As the holiday season approaches, it's time to embrace the joy of decorating, gifting and spending quality time with loved ones. Hosting a Christmas gathering is a wonderful way to celebrate, but making it truly unforgettable requires a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning. From mouthwatering treats and cozy décor to fun and unique entertainment ideas, there are countless ways to sprinkle a little extra magic on your festive get-together. Here are five simple yet impactful ideas that will elevate your Christmas celebration and have your guests talking about it long after the season ends. Delight guests with homemade festive treatsThe irresistible aroma of freshly baked holiday treats is a key part of the Christmas experience, but the post-celebration cleanup doesn’t have to be. While there are many different kinds of dishwashers, Bosch says their dishwashers make it easy, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities. With the home connect technology, you can remotely monitor and control your dishwasher through your smartphone, adapting effortlessly to your busy schedule. Engineered for exceptional cleaning and sustainability, it uses 80 per cent less water than handwashing, making them an eco-friendly choice. Plus, they are said to remove up to 99.99 per cent of viruses and bacteria, ensuring a hygienic and stress-free holiday cooking experience. Create a cosy and festive ambianceSetting the right mood can transform your home into a Christmas wonderland. Start with warm lighting—think fairy lights, LED candles, or a roaring fireplace if you have one. Complement this with seasonal greenery like wreaths, pinecones, and garlands for a rustic touch. Personalise your decor with thoughtful details: handwritten notes, custom place settings, or a photo ornament for each guest. These little touches not only make your space feel inviting but also show your guests that you’ve gone the extra mile to make them feel cherished. Host a fun gift exchange gameBring an element of surprise and joy to your gathering with a lively gift exchange game. Secret Santa is a classic option, but you can mix things up with a quirky twist like a themed exchange—cosy gifts, handmade items, or even regifted treasures. Alternatively, try the White Elephant game, where guests can “steal” gifts for added hilarity. These activities break the ice, foster laughter, and create a shared sense of holiday fun. Plus, they’re a great way to make memories and keep everyone entertained. Organise your space for easy flowHosting a successful gathering starts with creating a layout that makes it easy for guests to mingle and move around. Arrange your furniture to create clear pathways, set up distinct areas for food and drinks, and add a small, clutter-free spot for bags. This ensures your space feels open and welcoming while reducing crowding in key areas like the dining table. Set up a DIY photo boothAdd a fun and interactive element to your gathering with a festive photo booth. Use a simple backdrop decorated with fairy lights, Christmas ornaments, or seasonal garlands. Provide props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or quirky signs for guests to pose with. Set up a smartphone stand or an instant camera so guests can take their pictures or print them as keepsakes. It’s a creative way to capture the spirit of the season and give everyone a little memento to take home.
23 December,2024 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPunjabi singer-songwriter Karan Aujla's ‘It Was All a Dream’ Tour continued its electrifying run in Mumbai with another unforgettable show on December 22 at MMRDA. Presented by Team Innovation and supported by Live Nation, the houseful concert featured a surprise collaboration that sent shockwaves through the audience: a powerhouse cameo by Punjabi singer-songwriter AP Dhillon and renowned rapper DIVINE. Following the already sensational appearance of Vicky Kaushal, Quick Style and Parineeti Chopra earlier in the tour, DIVINE's unexpected collaboration added a layer of excitement to Aujla’s already captivating performance that saw over 20,000 fans. The two artists delivered a high-energy performance, blending their unique styles to create a truly cultural moment on legendary hits ‘Baazigar’ and ‘100 Million’. An explosive and unexpected surprise of the evening, reflecting a spirit of community and collaboration was a cameo performance by AP Dhillon who has just wrapped up his three-city India tour. The duo smashed it out of the park with high voltage performance on 'Brown Munde' as the crowd engaged in a singalong The concert reinforced the tour's reputation for delivering memorable world class experiences, showcasing Aujla's ability to bring together diverse artists and captivate massive crowds. Karan Aujla states, “Mumbai delivered once again! Great vibes, great crowd and a big shoutout to my brothers DIVINE and AP Dhillon for bringing the house down. This is the power of dreams and music!" Mohit Bijlani, co-Founder, Team Innovation states, "We believe in the power of teamwork, and the 'It Was All A Dream' tour is a testament to that belief. These unexpected collaborations are what make each show a truly unforgettable experience and stand as a symbol of the demand of Indian music." The 8-city ‘It Was All A Dream’ India Tour is a celebration of Karan Aujla's journey from being a small-town artist to now, an international superstar. The title inspired by his rise to fame, reflects the dreams he's had and how he's turned them into reality. This tour marks a significant step in his global mission to bring modern Punjabi music to a wider audience, having already broken ticket sales records in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.
