Arts and Theater

Naad Wellness: Luxury getaway from Delhi

Located in Sonepat, Haryana just a stone throw away from Delhi, Naad Wellness is a must visit for anyone who wants to experience holistic wellbeing, tranquillity and rejuvenation. Sinduri Vuppala shares her three-day experience at this luxurious getaway…

On a short business trip to Delhi, I signed up for a three day experiential at Naad, not knowing what was coming my way. As an editor and journalist, my life has always been fast paced with constant shoots, travelling, long hours behind the screen, deadlines, stress, and a perpetually strained neck, one of the most common issues faced by everyone these days. This experience at Naad was everything I needed to unwind!

When I received a call a day prior to my arrival, I was pleasantly surprised. The Naad team wanted to know my Kurta size, to which I responded, not fully understanding what it really implied. Finally, after winding up a two-day hectic shoot, I made my way to Naad. As I entered the gates, a sense of calm set in. The centre is surrounded by beautiful flowers, green lawns and manicured pathways. After a quick hand wash
at the entrance you are welcomed with a traditional Aarti, Tikka and a Rudraksha mala. Spread over 3 acres with 39 rooms, every element of Naad is tastefully done to help you disconnect, heal and reconnect. With plenty of greenery, every corner of the retreat is lit up with aromatic diffusers and soft music, designed to encourage and enhance relaxation and meditation.

Once checked-in, we were given a fresh pair of white kurtas and slippers. The guests are expected to wear these fresh starched kurtas that are replaced every morning throughout the stay, which was my favourite part. Apart from having a very calming effect, just the idea about not having to worry about what to wear each day was a pleasure.

The program begins with an in depth consultation with a doctor, which is used to plan and design your customised treatment and meal plan. Thankfully, I did not suffer from any major issues and my treatment plan was instantly delivered to the room. The day starts off at 6:30 am with oil pulling, an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. Followed by a 7:00 am morning walk and a morning drink, post breakfast your therapy for the day begins. Depending on your medical history, the treatment can
range from a plethora of treatments ranging from simple aromatherapy, deep tissue massage to Abhyanga massage or Udwarthanam therapy where a special therapeutic scrub in which organic herbal powders or choornas are massaged all over the body in upward strokes. This scrubbing action is performed in seven postures, which generates heat, melts away excess fat and improves the texture of the skin considerably. It is recommended for cellulite reduction, obesity control and
enhancement of immunity.

Yoga and meditation is also conducted each day in their beautiful well-equipped yoga hall. From hygienic mats, perfect music, water bottles to fresh hand napkins, every element is taken care of in detail. All meals are served at Ahara and every guest is given their own customised meal based on the doctor’s recommendation. What surprised me the most was the variety of food that was being served, from millet pasta, veggie sizzlers to extremely healthy halwa, all meals are prepared in
accordance with the tridosha style of cooking which helps balance bioenergies. The ingredients are sourced from nearby farms and from their very own vegetable garden. Dining at Ahara is like a master class in healthy clean cooking. Unlike many wellness centres that starve the guests, Naad serves healthy food that is filling and sustainable and can be easily incorporated into our daily routine. Another USP at Naad is their Himalayan Salt Caves. Here, two caves are created with microclimate salt. When heated, the salt is inhaled into the respiratory system and removes toxins from the lungs and respiratory tract. From simple detox plans to more profound treatments for hypertension, sports injuries and PCOS, Naad uses a combination of
ancient principles of Ayurveda, yoga & naturopathy, to restore balance and health.

Days at Naad simply slip by and before you know it, you fall into a certain mindset and discipline. Cell phones are not allowed in common areas, which is great because you can use their facilities like the swimming pool, reflexology walking track and a fully equipped gym to keep yourself busy. With two library zones and activities like
badminton, tennis, night mini golf, this retreat will give you the time and space to unwind in a profoundly relaxing way whilst inspiring you to implement positive and lasting changes to your daily life. With active and restorative yoga sessions for all levels, delicious cuisine that will replenish your gut biome, and expert therapeutic practitioners, Naad is not so much a holiday as a total reset of your mind, body
and spirit.

