

Sadly I could just manage to catch the fest for only a day unlike previous 2 years when I paid multiple visits to the lanes and gardens holding the festival. But yes still feeling lucky to catch it at all even once this year too...

Sulafest 2012 - 4/5 Feb 2012

I made my first trip to Mumbai since I relocated to Delhi and attended the Sulafest in Nashik at the Sula vineyards. There was a lot of excitement build up to us attending this fest and we all were looking forward to it.

We left early morning to reach our hotel well in time. After a brief rest, we visited the fest site and it was a welcoming experience. Slowly and slowly crowd started pouring in and by evening it was jam packed. We enjoyed the vine tasting stint where we learned nuances of different types of vines in terms of odor/types/alcohol content etc.

Post 3 pm the gigs started and some truly rocking bands were on performance which completely entertained us. I especially liked the energy of the 'Reggae Raja' - a Delhi based band. Truly exhausted with the dancing and music and tons of vines as well we departed even when the 'alien' crowd was not moving. 

Overall, it was a good experience first time though we felt it was a little too expensive on our pockets. The talking point till the end was the amazing gathering of people - we called them 'aliens' :P