23 December,2024 03:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe state government is pulling out all stops to make Mahakumbh 2025, a comfortable and memorable experience. In the latest drive to ensure cleanliness and hygiene at the fair ground, the Health Department has introduced special arrangements for providing mosquito and fly-free experience throughout the event. An innovative system has been introduced, deploying automatic mist blower machines, capable of eradicating mosquitoes and flies, within 30 minutes of receiving a call from any part of the Mahakumbh area. This system will ensure a swift response and a hygienic environment for all the devotees. Significant efforts have also been taken to maintain clean and insect-free atmosphere in the akharas and the expansive tent city. A total of 110 state-of-the-art blower mist machines and 107 mini-fogging machines are being deployed across the site. These modern devices are expected to enhance the overall environment at the camps and ensure a serene and healthy environment throughout the grand religious gathering. According to Dr V.P. Singh, Nodal Joint Director (Vector Control) for Mahakumbh, insecticide spraying will be carried out across the venue to ensure a hygienic environment. To further enhance convenience for devotees, 62 pulse fogging machines have been procured. In addition, 78 special officers will be deployed to ensure the safety and well-being of saints and pilgrims during the event. Malaria inspectors will be stationed throughout the fairgrounds to address any concerns of the attendees. These inspectors will visit each akhara, interact with saints, and promptly resolve issues related to mosquitoes and flies, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for all. To ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims, 45 malaria inspectors are planned for deployment, along with 28 assistant malaria inspectors who will look after the well-being of both saints and devotees. Additionally, five District Malaria Officers (DMOs) will be stationed separately to address any challenges and maintain uninterrupted services during the grand event. Also Read: Cultural village 'Kalagram' to showcase India's heritage at Mahakumbh 2025 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 10:23 PM IST | Prayagraj | IANSThe MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai exploded with energy on December 21 as Punjabi music icon Karan Aujla's ‘It Was All a Dream’ tour delivered an unforgettable night for over 18,000 ecstatic fans. Presented by Team Innovation and supported by Live Nation, the concert showcased not only Aujla's undeniable talent but also the incredible synergy between artists when Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal made a surprise appearance. From the moment Aujla took the stage, the audience was captivated. His performance of hits like ‘Softly’ ’52 Bars’, ‘Winning Speech’, ‘Take It Easy’ was met with thunderous applause, singing along to every lyric, and an electric atmosphere of pure excitement. His set also included evergreen hits such as ‘Gulabi Aankhen’, ‘Oh Oh Jaane Jana’ and ‘Kala Chasma’ When Kaushal joined him for a performance of their superhit song ‘Tauba Tauba’, the crowd erupted, creating a truly unforgettable moment. Both artists seemed completely in their element, feeding off the incredible energy of the crowd, and the collaboration truly showcased how Punjabi music has arrived. A truly heartwarming moment was when Aujla got emotional as Kaushal praised him for his sustained success and referenced his parents watching from the heavens and beaming with pride for his success. Kaushal said on stage ‘You aren’t Geeta Di Machine, you are Geeta Di Industry. The journey that this man has had he truly deserves to shine like a star that he is today and I’m so proud of him and I know there is one only Karan. Mumbai loves you. Punjab loves you and India loves you and everyone across the globe loves you. I’m so grateful we had the biggest hit of the year together and Karan debuted in Bollywood with me. I’m a big fan of him as a singer and a songwriter.” Joining Aujla once again on tour, Norwegian dance group Quick Style added a visual finesse to the Mumbai leg of the tour. Parineeti made a quick appearance referring to Aujla as her brother as they performed on ‘Phela Lalkare’ from Chamkeela Karan Aujla states, “Mumbai you were crazy and it was another incredible milestone on the ‘It Was All A Dream’ tour. To see so many people singing along, celebrating this journey with me, is humbling and inspiring. I’m blessed for all the fan love. Bringing my brother Vicky, Quick Style and Parineeti on stage was a dream come true. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and community." Siddhesh Kudtarkar, co-founder, Team Innovation states, "Karan Aujla's 'It Was All A Dream' tour is shaping up to be a defining moment in the Indian music landscape. The scale of the shows, the energy of the crowds, and the unexpected collaborations are all contributing to its extraordinary success. It's a tour that's making waves." The 8-city ‘It Was All A Dream’ India Tour is a celebration of Karan Aujla's journey from being a small-town artist to now, an international superstar. The title, inspired by his rise to fame, reflects the dreams he's had and how he's turned them into reality. This tour marks a significant step in his global mission to bring modern Punjabi music to a wider audience, having already broken ticket sales records in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.
