This year, the much-delayed Kala Ghoda Arts Festival kicked off amid soaring temperatures, but lacked the buzz its opening day is usually associated with.
Much has changed at the event this year. Visual arts have been allotted generous space on the roads to allow them their due prominence, and more folk artistes and parades are hitting the streets. Venues for dance and literature events have also changed. The biggest letdown, however, is the complete lack of audio in the performing arts.
After constant complaints last year, the BMC refused to give permission for any amplifiers and speakers this year. “They even came to check whether we were using any sound equipment, due to which the setting up of stalls got delayed,” says Patricia D'Souza, curator from The Art Loft, which is organising street events. She adds, “We've made an effort to use mimes, drums and resort to other creative outlets to keep the noise to a bare minimum.”
Meanwhile, the stalls have taken a bit of a backseat, quite literally. Not only have they been pushed behind to create space for other activities, but rigorous interviews and a selection process have ensured that a majority of the stalls have been allocated to entrepreneurs who may not have an outlet otherwise. Of those that made it through, here's a look at the coolest things to take home from your outing to town this year.
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