Events and Festivals - Best Places of Interest

February 4, 2016 Events and Festivals, India, Weekly photo challenge

KGAF 2016

The above is a mirror art that my friends are admiring at KGAF- Kala Ghoda Art Festival. For this week’s photo challenge on ‘Mirror‘, I thought about this festival. Below are the details about the festival written earlier during the year.

The Kala Ghoda Art Festival (KGAF 2016) will begin from 6^th Feb and will go on till 14^th Feb 2016. It is an annual festival that commences on the first Saturday of February and closes on the second Sunday in February.

The festival has various sections: visual arts, dance, music, theatre, cinema, literature including children’s literature. There are also workshops, heritage walks, urban design and architecture.

THE FESTIVAL VENUES

Children
Lawns of (CSMVS), The Museum Mumbai
Kitab Khana at Somaiya Bhavan
Children’s Literature
Kitab Khana at Somaiya Bhavan
Dance
Cross Maidan
Dance Workshops are at Somaiya Centre, Somaiya Bhavan
Cinema
The Coomaraswamy Hall and The Visitor Center at (CSMVS), The Museum Mumbai,
Auditorium at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Food
Westside
Restaurants in the district
Food stalls at Rampart Road and Cross Maidan
Literature
DSL Garden
Artist’s Center
Author’s Lounge at Serafina
Seminar Hall of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Stand-Up Comedy
Irish House
Street & Stalls
Rampart Row
Cross Maidan
Music
Cross Maidan
Steps of the Asiatic Society Library (Town Hall)
Visual Arts
Rampart Gallery
Lawns of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Gallery 7
Art Entrance
Artists’ Centre
Coomaraswamy Hall
Cross Maidan
DSL Garden
Tarq for Art Walks
Workshops
Somaiya Centre
Artisan’s and Artists’ Centre
Theatre
Horniman Circle Garden
Auditorium at NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art)
C. Ghia Hall at Kaikashru Dubash Marg,
Stand up comedy at Irish House at Kaikashru Dubash Marg
Gallery Beyond
Urban Design & Architecture
Library at Max Muller Bhavan
NGMA
Art Entrance Art Gallery

The following are some programmes to look out for

Children – Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun.” ~Mignon McLaughlin, journalist, and author

Creating an Impromptu 3-D forms which shall be conducted by Arzan Khambata and Sunil Padwal. They will assist you in experimenting with daily, one-time used objects to create a spontaneous 3D object. This will be at Museum Garden on 7^th Feb.

Food– ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well ~ Virginia Woolf

An olive oil workshop is on 6^th Feb at Westside. Ranveer Brar, Chef will teach recipes from his TV show.
On 7^th, you can learn to cook Canadian and Indian food with Chef Curtis Pintye at Westside.
Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor will be at Westside on 13^th Feb, showcasing his selected recipes.
On 14^th, celebrate Valentine’s Day with wine and wine coolers from Elixir Benedictine

Workshops– In everything that must be done, there is an element of fun ~ PL Travers

‘The cat and the comma’- by Niloufer Venkatraman, editor in chief, National Geographic Traveller India. At the workshop, she will be giving tips on travel writing on 7^th Feb.
‘Foot Forward’- Travel photography by Indranil Mukherjee will give tips about travel photography.
Dancing on Paper- An interactive session conducted by Nazia Vasi on Chinese calligraphy is on 12^th Feb.

Make in India Festival –

The dance and music program for the KGAF until February 14, 2016, has been extended by three days February 15, 16 & 17, 2016. The program has been finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Government of Maharashtra.

Kala Ghoda Association’s (KGA) involvement with the Make in India program in Mumbai at Cross Maidan will include cultural music and dance programs which will be extended until the 17th of February, to incorporate the MAKE IN INDIA program.

Photo Gallery of my visit to KGAF 2014 with my friends

References: For complete schedule, visit Kala Ghoda Association

Google Maps

January 25, 2016 Events and Festivals, International

Australia Day

Every year, Australians celebrate January 26 with national pride by flying the Australian flag from businesses, homes and cars. They also attend festivals, community and sporting events or gather for family barbeques at homes, parks or the beach. Well, it is ‘Australia Day’, a public holiday for all Australians.

On this day, the Australian government awards the Order of Australia to selected Australians for according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service. The Prime Minister announces the winner of the ‘Australian of the Year’ Award for significant contribution to the Australian community and nation. It is an inspirational role model for the Australian community. Other awards include Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, and an award for Australia’s Local Hero.