22 December,2024 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter Diljit Dosanjh performing earlier this week in the city, another Punjabi music sensation Karan Aujla is performing in Mumbai as a part of his 'It Was All A Dream' India tour. While the tour started on December 7 in Chandigarh, it is set to conclude in Mumbai tomorrow. Aujla is being joined by long-time collaborator and Toronto-based producer Ikky in all four cities. Fans can expect a dynamic and electrifying performance, filled with surefire crowd pleasers such as ‘Admiring You’, 'Tauba Tauba' and ‘Softly’ among others. Here's all you need to know about the performance in Mumbai Concert date and timeThe Punjabi sensation will perform in Mumbai on December 21 and December 22 for fans in Mumbai and those who were not able to make it to performances in other cities. The concert is all set to start at 6:30 pm, so you can plan your travel accordingly. If you miss it on the first day, you can always witness it on December 22. TicketsThe tickets for the concert are yet live and fans can access them on BookMyShow in five different categories. December 21 GA Phase 4: Rs 5,999 VIP Phase 6: Rs 9,999 Fan Pit: Phase 4: Rs 14,999Team Innovation Lounge: Rs 24,999VVIP - (8 persons): Rs 2,50,000 December 22 GA Phase 2: Rs 3,999VIP Phase 2: Rs 5,999Fan Pit Phase 2: Rs 9,999 LocationAujla is all set to perform at the MMRDA R2 Grounds in Bandra Kurla Complex in Bandra East. While most people will come by bikes and cars, using public transport is the best option. Most people can either get down at Bandra East station and take a sharing rickshaw that is anywhere between Rs 30 - Rs 40.
21 December,2024 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA devotee who has accidently dropped his iPhone into the hundial of a temple here is in a peculiar situation. He wants it back, but the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department politely declined his request, saying it has now become temple property.Immediately after realising his mistake, the devotee later identified as Dinesh, approached the officials of the Sri Kandaswamy temple, Thiruporur, and pleaded that his iPhone which inadvertently fell into the offering box when he was making a donation be returned to him.On Friday, after opening the offering box, the temple administration contacted him saying the gadget was found in the hundial and he was free to retrieve only the data from it. However, Dinesh refused to accept and insisted that his phone be returned to him.When this issue was taken to the notice of the HR & CE Minister P K Sekar Babu on Saturday he replied 'anything that is deposited into the offering box, even if it be an arbitrary action, goes into god's account.'As per the practises and tradition at the temples, any offerings made into the hundial directly goes into the account of the deity of that temple. Rules do not permit the administration to return the offerings back to the devotees, Babu told reporters here.He would discuss with the department officials to see if there was any possibility to compensate the devotee and accordingly make a decision, the Minister said after inspecting the construction of the Arulmigu Mariamman temple in Madhavaram, here, and the renovation of temple tank belonging to the Arulmigu Kailasanathar temple in Venugopal Nagar, here at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore.This incident is not the first such one in the state. According to a senior HR & CE official a devotee S Sangeetha from Alappuzha in Kerala unwittingly dropped her 1.75 sovereign gold chain into the hundial of the renowned Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple in Palani in May 2023.The gold chain fell into the hundial when she removed the Tulasi garland around her neck to make an offering. However, considering her financial background and after confirming through CCTV footages that the chain had fallen by accident, the chairman of the temple board of trustees bought a new gold chain of same value at his personal expense and gave it to her.The official explained that as per the Installation, Safeguarding and Accounting of Hundial Rules, 1975, none of the offerings made into the hundials can be returned to the owner at any point, as they belonged to the temple. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 December,2024 05:16 PM IST | Chennai | PTISome people with artificial hearts can regenerate heart muscle, according to a study, an advance that may open the door to new ways to treat and someday may also cure heart failure. There is currently no cure for heart failure. The treatment for advanced heart failure includes a transplant, and a pump replacement via an artificial heart. Known as the left ventricular assist device, this can help the heart pump blood. Researchers from the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine in the US said that “skeletal muscle has a significant ability to regenerate after injury”. The team began the study with tissue from artificial heart patients. They included researchers from Sweden and Germany and used their own innovative method of carbon dating human heart tissue to track whether these samples contained newly generated cells. The results, published in the journal Circulation, showed that people with these artificial hearts could regenerate muscle cells at more than six times the rate of healthy hearts. “This is the strongest evidence we have, so far, that human heart muscle cells can actually regenerate, which really is exciting, because it solidifies the notion that there is an intrinsic capacity of the human heart to regenerate,” said Hesham Sadek, director of the Tucson’s Sarver Heart Center at the varsity. The researcher explained that some artificial heart patients can remove their devices because of the reversal of symptoms. This can happen if the artificial heart provides cardiac muscles the equivalent of bed rest in a person recovering from a soccer injury. The findings suggest it "may be possible to target the molecular pathways involved in cell division to enhance the heart’s ability to regenerate,” Sadek said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 December,2024 01:41 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMumbai witnessed an unforgettable spectacle as Diljit Dosanjh set the stage ablaze at the Mahalakshmi Racecourse, delivering a performance that was nothing short of legendary. The city of dreams pulsed with electrifying energy as fans were swept into the magic of the Dil-Luminati India Tour, produced by Saregama Live and Ripple Effect Studio. Following record-breaking, sold-out shows across Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Chandigarh, and Indore, Mumbai added yet another extraordinary chapter to this iconic journey. The night became a dazzling convergence of music, culture, and community, uniting thousands of fans in a shared celebration of Indian pride and artistry. The audience erupted with energy, singing every word as Diljit delivered powerhouse performances of his greatest hits, including G.O.A.T., Naina, and Born to Shine. The atmosphere was electric, with emotions running high as the event beautifully reinforced the tour’s mission: to foster connection, belonging, and unity through the universal language of music. Siddhartha Anand Kumar, senior vice president, films and live events said, “Diljit is an emotion. Collaborating with him over the past three years for his shows across the US, Canada, the UK, and India has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s not just a global icon but a torchbearer of Indian music, setting the stage for future generations of artists. Bringing this iconic tour to Mumbai, the city of dreams, is a proud and inspiring milestone for all of us.” Sonali, CEO Ripple Effect Studio said, “The energy in Mumbai is unparalleled, and the love from fans here is nothing short of magical. As the city of dreams welcomes Diljit, we’re not just witnessing a concert—we’re witnessing history in the making. This is where music, passion, and dreams come together, and it’s only the beginning of what’s to come As Mumbai basks in the afterglow of this incredible evening, all eyes now turn to Guwahati on December 29, where the Dil-Luminati Tour will conclude with an epic finale, promising another night of musical magic that fans won’t soon forget. The Dil-Luminati Tour is not just a series of concerts—it’s a cultural movement celebrating the transformative power of music to break barriers, bring people together, and create unforgettable memories. Redefining the benchmarks for live entertainment in India, it continues to inspire audiences across the nation and on the global stage.
20 December,2024 07:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSulaFest 2025 has unveiled its full artist line-up that includes some of India's most popular singers and musicians including Divine among others who will take the stage during the two-day festival. After a five-year hiatus, the popular vineyard music festival is making a grand comeback with a spectacular two-day celebration on February 1 and 2 in 2025, at the breathtaking property in Nashik. Renowned for its fusion of world music, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional wines, SulaFest 2025 promises an extraordinary revival, blending music, culture, and the enchantment of vineyards beneath the open skies. Promising an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. Divine, the voice behind Gully Boy iconic rap anthems, is set to deliver a commanding performance. Ritviz x Karan Kanchan’s specially curated set for SulaFest2025 is sure to captivate, while Oaff and Savera, known for the soulful Doobey from Gehraiyaan, will bring their experimental energy. Adding to the mix are When Chai Met Toast, Dualist Inquiry, and Madboy/Mink, making this dynamic musical journey unforgettable, all set against the stunning backdrop of Sula’s open-air amphitheatre. Rajeev Samant, founder & CEO of Sula Vineyards, said, "As we gear up for the much-anticipated return of SulaFest, I couldn’t be more excited to see this incredible celebration come to life again. SulaFest is more than just a festival; it’s a true celebration of music, wine, and togetherness. We’re delighted to welcome everyone back to Nashik for a weekend filled with unforgettable experiences. Having such amazing artists on board this year makes it even more special, and we can’t wait to see the joy and connection it will bring to our community. Watching SulaFest grow into a platform that showcases the best of our wines, music, and shared experiences is immensely fulfilling.” Adding to the excitement, the festival introduces wine cocktails and Sula in cans for the very first time, offering a fresh and convenient way to enjoy India’s finest wines. Paired with a vibrant world music lineup, the festival promises culinary and beverage experiences. Festival passes start at Rs 2,999 and food and drink coupons will be available at the venue. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow.
