When life is an adventure

The location is around a five-hour drive from Mumbai

We had written in these pages last week about how the audience base in India cuts extreme sports, and the alternative arts in general, a raw deal. The argument had been that unless the general public gives extreme sports the sort of attention it deserves, brands and the government will continue meting out step-brotherly treatment to those who practise it. Well, a festival this weekend will now give citizens a chance to step up and show some encouragement. It's called Swadesi Mela, and involves a host of adventure sports including rappelling, zip-lining and high-lining, among other activities.

Aklesh Sutar aka MC Mawali

The event will take place at the picturesque Sandhan Valley, which is a roughly five-hour drive from Mumbai. It is a place with a narrow gorge that has a water body running through it, which makes it an ideal location for the events on the itinerary. Apart from the adventure sports already mentioned, it will include workshops on slack-lining, juggling, poi, capoeira and poetry. The members of Swadesi, one of the city's foremost hip-hop groups who also conduct treks in the Sahyadris on a regular basis, are the ones organising it.

Aklesh Sutar aka MC Mawali, a rapper from the crew, tells us that they started the event last year to offer Mumbaikars with a sedentary lifestyle the chance to exercise their muscles in the middle of nature. "Many people simply sit on a chair the whole day and stare into a screen. We wanted to give them a different experience, where they can realise all the different things that they can do with their arms and legs, even if it is simply climbing a tree," he says, indicating how attending this festival won't just be about showing encouragement for extreme sports in India. It's mainly about working up a sweat for your own benefit.

On: January 5, 6 and 7, 4 am
Starting point: Andheri train station (exact spot to be revealed on buying a pass)
Cal:l 9819701781
Cost: Rs 4,999 (all inclusive)