Two days in New Delhi

Half your battle is won if you get the right material to complete a handicraft project. We made this “quiet book” from fabric and felt material.  (mostly hand stitched) 

Had been to Delhi recently and went scouting for some good fabric. We were advised to go to the Paharaganj market or the Connaught Place for fabrics. Finally we got some good stuff from Shanker market. 

It is one of the oldest local markets in Central Delhi and was set up a few years before Indian Independence.

While walking down the street, this sign caught my eye. A real good idea to attract customers. 

This guy sitting outside his shop was busy with his alteration work. 

Some shops had some good display along with their products. Proper lighting is the key factor here. 

At Connaught Place we went into this shop by the name of Wenger’s.  Later on I realised that it is the oldest Bakery in New Delhi (started  way back in 1933) 

Their displays were really tempting especially the pastries and the cakes. 

But what I liked best was their shemi kebab and the chicken patty. 

One thing that I observed at Wenger’s is the efficiency of the people behind the counter. By the time you pay your bill and get to the next counter, your stuff is packed and ready. 

Wenger’s is located right opposite Rajiv Chowk. The Chowk which has a huge flag in the middle. Don’t go by the picture below. You can see its actual size in the first video.

Rajiv chowk also has a huge metro station below the garden (by the same name) Talking of metro trains, I think the Delhi metro is the best thing that has happened to Delhi. The ticket rates are affordable and people use it extensively. Considering the lateral spread of Delhi, this is the best mode of transport. 
I heard that the rates of the second metro line (the Airport Metro) were further slashed by 50% 

This was a picture that I clicked at the starting point at Dwarka. After a few stations it was so jam packed that there was no way I could click again. 

  

While driving around New Delhi, I was impressed by the green on both sides.  I wonder if it is like this all over Delhi. (maybe Delhites can comment on this)

In the evening we had been to the newly opened Vivanta by Taj. (the one at Dwarka) The food was good (as expected from a five star hotel) but what I liked better was the music by Mario - the multi-lingual singer.  
It is always interesting to have live music (see second video) than piped music when you are eating out.

A special mention should be made about the ambiance especially the write up and the paintings of Kabir.

Kabir was a weaver, a simple and unlettered man, who earned his living at the loom. 

I remember learning a few of his “dohe” (verse) during my school days. Like the write up says, each doha is an aphorism in itself, a perspective that rings true, at times seemingly obscure yet profound. 

Ahead of his times, he moved about with his disciples, continuing in exile, the life of an apostle of love. . . . . . . . something very much required in the present strife torn world.

Pune Art Hop

Wildlife photography is something many are passionate about, but to explain it in simple terms and how to go about it is what Ishmeet Sahni is good at.

I was observing him and listening to him and most of the things that he said made sense.

One from the audience asked him about workshops to which he replied “Its better that you start off on your own than going for workshops. Focal length, aperture, ISO, one third rule. . . . . all this is going to get you bored even before you start photography.”

One advice that he gave for bird photographers “never stand up when you are shooting a bird. They will simply fly away. A big bus can pass very close to the bird and it will stay put, but a human being stands up and it flies away” 

Some of his work were on display.

You can see more of his work at his Flickr site (click here)

Ishmeet was one of the artists who took part in the Art Hop held by Pune Mirror in Koregaon Park last Sunday.

I tried to cover as much as possible of these 14 locations.

For example when I located and reached the venue for drum circle it was all over and this is what I got:

Personalised cakes by Mohena Ahluwalia. 

Something else that took place at the Art Sphere was the belly dance performance.

Then there was a solo play by Hina titled “Mujhse Shadi Karoge?” (Will you marry me?)

This trio (below) gave a swell performance. While the two girls enacted their part, the boy did a good job on the keyboard. There was a good rapport between them. They were good enough to pose for me (sorry I did not get their names)

There were dances in various forms:

This guy had some photographs from the daily life of Delhi for sale.

Selfies are the order of the day

Young artists tried their hand at painting

While other got themselves painted

Craftwork with rolled papers by Nupur.

Digital art work by Filomina.

There were many paintings and art work on display (and for sale)

This one below was made from audio tape reels by Pooja Kamble. 

There are many more photographs that I am not putting up here.

I think Pune Mirror did a good job in arranging the whole event which included transport from point to point.

I have compiled all the artists and their presentation into a 16 min video (when I say all, I mean what I could possibly cover on that day)

Those who want to see the complete Odissi recital can click here

And for those who want to see the Salsa, click here

Enjoy the video J