This Week In Culture: Chakras For Sale, Dindigul Biriyani In Bengaluru, & Much More

I used to love Alfred Hitchcock and David Fincher movies. I’d get excited to pick out a film that had concerning reviews online and deliberately seek them out: the more messed up the better. But living in this country has made me lose that privilege of being able to enjoy true crime. Thrillers are better when they’re fiction.

Waking up every day to new details about the Kolkata rape-muder case, I’ve had my fill of darkness. The case is still ongoing and it was followed by another one in Uttarakhand: a nurse this time. Not that it matters. When our parents pushed us to work harder so we could be educated and grow above the tribulations that they had to face, they forgot to tell us that there are some dangers we can never escape; that no amount of success and wealth can keep you safe from an unwelcome touch or worse.

So in light of what’s going on in the country the past two weeks, I’m going to put a hold on my watchlist and indulge in something mind numbing like 'Is it Cake?' this week. Don’t mistake my time out as a sign of defeat. The rage is everlasting and isn’t enough for the state of women in this country. I just need to take five. You’re welcome to as well. We wouldn’t blame you. Here’s what we have for you this week in the Homegrown Culture Bulletin.

Chakras For Sale by Punya Chatterjee

LA-based filmmaker Punya Chatterjee turns cultural appropriation on its head with this absurd comedy-drama short film. Set in the 70s’ hippie revolution in America, the story revolves around an Indian-American rock band decides to swap their guitars for sitar. What unfolds is a satirical journey to cash in on the romanticized version of Eastern culture - yoga, meditation, spirituality, and the whole lot!

Watch the trailer here.

Echoes Of Origins By Many Roots Ensemble

The Mumbai-based fusion band are known for their genre-defying music which is a confluence of Afrobeat, funk, disco, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz, along with classical & Ethiopian classical. After performing at multiple music festivals across India, the band recently released their debut album that blends global genres into an eclectic listening experience. 

Listen to the album here.

Rasa By RAFU’D

The sustainable contemporary fashion label by Shaishavi Mehta introduces their latest collection Rasa. Inspired by the Pichvai painting that comes from Rajasthan’s Nathdwara, the collection recreates the decorative backdrops that were used in plays and that have also been a popular motif in the Pichvai artform. Through handwoven textures and prints, the collection takes us back to the mythological times. 

Check out Rasa here.

Dindigul Ponram In Bengaluru

Ponram's Biriyani will takes you on a nostalgic journey. With its tender mutton, fragrant spices, and perfect balance of flavours, it's no wonder why this Tamil-style dish has garnered such a loyal following. From the sourcing of ingredients to the time-honored cooking techniques, their Biriyani, served with a side of Dalcha, a flavorful curry, makes a delightfully memorable meal.

Read about it here.

Paper & Play By Pulp Society

Pulp Society by Sona Papers has been operating as a gallery and workshop community that’s trying to bring attention to the art of printmaking. Their signature event Paper & Play is an exhibition features games, zines, toys & books to highlight the versatility of paper as a medium of expression. With a curation of artists and projects working with paper, the exhibition is up till September 14 at the Pulp Society Gallery in Delhi.

Find out more about it here.

General Items Store In Bengaluru

Founded by Design Studio Tiipoi’s Spandana Gopal and Sourcing & Retail Specialist/Design-Led Travel Entrepreneur Malini Malik, the General Items Store has reimagined the space of an old provisions store into a material exhibition. Featuring objects by homegrown designers and studios, the store aims to show their appreciation for aesthetics and design. The store offers homewares, decor objects, ceramics and textiles acting both as a gallery and commercial space dedicated to design.

Learn more about it here.

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

Sarvasva: How A 12-Storey Family Home In Mumbai Is Redefining Vertical Architecture

Visit A Delhi Exhibition Using Culinary Objects To Take Us On A Journey Through Time

Ties That Bind: 6 Homegrown Sibling Entrepreneurs & Their Collaborative Creativity