Happy New Year from the 48hrs Team! If you’re already drawing up a list of events to attend this year, we’re here to help you out with some interesting ones that you should block your dates for!
LOOKING FORWARD TO LITERATURE
With an exciting line-up of literature events in 2016, it’s safe to say that we’re in for some invigorating intellectual sessions! Just so you don’t miss out, we’ve got a list of events that you should already be marking on your calendar. Don’t forget to look out for the Tata LitLive and the Times Literary Carnival too — the dates for those aren’t out yet.
The 9th Zee Jaipur Literature Festival
Witness 165 world-class Indian and international authors and poets, such as Margaret Atwood of The Heart Goes Last, come together to offer a celebration of literature. The festival aims to explore issues such as migration, navigating change and privacy. In attendance will be Steve McCurry, a popular photographer, Sudhir Kakar, a psychoanalyst and author, and Lucy Hawking, a journalist and novelist. The festival will also focus on the rich heritage of Rajasthan, as it brings you the Kaavd traditions of illustrated storytelling and performance. And, the Jaipur Bookmark will make a comeback in order to connect authors and the publishing industry to business networking opportunities. Registrations are open.
When January 21 to 25
Where Diggi Palace Hotel, Jaipur
Lekhana
Lekhana will bring together an array of authors and writers from the city of Bangalore, where they can share their love for literature and language. The event will host a number of discussions, interactions, conversations and readings. Their theme this year is The Sound of Silence. It will feature interesting readings from established writers who returned their Sahitya Akademi awards. Moreover, Lekhana will also conduct an open forum on peaceful modes of protest and dissent, and the efficacy of organisations such as PEN.
When January 8 to 10, from 10am onwards
Where IIHS Bangalore City Campus, Bangalore
Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival
With the seventh edition of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, literature enthusiasts are in for a treat this year! You will witness several book launches by authors such as Ben Okri, Vir Sanghvi and Meera Syal. The festival will also host young writers such as Anuja Chauhan and Durjoy Dutta and will have a panel of crime writers, in addition to a session on current affairs.
When January 14 to 17
Where At specific heritage sites in Kolkata and the Oxford Bookstore Kolkata
Pune International Literary Festival (PILF)
Head to the Pune International Literary Festival to engage in and explore English literature. This three-day event was the first to bring English literature to the city of Pune and has a socially conscious theme every year. After themes such as Environment Protection Through Animal Welfare and Global Image of India, the festival will celebrate children’s rights this year. The event will be witness to an array of popular and prominent writers and publishers. In addition, it will also offer interactive sessions to exchange knowledge about English literature.
When September 2 to 4
Where Yashwantrao Chavan Academy for Development Administration, Raj Bhavan Complex, Pune
MUSIC FESTIVALS
There really is no season for music. While there’s something happening almost every two weeks, we’ve picked our favourites for the beginning of the year.
The Lost Party
The Lost Party ended last year with a camping festival in Lavasa, and will make a return in 2016. Last year’s acts included Trilok Gurtu, Claptone, Twilight Players and Yolanda Be Cool. Official dates have not been announced for the second outing, but we have a reason to believe that a brand new and equally gorgeous venue is being lined up for this year. Much like its predecessor, Lavasa, the new home will not lack visual brilliance.
When To be decided
Where To be decided
Goa Sunplash
Goa Sunplash is going to be India’s first celebration of reggae sound system culture. This day-long event is being curated by Reggae Rajahs and will be hosted against the sun-soaked cliffs of North Goa, which is the perfect backdrop for the event. It features a number of exciting international names as well as some carefully picked homegrown acts. The entire festival is powered by a hand crafted custom-built sound system that has been made locally, specifically for this day. As one of the most enduring musical traditions in history, the reggae sound system that originated in Jamaica has gained popularity in India, and Goa Sunplash plans to highlight it.
When January 16
Where North Goa
Major Lazer
Replying to a tweet by a fan, Major Lazer and Jack U frontman Diplo revealed that India may finally be able to witness his presence early this year. In May 2015, Diplo hinted that he could come to India in January 2016, and though it looked like a bleak probability at first, it now seems much more likely
to happen!