Festivities across the Nation

Sydney– The day begins with Aboriginal and Australian flags being raised on Sydney Harbour Bridge. The event unfolds with the lightning of the honorary fire at the Sydney Opera House that is carried to the Tribal Warrior, an Aboriginal vessel.

Ferrython, one of Australia’s most popular and iconic free events where ferries go head-to-head racing from Circular Quay to Shark Island and back to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Spectators can view from Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Click here for more details.
Gun Salute – takes place at Bradfield Park under Sydney Harbour Bridge. Royal Australian Navy Flagship honours the military officers by the salute. Soon after, the National Anthem is sung. Royal Australian Air Force completes the grand ceremony with an aerial display.
National Anthem– Australians are proud of their National Anthem and stand proud whenever is sung at various events like Olympic Games, National events and school Assembly.

Australian National Anthem

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Harbour Parade – Sydney’s most iconic vessels parading around the harbour in a dazzling display of national spirit. Follow this link for more details. The best-dressed vessels are awarded cash prizes.
Australian Day Regatta– is the oldest in the world for conducting annual sailing events and takes place in the afternoon for all classes of yachts. Follow this link for event details.
Tug and Yacht ballet, a spectacular display of nautical precision as a fleet of ten Eastsail yachts and two powerful Switzer tug boats tack in unison. They change direction and formation to a musical score. Click for event details.
Tall Ships Race– A parade of tall ships race their way down the harbour and back to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Click for more event details.
Festival Village– situated in Hyde Park plays host to music and circus performances.

Melbourne– The Australian Day Parade is preceded by a flag-raising ceremony at Town Hall. The Governor addresses the nation. The colourful parade begins with crowds lining the streets, to cheer the participants and waving flags and banners.

Classic Car show– it is held at the Kings Domain Gardens where over 400 vintage cars are on display. There is entertainment, special guest appearances, delicious food with activities and giveaways.

So, if you are on a trip to Australia then do not miss out Australia Day festivities.

Image courtesy Australian day

Australia day celebrations

January 19, 2016 Events and Festivals, India

Festa De Diu

Diu, the Isle of Calm, has always been a destination for people who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Diu is renowned for its scenic beauty, the wonderful sandy beaches and the heritage buildings.

How to get to Diu–

By Flight– Diu airport at Nagao is connected by a daily flight from Mumbai. Rajkot airport connects major cities in India and from there is a short drive to Diu.

By train– Veraval is the nearest station at 90km from Diu. Major cities are well-connected to this station.

By bus– State-run buses and private buses serve from Ahmedabad to Diu. The journey is of 10 hours.

By car– It well-connected to the major National highways Gir 67 km, Somnath 90 km, Rajkot 219 km, Ahmedabad 450 km and Mumbai 815 km.

Diu is hosting the longest beach festival to celebrate art, culture, music and much more. There are special performances by Kailash Kher, Shreya Ghoshal and Sivamani.

1449306945_screen_shot_2015_12_05_at_2_fotor

Adventure – There is an incredible adventure that awaits you from a Hot Air Balloon ride, Zip Lining and Bungee Jumping.

Here is a glimpse into the Beach Festival at Diu

Jan 21- Jan 24 ARTS WEEK

January 21– Tera Cotta Workshop at the amphitheatre 5 pm

January 22– Painting Workshop at the amphitheatre 5 pm

January 23– Fashion Show at Diu Fort 5-7 pm and Rapid Painter at Amphitheatre at 5 pm

January 24– Symphony Orchestra at the Beach 8 pm-10 pm

January 25– Performance Lambada Band at the Beach 8pm-10pm

Jan 26-Jan 31 Patriotic Week

January 26– Prince Dance Group at amphitheatre 7 pm onwards and Ragga Trippin at the beach at 8 pm

January 29– Cultural Show- Bal Bhavan Board-Diu Cultural Zone at Amphitheatre -8 pm onwards.

January 30– Performance- Manipuri Acrobats, Thang Ta, Pung Cholom, Dhol Cholom at Amphitheatre-7 pm onwards

January 31– Concert by Kailash Kher at the beach -8pm-10pm

Accommodation– Festival village has 60 luxury tents, over 200 conference seating and 2 spas. So, if the above excites you to be at the beach festival, you can stay at the Luxury Tents with air-conditioning. The tents have king-size beds and TVs. You have the option to choose from a Luxury Cottage and Luxury Cottage with Sea View.

