“Harappans in the Ganga Valley: New Discoveries”

As part of Indian Archaeology Series.

Speaker: Dr. Bhuvan Vikrama, Archaeological Survey of India

The Harappan presence in the east of Yamuna has been attested at Alamgirpur (Baghpat) and at Hulas (Saharanpur), however, with an admixture of local or regional cultural elements, it represents a diluted form of the Harappans or its rural manifestation with no urban signatures. Recent, discovery of a large collection of copper objects from Harinagar (Bijnor) and a small scale excavation at Sakatpur (Saharanpur) yielding the copper hoard implements with Harappan artefacts has brought us to a point where a rethink of the Harappan presence in Yamuna-Ganga doab and beyond becomes imperative. The present talk will focus on the Harappan evidences found in this region and will discuss their significance and relevance.

“Layers of the Gaze” Drawings on fabric, travel journals and drawing books By Andreia Dulianel, plastic artist from Brazil.

The exhibition also features plastic productions created during her artist residency in India. The works reveal a process of construction through a process of layering, in the veiling and unveiling of forms, through overlaps and transparencies of the elements of visual language

“Sahityanjali” A Bharatanatyam presentation supported by live orchestra exploring literature and unique writing styles across 5 languages by a platter of celebrated Indian composers.

Kiranmayee Madupu is a bharatanatyam dancer from Hyderabad. She is a disciple of Hemamalini Arni.

Rembrandt and the Mughals is the subject of a new book and forthcoming exhibition at the Getty Center curated by Stephanie Schrader. Rembrandt made 23 drawings late in his career based on  Indian paintings imported to Amsterdam from Surat. These portraits of rulers, princes and courtiers reveal how the contact with Indian art inspired him to start drawing in a different, more refined style, and on Asian paper. Schrader argues that the Mughal compositions Rembrandt copied were not merely curiosities, but carried with them specific associations of empire, trade, luxury and exceptional artifice.

“Ruminating the Purple” Paper collage art show by Sukanta Dasgupta

Display of art works in an uncommon medium, created only by pasting magazine papers with no use of colors or brush.

“Shringar – Paintings in Nathdwara Style” solo show by Yugdeepak Soni from Udaipur

The tradition of Shrinathji pichwai paintings has been a dynamic one and this exhibition tries to capture the same. Shringar or ornamentation is an integral part of Shrinathji seva (service) in Nathdwara

Curator: Gargi Seth

Celebrating Birth anniversary of Amrita Sher-Gil

ArtEast is an initiative to raise pertinent questions through a series of engagement on art, livelihood, social justice, climate change, communication, history-past and present, issues that have a far reaching impact on everyday life of people and of the nation. The festival includes talks/discussions, exhibitions, film screenings and performances.

32nd Surajkund International Craft Mela 2018

Occupying a place of pride on the international tourist calendar, more than a million visitors throng the Mela during the fortnight including thousands of foreign tourists. The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India, & is the largest crafts fair in the world.

The Mela provides a rare opportunity to the Theme State to showcase its handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, cuisine and its tourist potential to a vast cross-section of people in an impressive manner.

Raza Foundation and Civil Services Officers’ Institute are holding a discussion on “Pleasure of Reading”, as part of series of ‘Art Dialogues’.

Lalit Kala Akademi, the premier institution for the promotion of Art and Culture is organizing an International Kala Mela (Arts Festival) wherein artists and groups can showcase their art works.

During the Kala Mela different art workshops and activities like Visual Art Film Festival, Pottery/Pattachitra/Paper Mache workshops, Best from waste workshop, Musical performances, Dance Dramas, Violin making workshop by Sveceny, Czechia, Artist Gup Shup Point, Nukkad Natak, and Live performance. International performances like Violin by Nuno Flores, Portugal; The Troth – Usne Kaha Tha A Story of Love and sacrifice in World War I, by Akademi South Asian Dance, UK; Violin by Jaroslav Sveceny Czechia; Yakshangana by Devika Rao, UK; Paino by Nobert Kale, Hungary and Yaa Devi by Devika Dance Theatre, UK will be taking place for the artists and art lovers.
According to the Administrator LKA Sh. C. S. Krishna Setty, “This is for the first time that the Akademi has planned the International Kala Mela at such a large scale. It is going to prove a boon to especially those artists who cannot afford to exhibit their works of art in the Art Galleries. With a firm commitment to the art fraternity, the Kala Mela will be a great delight to observe the paradigms of the contemporary nuances of the modernistic trends in art. All in all it is intended to be first of its kind and a great milestone event”!
More than 800 artists from all across the country are participating in the event.
Many Embassies and Cultural Centres are participating for making this festival an International success. Some of the countries taking part in the Mela are China,
Venezuela, Peru, Portugal, Srilanka, Poland, Tunisia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Trinidad, Tobago, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, Czechia, UK, Spain and Brazil.

There are around 325 stalls for Indian artists and organizations including International representations.
The International Kala Mela is coming at a time when there is a perceptible requirement in the art market for a wide-ranging, global platform for Indian art. The central objective of Kala Mela is to focus on direct interaction between the artist and the connoisseur and also educating and raising awareness about art, which has been the mandate of Lalit Kala Akademi.  This comprehensive outreach shall include the participation of National, International level Artists/Art Critics of repute from all over the Globe.

Ever heard Valentine’s day is western culture? That we Indians should not indulge in it? Ever heard society shame someone or put up religious or cultural rulings to stop people from observing this day?

Do you really think you are the only one affected?

Well, won’t say Breative have come up with a solution, but maybe a Desi version of Valentine’s day! Maybe our culture does not permit observing a day for love, but what about our very own Ishq?

On 16th of February (yeah yeah, post valentine’s day, parents won’t object this way you know 😉 ),Asim Khan, the founder of “The 1988 Company” is organizing an event at Indian Islamic Cultural Center for the purpose of celebrating love. And not merely to celebrate love, but to quench the thirst of lovers that the society quite rightfully bans. “Jashn-e-Ishqa” is not merely for lovers, it is for all kinds of Aashiq, as we try to bring together today’s youth with our culture. Ishq is something very intrinsic to the Indian society. Among relations, friends, hidden behind that casual verbal fight, all we can see is Ishq.

On 16th of February, they bring together all the different cultures and colors of Indian society under a single umbrella. The idea is not merely a merry making of couples, but the enjoyment of Indian youth with the Ishq of our very Indian culture. To be more precise, we would celebrate the Ishq in the form of Poetry, Story Telling, Sufi Music, Painting and Photography exhibitions, and a Panel Discussion on Love.

The 1988 Company hopes to reach the hearts of live audience by this event and to write a history in the name of Jashn-e-Ishqa in the world backed by love.

And if someone tells you love is something to be hidden behind a curtain, behind a closed door, given them a peg on cheek, a tight hug and let them revel in the mysteries of love!

Entry by registration only. Do register yourself at https://goo.gl/forms/75d8w8ZJyv0EHM5q2

How well do you know your games? Let’s find out.

Join us for a playful evening filled with Indian history, culture, antiquity and mythology. Relive your childhood memories of playing with tamarind seeds and chalk drawn games.It’s time to pass the legacy on and revive this age old tradition of entertainment and interaction.

The traditional games of India are known to not only entertain generations upon generations of families but also to teach them patience, planning, strategy and sharing; thus encouraging a harmonious co-existence. These games cut across all ages and boundaries; making them fun for people from all walks of life.

Nazariya in collaboration with Kunzum Travel Café invite you and your friends to come rediscover the joy of playing these traditional Indian games while contributing to the revival of an indigenous art form which is on its way to extinction.

Featuring – Kreeda
Kreeda is an organization that has been working on developing and reviving traditional games for more than 15 years. The main aim of the organization is not only to revive old games but also to revive the spirit of India and its games.

*All materials will be provided*

ABOUT NAZARIYA

In this world of digital art and 3D printing, Nazariya is a movement to bring us closer, to the beautiful world of Indian Folk Art. It is an effort in not just reviving these artforms, but also making them relevant for today. Nazariya is trying to bring out the subtle message behind these artforms; the message of unity, brotherhood and community. This is Nazariya’s way of taking you on an incredible journey into India’s past, helping us create a new future.

ABOUT KUNZUM TRAVEL CAFE
When you cannot travel, what is the next best thing that you can do? Make travel plans. Or get transported virtually to dream destinations when others share their travel stories with you. And you do likewise.

We are very excited to present our much-awaited Mela on March 24^th 2018, the culmination day of Francophonie week! This Mela day will be unique introduction to the universe of Francophonie, through a wide range of events, including film screenings, musical and theatrical performances, art exhibitions. The event will gather representatives for many different Francophone countries, animating stalls set up all over Alliance française de Delhi, sharing information about their cultures and delicious food from all over the world. There will also be prizes to be won. A precious occasion to discover all the joys and pleasures of Francophone cultures, in a cheerful atmosphere!

Program

10:00 AM:    Commencement of Mela. Visit stalls of different Francophone countries.

You’ll see several francophone embassies’ stand where they’ll be showcasing about their culture and will also organize numerous activities.

10:00 AM:    Singing Competition for Delhi schools’ students.

11:30 AM:    Poster making competition for Delhi schools’ students.

12:00PM:     Distribution of prizes for the competitions followed by and open quiz.

13:00 PM:     Special performance by Webster (Hip Hop) and by ATEF (Light of Unity)

About Webster : Since 2009, he travels the world to present writing workshops where he learns the creative use of French through rap. He has visited several American universities including Harvard, M.I.T., Howard, Georgetown and UCLA. He has also given concerts and writing workshops in several countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America.

On the musical side, Webster has been active since 1995; Founding member of the Limoilou Starz collective, he is a veteran and one of the pioneers of the Quebec hip-hop movement. The Old Man of the Mountain is known for the quality of his texts and the intelligence of his words. His art is a tool he has refined for more than two decades to convey in a most creative way his cultural and intellectual baggage.

About ATEF : French Songwriter, composer and interpreter, Atef sings since childhood. In addition to his own songs, he interprets some of the most famous and meaningful songs of the last 30 years from the pop-world-soul repertoire. Atef touches the hearts through his deep connection with his audience and his communicative joy. After each of his travels, he enriches his shows with new cultures and influences and shares with the public, intimate yet universal themes. In 2012, Atef was the finalist of the French edition of the TV show “The Voice”. With his high pitched voice, his vocal mastery and his acute sensitivity, he was immediately nick-named “the singer with the angel voice” and deeply touched the public. He sings in English, French and other languages.

14:30 PM:     AFD’s Got Talent

Each year Alliance Francaise de Delhi organizes a talent hunt competition “AFD’S GOT TALENT” for its students, under the grand celebration of “The Francophonie Week”. All talent forms can be represented in this competition. One can register either as a group or an individual and each participant must be a student at Alliance Française de Delhi or Gurgaon.

A jury of professionals will judge the event and the winners will get exciting prizes.

17:30 PM:     Announcement of AFD’s got talent winner and the lucky draw winner.

18:00 PM:     Music concert: Bibi Tanga with Thakita

Bibi Tanga a singer/producer from Paris was looking to incorporate Indian folk and tribal style music into his upcoming production. He discussed the idea with Mr. François Grosjean and director of Alliance Française Trivandrum. François grosjean introduced Bibi Tanga to John Anthony a veteran guitarist/producer and the founder of the band Karnatriix. The three of them discussed the possibilities of a new genre! Bibi flew to India to meet John Anthony with the idea of composing a couple of songs together. To add a flavor of rhythm and groove, John Anthony regrouped with his longtime friend Sunil Kumar a percussionist/singer for this production. Rahul a bassist/flutist/DJ was also finding a place in the composing sessions.

Together the three of them formed the band Thakita (three syllables of Indian rhythm denoting the three members of the band). In a week’s time they ended up arranging five songs with a blend of Central African Sangho and Indian Malyalam folk. They even managed to finish recording the rough tracks.

A rumour that ends in calamity; A girl who is demonised because of her ‘evil’ horoscope; A man who preys upon young girls; A train journey that forces a woman to look at her marriage anew; The gorgeous inner life of a shop girl; A child overwhelmed by the wonder and terror of his world…
Set in Kolkata and Delhi, the stories in this collection deal with love and betrayal, dogma and superstition, sexuality and thwarted desires. The characters belong to the world of urban, aspirational India where snobbery and rat race go hand in hand with class and religious conflicts.
Dark or funny, satirical or poignant, these stories are as much a snapshot of modern India as they are an intense crystallisation of the unpredictable chaos of life.

Come to the book launch and meet the likes of  Mrinal Pande (Writer, Former Chairperson of Prasar Bharati, Senior Group Editorial Advisor to the National Herald Group),
Anita Agnihotri (Writer and Former Civil Servant), Poonam Saxena (Writer, Translator and National Weekend Editor, Hindustan Times). 

urangzeb is a well-known play in Hindi theatre which is running from last ten years. Here is a chance to witness it once again.

When Emperor Shahjahan fell ill in 1657, a war of succession broke out among his four sons, Dara Shukoh, Shuja, Aurangzeb and Murad. The main contenders were Dara and Aurangzeb while Shahjahans two daughters Jahanara and Roshanara, supported Dara and Aurangzeb respectively. The Emperor himself lent his support to his eldest son Dara, who alone of the four brothers, was present at Agra and sympathetic to Shahjahans dream plan of building a black-marble-mahal for himself on the other side of Yamuna facing Mumtazs Tajmahal.

The play begins with the conversation between two of Aurangzebs spies in Agra Fort, who tell us of others spying on them, indicating Aurangzebs suspicious nature as well as his attempt to be in control. The play selects, telescopes and fuses events to capture the fissures as well as the peaks of a period of history. The war of succession to throne and issues and ideologies that the major players in the drama represent: Shahjahan symbolizes a decadent, self-indulgent, romantic aestheticism; Aurangzeb articulates and fiercely fights to establish an Islamic fundamentalist state, and Dara projects himself as a philosopher-statesman striving to preserve a pluralist society and nation. Shahjahan dreams about a black-marble-mahal for himself, Aurangzeb dreams of one nation, one language, one religion, while Dara fears that Aurangzeb will destroy the precious heritage of Akbar.

The play has as its theme the struggles of mutually contradictory dispositions of the various characters: Shahjahan and Aurangzeb; Dara and Aurangzeb; Jahanara and Roshanara; and finally Aurangzeb versus Aurangzeb. Shahjahan lives in the past, Dara in the future, and Aurangzeb in the present. Aurangzebs success is the triumph of pragmatism but he has to pay dearly as we find him in the last scene sitting not on his Peacock throne but beside it on the floor. His loneliness becomes his tragedy. The play ends with him asking himself the question: Am I a devout Muslim or a fanatic? He is left awaiting the judgment of history.

Book Launch: The Kipling File. By Sudhir Kakar

 Overview

In the cultural hub of 1880s’ Lahore Kay Robinson has taken over as editor of the Civil and Military Gazette. Assisting him is the young and impressionable Rudyard Kipling, a lonely, impulsive man who dreams of becoming a writer. Kipling’s literary pursuits have been dismissed as fanciful and foolish by his previous boss. But Robinson is different. He encourages the young ‘Ruddy’, allowing him greater creative freedom at the Gazette. As he becomes Ruddy’s friend and confidant, Robinson gains access to intimate glimpses of the Kipling family, where he is smitten by Ruddy’s sister Trix.

Narrated by Robinson, The Kipling File is a moving story of doomed friendship and difficult love recounted against the powerful backdrop of Anglo-Indian life in a Punjab that has begun to stir with anti-colonial sentiment. Through his eyes unfold the turmoils that shaped the author of beloved classics like The Jungle Book and Kim.

In Sudhir Kakar’s luminous prose, Kipling emerges as a man of compelling contradictions-a mercurial genius whose immense talent was in pitched battle with his inner demons.