When To be decided
Where To be decided
Nariyal Paani
Before Nariyal Paani made its debut in 2015, good music festivals were almost non-existent. But, with Nariyal Paani’s second edition, you won’t have to make extensive travel plans to get your music fix. This time, it’s a two-day event and the festival site is in a secluded location by the sea in Alibaug (a short boat ride away from Mumbai) that will offer you a unique experience. Nariyal Paani will also have its own campsite. The line-up has been curated to allow artists to perform original music and it’s the perfect weekend getaway! Tickets range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 and are available on www.insider.in.
When January 23 and 24
Where Alibaug
Mahindra Blues
Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated music events in Mumbai, Mahindra Blues will be back sometime in February this year. The 6th edition of the music festival seems promising already! In 2015, we witnessed performances by music stalwarts such as Buddy Guy, Nikki Hill, Blackstratblues and Quinn Sullivan among many others. We are hoping that this year will be as exciting as its previous editions and we’ve even heard that Joss Stone may be performing! The line-up will be out soon, so get ready to witness two nights of fantastic music.
When Tentatively scheduled around February 13 and 14
Where Mehboob Studios, Bandra
Hardcore Goa
The city of Susegad will be woken up to the crazy sounds and sights of hardcore music early this year. The exciting line-up includes Angerfist, Miss K8, Radical Redemption and Theo Gobensen, along with several Indian DJs performing across two stages. With whacky art installations, beer showers, mud fights/ fist fights, zip lining, pool parties and merchandise stalls, the night holds many promises at Goa’s ultimate party destination. Get your tickets on www.insider.in or on www.hardcoreinvasion.in.
When January 9, from 7pm onwards
Where Morjim Beach, Goa
NEWLY LAUNCHED SPACES
Does a week ever go by in Mumbai without a new restaurant or store opening? Most new establishments are being quite secretive about their launch plans, but here are a few that we managed to confirm will be opening soon.
Juno’s Pizza in Mulund
Juno’s is already wowing the residents of Lower Parel and Kemps Corner, and the pizzeria is all set to open its doors to a new area this year. The menu will comprise of thin crust pizzas and promises to deliver the same quality that they have been since 1974!
When Early March Where Mulund
Vitruvien’s first ever pop-up store
If you would rather wear a customised shirt, check out bespoke clothing website, Vitruvien’s first ever pop-up store. You can touch and compare the fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about ordering the wrong clothes.
When Early January to February
Where Nariman Point
North Indian fare at Jal
If you’ve tried and tested the fare at most restaurants that serve North Indian food in Mumbai, and are tired of eating the same old Mughlai dishes, we suggest dropping by Jal at Z Luxury Residencies. Replacing Oakroom at Juhu, the restaurant promises to offer a host of dishes from different North Indian states and cities. Make sure you bookmark this restaurant for a culinary experience of a lifetime.
When Early January
Where Z Luxury Residencies, Juhu
GETAWAYS WE’RE WAITING FOR
Our stressful Mumbai lives have made experiential weekend getaways quite popular. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a complete holiday experience, here are a few activities worth checking out.
Sula Fest ’16
Sula Fest will be back this year, again at Nashik with a great line-up. Scheduled for February 6 and 7, the Sula Fest in 2016 will treat you to a mix of music, wine, food, fashion, shopping and more at the gorgeous Sula Vineyards’ Greek-style, open-air amphitheater.
When February 6 and 7, from 12.30pm onwards
Where Sula Vineyards,
Contact www.sulafest.net
A trip to Andaman Island
Andaman Island is known for its natural diversity and is a haven for nature lovers with a variety of wildlife to see. The BNHS is organising a trip to the island this January. Catch endemic species including the Andaman teal, Andaman serpent eagle, Andaman crake and Andaman coucal. Among the more rare birds are the Blue-eared kingfisher, the Collared kingfisher, the Pied Imperial Pigeon and the Black Baza. On the trip, you’ll also interact with marine biologists on their research and conservation efforts. BNHS field researchers will guide you on underwater photography techniques in the shallow water pools on the shore.
When January 28 to February 4
Where Andaman Island
Contact Hornbill House — 22871202/ 22821811, or email [email protected]
Marine camp at Lakshadweep
In February, the BNHS is organising a trip to Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, and you can get up close and personal with marine life on the trip, which includes training in snorkeling. You will sway with the fish, shrimps and crabs as you wander around the corals of waist-deep lagoons. The trip costs Rs 41,900 for members and Rs 43,400 for non-members.
When February 19 to 25 and February 23 to 29
Where Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep
Contact Hornbill House — 22871202/22821811, or email [email protected]
Rappelling and camping at Sandhan Valley
Get set for some adventure activities as Letscampout is organising a trek to Sandhan Valley, a 200-foot-deep valley carved by the natural flow of water. The valley is located near the beautiful Bhandardara region close to a village called Samrad, which is surrounded by the Alang, Madan and Kulang mountains. Camp out amidst nature and go rappelling at Sandhan Valley in this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
When Over any weekend; minimum 10 people required
Where Sandhan Valley, near Bhandardara
Contact 9819813493, [email protected]
Ride to Leh-Ladakh
If you’re the adventurous kind, and we’re talking extremely adventurous, get your adrenaline pumping with a ride to Leh or Ladakh. Of course, you need to have quite a bit of experience riding a bike. There are a host of websites that offer group trips, which range from seven to 14-day adventures. You’ll get a chance to explore the hillside scenes and ride where no road goes.
Contact www.lehladakhindia.com, www.royalmototouring.com, www.enfieldriders.com, www.rideofmylife.in
India Bike Week
This February, India Bike Week (IBW) will be back in Goa for its fourth edition, and you can expect an array of new events to be added to the mix. A key addition to the event is Main Street, India’s Rio Carnival for bikers, which is a runway for biker clubs, solo riders, and just about everybody at IBW to parade their bikes around at. But, there’s also an artistic angle to the event with a film festival and a curated display of art. In addition, the India Bike Week brings back many of your all time favourites including bike build-offs and international bike expos. Tickets are available on ww.BookMyShow.com.
When February 19 and 20
Where Vagator, Goa
MOVIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Where do we even begin? There’s a lot happening on the silver screen this year, and if you’re a comic book fan, you better get ready to break open the piggy bank! Here are a few movies to look forward to in 2016
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Perhaps one of the most anticipated films, the promotions for this began as far back as 2014. Henry Cavil reprises his role as
Clark Kent/ Superman, while Ben Afleck steps into Christian Bale’s shoes as Bruce Wayne/ Batman. Also featuring Wonder Woman, Aquaman and one of the greatest villains ever created, Lex Luthor, the film will release sometime around March or April.
X-Men: Apocalypse
There’s science fiction, mythology, drama and a whole lot of action. Directed by Brian Singer, the film plays on the story of the four horsemen from the Bible and connects it to the world of mutants —all of which can be glimpsed in a trailer that will send chills down your spine. Expect to see this sometime around May or June.
Bourne 5
There’s something about the Bourne films that makes us keep going back for more. Bourne 5 marks the return of director Paul Greengrass, who directed the first three Bourne films and sees Matt Damon reprise his role as Jason Bourne. This film should release in India around the monsoon.
The Big Short
Already out in the US, you can hope to catch this soon. The film has received praise for making the often convoluted world of banking, money and Wall Street interesting. Featuring a star cast of Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Brad Pitt, the film is about the financial crises of 2007-2010 and is adapted from the book of the same name by Michael Lewis.
Story of your Life
This film hasn’t been given enough attention, but director Denis Villeneuve, who has previously directed tense, but brilliant films such as Incedies and this year’s Sicario, is reason enough to be excited about this one. Based on a Ted Chiang science-fiction short story of the same name, the film brings you the tale of humanity’s first contact with a superior, extra-terrestrial species. Starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, it’s due to release by end of the year.