The Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 began on a high note in Panaji on Sunday; with a rich array of events and experiences that set the stage for the nine-day celebration of creativity, culture and collaboration.
As audiences thronged the venues, the first day offered an inspiring blend of intellectual conversations, soul-stirring performances, and participatory workshops, leaving attendees enriched and energised.
At the Old GMC Complex, the evocative performance O Gaanewali revisited the contributions of female performers like Tawaifs, whose artistry shaped musical forms such as thumri, dadra, and ghazal. Directed by Meghana AT and performed by an ensemble led by Avanti Patel, the show captivated the audience with its emotive storytelling and soulful music.
Another of the day’s highlights was a compelling conversation between celebrated artist Gulammohammed Sheikh and contemporary artist Atul Dodiya at the ESG Auditorium, as they reflected on the life and legacy of eminent artist, the late Bhupen Khakhar. Their discussion delved into the personal and political nuances of Khakhar’s work, offering audiences profound insights into his artistic journey.
The immersive workshop The Body and Food at The Food Lab engaged participants in a unique sensory experience, encouraging them to rediscover their relationship with food through movement and mindfulness. Drawing on Paulo Freire’s and Augusto Boal’s philosophies, the session facilitated by Shubhra Chatterji fostered a renewed awareness of food’s cultural and emotional significance.
“We’re really excited for people to engage with all of the spaces that we’ve put together. We have some really amazing artists who we’re working with like LinYee Yuan, from Mold Magazine, who has a space on seeds and as well, Priya Mani, who has built the ‘Visual Encyclopedia of Indian Food’ that has a really fun active art exhibit where you can kind of see food in a new way,” said Elizabeth Yorke of Edible Issues, curator of the Culinary quotient.
“One thing that we’ve also tried to do this year is to kind of open up the culinary arts experience in the way that it’s not just limited to closed spaces. We have a lot of excursions in the form of seaweed harvesting, a secret market walk, a dosa picnic and more. We hope for people to think about and experience food in all of these different settings because it’s all around us. It’s not necessarily limited to the preparation and eating of food, but it also can be thought about in so many different ways,” said Anusha Murthy of Edible Issues, curator of the Culinary quotient.
The day culminated with a powerful concert titled One World at The Arena at Nagalli Hills, where legendary musician Lou Majaw, members of rock band Indus Creed, and guitar virtuoso Warren Mendonsa joined forces with Pratika Gopinath of Easy Wanderlings to deliver a stirring call for unity, harmony, and peace. The electrifying performances reminded audiences of music’s ability to transcend boundaries and inspire collective hope.
As the Serendipity Arts Festival embarks on its ninth edition, supported by institutional and cultural partners like Institut Français, the British Council, the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Italian Institute of Culture (Mumbai) and the Polish Institute New Delhi, it continues its mission of fostering creative exchange and innovation. The 2024 edition promises an exciting journey through art and culture, inspiring attendees to come together and celebrate the transformative power of the arts.