Other attractions– While at Diu, you could also visit Gir National Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary which is 67 km from Diu. It is home to tigers, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles and lions inhabiting. You will have an unforgettable experience with lush hillsides and pristine nature.

You could also visit the Somnath temple which is 90kms from Diu. The most sacred among the 12 jyotirlingas in India.

Once back in Diu, enjoy the beautiful sunset with delicious seafood and drinks.

References: Image courtesy Festa Diu logo

Nagoa beach

January 13, 2016 Events and Festivals, International

Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Have you ever been to Ice and Snow Sculpture Festivals? They are simply unbelievable even though they are right in front of your eyes. Just take a look at these photos of ice and snow sculptures: can you believe your eyes?

What are ice sculptures?

Sculptures are abstract or realistic in form and are made of ice. The sculptor uses razor/sharp chisels which are specially designed for cutting ice and tools like chain saws to complete a sculpture. The sculpting usually depends on the temperature of the environment. Some ice sculptors add dyes to produce coloured ice blocks.

What are snow sculptures?

Sculptures that are carved out of a single block of snow. The snow is collected from the ground after a snowfall and then packed into a form. The tools and materials differ widely, shovels, hatchets, saws.

Both ice and snow sculpture’s life is determined by the temperature around them. It could last from mere minutes to months.

About the Festival

A whole new world of ice and snow can be experienced at Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Ice artworks are exhibited at following venues:

Ice and Snow World displays ice sculptures of huge scale such as palace buildings, the Great Wall of China etc. It is best visited when they are colorfully lit at night.

Ice Lantern Garden Party– The Ice Lantern Garden Party in Harbin City is the earliest and biggest artistic exhibition of the ice lantern in the open air. Tourists can take part in various activities in Songhua River such as: sitting on the ice sailing boat, hitting the ice monkeys, skating on the ice and watching the competition of winter swimming. When night falls, you are expected to attend the evening party of Harbin Ice Festival.

Sun Island Scenic Area– displays snow sculptures that can be only visited during the daytime.

Yabuli International Ski Resort– The resort provides great skiing with high mountains and good snow. Local skiers enjoy the high elevation and the fact that the snow is neither too hard nor too powdery. The period from November to late March of the next year is the best time to ski at Yabuli Ski Resort. Besides skiing, there are other entertainment facilities at the resort, such as the mini golf course, tennis court, turf courts, hot-air balloons, paragliders among others. The combination of activities, the beautiful forest and comfortable facilities offer tourists a relaxing and fun vacation. In winter, the ski resort is a fantastic place for skiers; in summer, tourists can escape the heat and enjoy fun outdoor activities. All year round the resort offers beautiful scenery.

Zhaolin Park– Features intricately carved ice lanterns that are lit up in the night. More than 1,000 ice sculptures are displayed such as internally illuminated ice lanterns, magical figures, and animals that are loved by children. It is mostly an ice world focused on kids. There are interesting activities that kids may enjoy such as ice slides.

The most popular of them is ‘Ice and Snow World’. It is worth its cost. People throng this beautiful and skilful place from around the world.

The ideal time to visit this park would be 10 am or 11 am so as to enjoy it in the daytime. You could also visit it in the night as it closes at 9 pm. Sculptures made of snow are beautifully carved and look spectacular. Snow White, Disney characters, angry birds, Buddha are few of those sculptures that you get to see there.

How to travel to Harbin?

Heilongjiang Province is located in the northeast part of China and the capital city is Harbin. Being on the east of Songnen Plain, plays a vital role in communications between South and North Asia as well Europe and the Pacific Ocean. The City has rich cultural heritages and beautiful natural scenery. Due to severe low temperatures in winter, the city boasts of unique ice and snow culture.

[bctt tweet=”Travel to #harbin for Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival”]

If you wish to travel to Harbin, then there are regular flights, trains and buses from major cities of China. Tourists from 51 countries can enjoy 72 hours visa-free transit policy when transiting in Harbin Taiping International Airport. Book your travel in advance. You could take a taxi from Harbin train station to the Ice and Snow world.

Weather in Harbin

The weather is extremely cold. The city is considered the coldest city in Northern China and is ideal for Ice and Snow Festival. So, you need to carry warm jackets, thermals, mufflers and boots while traveling.

Finally, here is a list of the most famous Ice and Snow Sculpture festivals around the world: