Events in Pune this weekend
Diwali is over and the city is showing no signs of letting the fun and frolics fizzle out. On the contrary, the city seems to be readying itself for the New Year. The shops are still decorated and lit up – ready to welcome the New Year with arms wide open. So, shopping at weekends still sounds like a good idea.
However, after the Diwali rush, I am sure many Punekars are looking for an alternative to shopping. This weekend, Pune has a lot of options in store for Punekars. First and foremost, the event that will have already caught the eye of most Punekars is the Pulotsav that starts this Saturday, the 8th of November.
This event is organised in fond memory of our favourite writer and actor, Pu. La. Deshpande. This year, the panel has introduced two new awards to the festival. The first of these is the Pu. La. Krutadnyata Sanman which will be awarded for outstanding work towards a social cause. This year, Dr. Prakash and his wife Dr. Mandakini Apte will be given the award for their work in the Gadchiroli and Bhambragad district. The second award is the Pu. La. Jeevan Gaurav Sanman which will go to veteran actress Sulochana Pandit. Sulochanaji recently celebrated her 80th birthday. I am sure that most Punekars are rushing to the venues to witness one of Pune’s best events. Pulotsav surely adds to the beauty of this culturally vibrant city.
Venues : Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha,
Near Shivaji Statue, Karvenagar.
National Film Archives of India (NFAI),
Law College Road.
Pathfinder
When not at the Pulotsav, another option is to drive up to the Urban Ashram in Mukund Nagar and enroll on the month long Tai Chi workshop. Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional/classical martial art form from China which is very beneficial in bringing about a deep change of consciousness in the sincere practitioner.
Tai Chi involves a series of 108 slow paced body movements, done fluidly and languidly like a flowing stream in the mountains. It is claimed to relieve stress and tension, most dysfunctions of the stomach and intestines (especially constipation), and to be very effective for cirrhosis of the liver (due to alcohol excesses) and rejuvenation of the kidneys. It is also one of the best leg strengthening exercises ever, making them immensely powerful. But more than anything else, Tai Chi is the ultimate meditation method. Finally, it is a journey, where you find and connect with yourself.
All interested Punekars can reach the Urban Ashram at 7 in the morning this Saturday and get set to rejuvenate. The workshop begins on Saturday the 8th of November 2008 and ends on Sunday the 30th of November 2008.
Venue : The Urban Ashram,
Opp. Sujay Garden,
Mukund Nagar.
And as always keeping in touch with the art scene there are four exhibitions that are worth a peek.
An exhibition of landscapes and portraits is on display at the J studio art gallery.
Venue : J Studio Art Gallery
105, Shiv Shakti Complex,
Near Food Bazaar, Opp. IDBI Bank,
Baner Road.
Date : till the 11th of November 2008
An exhibition of charcoal sketches and paintings by artist Aarti Bagade is on display at the Aperture India Art Gallery.
Venue : Aperture India Art Gallery,
The Urban Ashram,
Opp. Sujay Garden,
Mukund Nagar.
Date : Till the 12th November 2008
An exhibition of the works of 35 eminent artists from across the country is on display at the Art2Day Gallery.
Venue : Art2Day Gallery,
Next to Jagtap Nursery,
Off. Golibar Maidan,
Solapur Highway,
Camp.
Date : Till the 12th of November 2008
To end the weekend in the most perfect way one can stroll in to Malaka Spice and treat oneself to a sumptious meal while enjoying the paintings
of artist Vijay Ghayal.
Venue : Malaka Spice,
Lane 6, North Main Road,
Koregaon Park.
Date : Till the 15th of November 2008
More articles by Maitreyee Manglurkar
- Street Food Review: Shree Ganesh Bhel, Bund Garden - June 6th, 2009
- A special ready to eat or easy to make feast for this Mothers’ Day - May 9th, 2009
- Junk Food Review: Hot Chips - May 2nd, 2009
- Street Food Review: Anonymous Hand Cart! - April 25th, 2009
- Bakery Review: L.J. Bangalore Iyengar Bakery - April 18th, 2009