20 December,2024 07:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter two sold out concerts in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where Arijit Singh mesmerised over 30,000 fans, he is all set to take this highly-anticipated India tour to Delhi and Mumbai. Fans can now get their tickets exclusively on District by Zomato. Presented by HSBC & Tuborg Zero packaged drinking water, associate sponsors Zappfresh and Stock Gro, curated and promoted by District by Zomato and Feverlive, along with production partner, Hyperlink Brand Solutions, this tour aims to redefine live concert experiences. The melodious voice behind 'Tum Hi Ho', 'Kesariya', 'O Sajni Re' and many more of listeners' favourite hits will enchant audiences through all of his chartbusters and an exclusive setlist spanning a mix of genres. Fans will get to groove to some of Arijit’s most iconic and beloved songs reimagined with fresh arrangements. Additionally, expect visually stunning choreography beyond typical Bollywood moves, international musicians and backing vocals that will add a global flavour to the concert. With his growing popularity of the years, music loverss can listen to Arijit’s voice at the concert in 2025. An exclusive presale is now live for HSBC cardholders. General ticket sale starts on December 22 at 1 pm. With prices ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 80,000 across various categories, there is something for every die-hard Arijit fan - book your tickets today only on District by Zomato! Tour dates Delhi - February 2, 2025Mumbai - March 23, 2025
20 December,2024 04:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Jaipur Literature Festival, returns for its 18th edition from January 30 to February 3 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. India’s curation company and festival producer Teamwork Arts revealed the first list of sessions for the 2025 programme, which will, once again, reinforce the transformative power of books and ideas. With an ever-evolving legacy, the festival is a crucial platform of local and global voices. The upcoming edition promises to foster dialogue, bridge divides, and spotlight diverse perspectives with a carefully curated lineup. With over 300 eminent speakers, this year's Festival will feature debate, discourse and stories. Among sessions that have been announced include: Poor Economics for the YoungIn their intriguing book, Poor Economics for Kids, Nobel Prize-winner Esther Duflo and renowned illustrator Cheyenne Olivier explain economic concepts to younger readers, encouraging them to open their minds and broaden their perspectives. Together, Duflo and Olivier discuss the early foundation of social awareness and empathy it seeks to establish. Our City That YearInternational Booker Prize-winner Geetanjali Shree allows glimpses of startling insight into the fragmented atmosphere and psyches of a society, of friends and individuals, marked by the divisiveness of communalism, in Hamara Shahar Us Baras, translated into Our City That Year by International Booker Prize-winning translator Daisy Rockwell. At this session, Shree speaks about how her novel tells the story of any city, any year, at a time when sectarian divides are globally on the rise. David Hare: A Life in Theatre and FilmBAFTA-winning playwright David Hare, author of iconic works such as The Secret Rapture, The Absence of War, and Skylight, and celebrated as ‘the finest living British dramatist’, gives us insight into his creative process and the inspirations and moments that have shaped his career. India’s First DiplomatsNehruvian foreign policy and the first line of diplomats who walked the line between internal consolidation and external threat are explored in rich detail in journalist Kallol Bhattacharjee’s Nehru’s First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India’s Foreign Policy. In this session, which explores how the diplomat becomes pivotal to the process of statecraft, Bhattacharjee will be in conversation with former High Commissioner of India to Pakistan TCA Raghavan, author and former diplomat Navtej Sarna, former assistant secretary-general at the UN Lakshmi Puri and former High Commissioner of India to Canada, Vikas Swarup. Roman Year: A MemoirAuthor, Distinguished Professor at CUNY, and winner of the Whiting Award, André Aciman has over 17 works of fiction and non-fiction to his name. Globally acclaimed for his tender depictions of love, loss, and adolescence in Call Me By Your Name, Aciman is well-known for his absorbing narratives and their unflinching explorations of emotion. In this session, bestselling author André Aciman recounts his journey through love, memory, and identity with novelist Shivani Sibal. Kairos: The Heart DividedWinner of the International Booker Prize 2024, Kairos: The Heart Divided by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Michael Hofmann, centres around a passionate but destructive love affair set against the backdrop of East Berlin in the 1980s. As the region crumbles, so does the relationship, revealing the complexities of power, betrayal, and the shifting loyalties of an era in flux. Erpenbeck and Hofmann explore the philosophical tensions of choice and fate, bringing together art and politics in this deeply reflective session. The Personal Is Political: An Activist's MemoirAward-winning activist Aruna Roy’s powerful memoir, The Personal Is Political, captures her profound engagement with public service in India along with her personal journey through the decades. In this session, she discusses the pivotal moments from her life, including her leadership in passing the Right to Information Act, impelling the government to be transparent about their actions, her contribution to empowering local communities in Tilonia at the Social Work and Research centre. Why We Die: The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for ImmortalityNobel laureate and structural biologist Venki Ramakrishnan’s new book, Why We Die, examines the human fascination and fear of death. Spanning across the frontiers of biology and scientific research, Ramakrishnan questions mortality and the transformation that takes place within human physiology. In conversation with Roger Highfield, Ramakrishnan evaluates the cheat code of human existence and the quest for immortality. The Upside-Down World: Meetings with the Dutch MastersBenjamin Moser’s The Upside-Down World is an ode to Dutch artists, taking readers on a twenty-year-journey of his time in Holland, that chronicles his arriving in the Netherlands as a young writer to his discovery of the creative masters who shaped the Dutch Golden Age of Art. Describing how he found solace and friends amongst long-gone artists, Moser will discuss the never-ending questions about the story of art, why we create, and why that matters. Amol Palekar: The ViewfinderIn his memoir The Viewfinder, iconic actor-director Amol Palekar reflects on his life and career, offering a deeply personal look at Indian cinema and creativity. Joined by filmmaker Sandhya Gokhale, he shares candid stories and insights with Festival Producer and Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy, taking readers and listeners on a journey through the evolution of storytelling, art, and performance in Indian cinema. Two Sages: Gandhi and TolstoyMahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy were contemporaries and had a long friendship, exchanging letters despite never meeting in person. Gandhi was deeply influenced by Tolstoy’s The Kingdom of God is Within You. In this compelling session, their distinguished descendants, Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Daniil Tolstoy, reflect on the inheritance of ideas and the enduring legacies of the two iconic thinkers, exploring their relevance both in the past and present. Deep Water: The World in the OceanA sweeping exploration of humanity’s intricate ties to the ocean, author James Bradley's latest book, Deep Water, examines the role of the ocean as life’s cradle, a force of history, and a fragile lifeline. In conversation with Mridula Ramesh, the Australian Ambassador to India, Philip Green, and environmentalist Yuvan Aves, Bradley discusses this environmental urgency and the intertwined bond between humanity and planet earth. Long and the ShortIs brevity the soul of wit? Is length essential for gravitas? What challenges and rewards do different writing forms present? Namita Gokhale - Co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival and award-winning author - and Lucy Caldwell whose Openings: Thirteen Stories explores love, loss, and the human condition set against contemporary Ireland - discuss the contrasting worlds of long-form writing - epic sagas and weighty fiction - and the allure of short stories, flash fiction, and slim volumes. To view the full programme, please visit: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/ Namita Gokhale, festival co-director, remarked, “The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 is a dynamic mosaic of books and ideas , conversations and arguments, explorations and epiphanies. We interrogate the changing realities of our fractured world, and search for inspiration and belief in a better one. From Mystics and Madmen to Economics for the Young, from geopolitics to the ancient academia of Nalanda, from food in all its flavours, to mountain mammals, an unfolding voyage of discovery, with each day opening up new wonders and new vistas.” William Dalrymple, festival co-director, shared, "The 2025 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival encapsulates the spirit of our event—a celebration of diverse voices and powerful narratives that engage, challenge, and inspire audiences from around the world. We are thrilled to present a lineup that reflects the Festival's essence of intellectual and cultural exchange." Sanjoy K. Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, said, "The Jaipur Literature Festival continues to be a beacon of dialogue and storytelling, showcasing the profound impact of literature on understanding and empathy. Each edition reaffirms its role as a vibrant platform where ideas and voices come together to foster a shared sense of humanity." The 2025 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will also host a range of segments that run in parallel to it each year - the Jaipur BookMark (JBM) which will celebrate its 11th edition as a premier B2B platform for the publishing industry, bringing together publishers, authors, literary agents, and industry leaders; the Jaipur Music Stage that showcases electrifying performances by renowned Indian and international musicians; Heritage Evenings set against Jaipur’s historical backdrops; the Festival Buzzaar which offers diverse artisanal products to shop from; the Festival Bookshop which stocks books by Festival authors; and finally, an exclusive Friend of the Festival package that lets attendees savour a curated experience of the festival.
20 December,2024 03:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
