Mumbai’s famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival goes virtual this weekend

Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Every year, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) draws a footfall of over half a million visitors, setting the heritage precinct abuzz. This year would have been no different, had the pandemic not surfaced. But like how COVID-19 compelled us all to adapt to the new normal, KGAF did so, too. And starting this weekend, they are set to present a nine-day multi-cultural fest online.

Brinda Miller

"The virtual format has allowed us to have more international presence at a fraction of the cost. We have a lot of consulate participation. We have also given more importance to workshops and demonstrations and kept performances to a minimum," says Brinda Miller, honorary chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association. She also adds there's a 50-50 distribution of live and pre-recorded events, and even if they are pre-recorded, they are exclusive to KGAF, so attendees will indeed have a one-of-a-kind experience. Here are The Guide's top picks.

On: February 6 to 14
Log on to: kalaghodaassociation.com (for full schedule and registration)

Buy local
Apart from the cultural extravaganza, KGAF was made memorable by the slew of stalls it housed. Now, that experience, too, will be offered virtually as part of ‘KGAF Marketplace' hosted on their website that will offer products by artisans from across India. "We have about 60 e-stalls and the sale proceeds will go directly to the artisans. It will continue to be up for the rest of February," Miller said.

Worth a deco

While we may not be short of selfies at Marine Drive, many of us don't know much about what's on the opposite end of the sea - the impressive Art-Deco buildings. To learn more, attend a virtual tour by conservation architect Angela Fernandes, organised by Art Deco Mumbai Trust.
On: February 7
Time: 3 pm to 4 pm

Night at the museum

This is an event that seems straight out of a movie. Children up to 16 years of age, accompanied by a parent, have an opportunity to visit the grand lawns of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and observe the night sky through a telescope. The initiative, organised in collaboration with Nehru Science Centre, is the only physical addition to KGAF this year. Along with social distancing and sanitisation norms in place, registrations are capped at 60 attendees per day.
On: February 8 to 13
Time: 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Email: education@csmvs.in (to register)

What's cooking?

If you've followed her work on Instagram, you'd know that actress turned food chronicler Tara Deshpande has a knack for simplifying the complicated when it comes to the kitchen. But there's a twist to this KGAF session, for, as Deshpande helms a culinary workshop, foodie and funny man Kunal Vijayakar will look on the process.

Expect gags throughout this session.
On: February 12
Time: 11 am to 12 pm

Just dance

Let loose with a rhythmic flamenco workshop that is sure to raise your spirits. It will be conducted by French instructor Laura Kenyon, who has taught the dance form for a decade. The session is for beginners and all you really need is a fan.
On: February 11
Time: 4 pm to 5 pm

Green room

In a discussion moderated by radio host Rohini Ramnathan, actor and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza will converse with nine-year-old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam on the urgency of climate action.

On: February 6
Time: 6 pm

Humour me

Whether you're single or taken this Valentine's Day, trust comedians Vir Das and Rohan Joshi to entertain you. Both will be posed with 22 questions about comedy in this session. And as Miller said, "Comedy is what people want right now. They want to be happy." Right on.

On: February 14
Time: 7 pm to 8 pm