A new children's festival brings a host of workshops and activities, all meant to be experienced in the open air
"Of the 52 weekends in a year, the average time spent by an urban Indian child [from a comfortable economic background] in a mall is 35 weekends," says Swaroop Banerjee about a report he came across during his research on outdoor entertainment options for urban kids. Situate the statistic in space-starved Mumbai and the number may be even higher. But as sultry afternoons make way for pleasant temperatures, kids can indulge in archery, hockey, puppetry, painting, making science gadgets and even petting farm animals - all in the heart of Mumbai.
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The Windmill Festival, a two-day outdoor carnival jointly organised by Event Capital which Banerjee helms, is making its debut in Mumbai. The festival, with suitable activities for kids up to 14 years has been curated on the lines of similar international children's events that offer opportunities for parent-child bonding.
"Even if parents don't take their children to malls, the entertainment options - film screenings, hobby classes - available in Indian cities are largely meant for the indoors," says Banerjee.
One of the highlights of the festival is a petting zoo, where children can pamper farm animals. For those with a scientific bend of mind, there are workshops on how to make fidget spinners, solar cookers and telescopes, while those into sports can try their hand at volleyball, basketball and rugby. Performances by artiste and TV personality Rob, and singers including Arjun Kanungo and Darshan Raval are also part of the line-up.
On : December 16 and 17, 2 pm onwards
At : Jio Garden, BKC. log on to bookmyshow.com
Entry : Rs.200 onwards