Valentine's Day is upon us. And like the contrarian I am, I wanted to do a snarky and sardonic take on this whole love thing for the occasion. But then the hot priest from Fleabag reminded me how "...love isn’t something that weak people do." So I am going to be Cupid's advocate today. Love is a good thing. And despite our stoic exteriors, I'm sure most of us are looking for it. We only cringe at the sappy romantic stuff until we've got a crush of our own and suddenly the violins and butterflies don't feel that absurd. Past resentments, fear of commitment, and general cynicism aside, I'm looking forward to dating the hell out of some nerdy softboy who I can watch movies with.

And yes, there are other forms of love that are equally as fulfilling. In fact, without some self-love, you don’t really stand a chance at a healthy romantic relationship. But here’s the thing: sometimes, we use that as an excuse. We tell ourselves we need to be perfectly whole before letting someone in, or that love will turn us into some domesticated version of ourselves. We think of it as a trap so we keep it at arm’s length. Or worse, we convince ourselves that we don’t deserve it; that we’re better off alone, and we sabotage anything real before it even has a chance to grow.

So, I’m not telling you to go out and find somebody to love — the world already does that enough. I’m just saying, let your walls down a little bit. Make space for possibility. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Here's a little monologue from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' that did it for me:

Paul Varjak: You know what’s wrong with you, Miss Whoever-you-are? You’re chicken, you’ve got no guts. You’re afraid to stick out your chin and say, “Okay, life’s a fact, people do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness.” You call yourself a free spirit, a "wild thing", and you’re terrified somebody’s gonna stick you in a cage. Well baby, you’re already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it’s not bounded in the west by Tulip, Texas, or in the east by Somali-land. It’s wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself.

Also, I've been doing the bulletin for so long, this feels like a relationship too. I've gotta ask my readers: What are we? 🥺👉👈

No pressure.

Here's what we have for you this week:

Contemporary Art Exhibitions At The Homegrown Festival 2025

This year’s contemporary art exhibition at The Homegrown Festival 2025 brings together a stellar lineup of artists redefining visual storytelling through speculative futures, and bold graphic narratives — Namrata Kumar blends illustration, painting, and digital design, often drawing from her love for travel and textiles. Manuja Waldia, known for her striking graphic design and illustration, brings her global influences into sharp focus. Bhumika Mukherjee moves between traditional and digital mediums, crafting commissioned works. And then there’s Vridhhi, whose interdisciplinary practice transforms memories and emotions into powerful acts of healing. Whether it’s textiles, this lineup promises fresh perspectives and boundary-pushing creativity.

Kathi Kathi Kaarana By Varun Kurkoti & Bengaluru's Informal Workers

An anthology of ‘true fiction’ stories of Bangalore’s informal workers and their families, the film was brought to life through a unique participatory film project. Led by filmmaker Varun Kurtkoti as part of Mindscapes Bengaluru, the film emerged from a weekend film school where workers learned to script, rehearse, and film their own narratives. The result? A powerful reflection on home, belonging, and mental well-being in the wake of the pandemic.

Watch the trailer here.

Good Things Take Time By Adi & Dishaan

A year in the making, this album is a wild ride through late-night highs and introspective lows, shifting seamlessly from euphoric bangers to moody, heart-on-sleeve moments. It’s the soundtrack to your night — pregame hype, club chaos, and those deep, reflective 3 AM drives. Equal parts reckless and cathartic, Good Things Take Time feels like getting your heart broken but still dancing through it with your best friends by your side.

Listen to it here.

The Photographic Archive Of Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh II

Long before photography took off in India, Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh II of Jaipur was behind the lens, not just in front of it. Ruling from 1835 to 1880, he built his own studio, leaving behind nearly 2,000 glass plate negatives and vintage cameras. But what truly stands out were his rare, intimate portraits of women in the royal zenana, made at a time when they lived behind the purdah. Styled like Victorian studio portraits, these images feel surprisingly modern, offering a rare glimpse into a hidden world.

Go through the photographs here.

'Cricket Club' By Rastah

Just in time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the limited-edition drop features cricket legend Wasim Akram and his son, celebrating intergenerational bonds and cultural nostalgia. With bold panel jackets, embroidered sweaters, and striped sweat sets, the collection blends cricket aesthetics with Rastah’s signature streetwear edge — proudly Made in Pakistan. This 22-piece capsule is a one-time release, so whether you're a cricket fan or just love quality craftsmanship, it’s one to watch.

Check it out here.

A Comprehensive History Of Bengal's Nolen Gur

As winter wraps Bengal in its cool embrace, date palm trees gift us their sweetest secret — Nolen Gur. This beloved seasonal jaggery is made by slow-cooking fresh date palm sap over a wood fire, transforming it into either the rich, liquid jhol gur or the solid, caramelized patali gur. From drizzling over puffed rice to sweetening iconic Bengali treats like rosogolla and payesh, its deep, smoky sweetness is a winter staple.

Read more about it here.

If you enjoyed reading this here's more from Homegrown:

'Wives & Wives': Watch A Jetsons-Esque Animated Short By Pramod Pati & G.K. Gokhale

Make Public Buildings Beautiful Again: Step Inside The Adisaptagram Society Hall

Kartik Research's SS25 Collection Is An Understated Blend Of Tradition & Modernity