Price: Starting at 60,000 per night

● Distance from Indira Gandhi International Airport : 48 Km
● Distance from Gurgaon : 65 Km
● Distance from Noida : 64 Km

Address:
Naad Marg, Ansal Sushant City, Kundli, Sector 62, Sonipat, Haryana
Phone: 0124 603 0400

May 3, 2022

Sinduri Vuppala

Reviving the art of storytelling: Chitrakathi

The once popular Chitrakathi, storytelling through paintings, is brought back to life by the Gangawane family in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg. Ketki Gadre interviews the last family practicing this art form to delve into their motivations and the supporters who have aided them on this journey. After a long day of trekking the Western Ghats around Bhogwe Beach in Sindhudurg, my luxury resort, Coco Shambhala, suggested an unusual activity – an art class. They agreed to it and invited Chetan Gangavane, a third-generation Chitrakathi artist working to revive this art form. Chitrakathi Art While setting up the art activity, Mr Chetan briefs me about the 11 art forms his community (Thakar) has been involved with for generations. His family currently practices three art forms unique to Maharashtra: String puppetry, Chitrakathi, and Shadow puppetry. “Chitrakathi involves storytelling through art on a 12×15” or 12×18” canvas, which can take 1-3 days to complete, depending on the painting’s intricacy. Traditionally, these paintings depicted scenes from mythological epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, accompanied by live singers playing instruments. Therefore, Chitrakathi artists needed not only painting skills but also the ability to sing and play instruments,” explains Mr. Chetan. The Thakar community, an Adivasi tribe living in the forests, gained recognition for their art from the erstwhile warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He brought them out of forests and closer to towns and provided them opportunities to perform art shows during festivals. In return, the community assisted the king by spreading messages of social enlightenment through their art. The artists earned their livelihood for many years through food or monetary donations. However, over time, attitudes shifted, and people stopped donating food and began treating them with disrespect. The Gangavane family is the last Thakar community to practice this centuries-old art form. The rest gave up with

Arts and Theater

Nurturing Artistic Talent: Sunaina Misra’s Vision for Artiste Culture

In the vibrant world of contemporary art, one name stands out for its unique approach to nurturing and managing artistic talent: Goa-based Sunaina Misra. As the founder of Artiste Culture, Sunaina has revolutionized how artists are managed, helping them navigate the complexities of the art industry. Her agency works directly with artists worldwide, assisting them in making connections and developing the skills needed to elevate their creative careers. Surabhi Goel had the pleasure of sitting down with Sunaina to discuss her background, the origin of Artiste Culture, and her vision for the future. I always grew up in an environment where my mother encouraged me to explore art in various forms, painting or visiting galleries. She wanted me to find my passion, so she enrolled me in different classes, from basketball to art. By age 15, I started working with an artist in Lucknow, helping him in his studio. There, I discovered my knack for organizing and managing artistic tasks, such as typing resumes and basic computer tasks. This experience sparked my interest in art management. Later, I pursued my Master’s in Art and Design Management in Newcastle, which solidified my understanding of the field. After various roles, including working for an art start-up and a museum, COVID-19 hit, leading me to start Artiste Culture. A blend of necessity and passion drove me to create a platform to support artists during uncertain times. The inspiration came from identifying gaps within the industry. Artists often struggled with managing their careers while focusing on their art. I wanted to create a space where artists could focus on creating while we took care of everything else—finding exhibitions, writing citations, and managing logistics. My vision was to build a multicultural and diverse environment that supports artists from all over the world. Over time, Artiste

Arts and Theater

5 Prolific Women Contemporary Indian Artists to Watch for in 2024

In 2023, women artists from India achieved new heights and were lauded worldwide. With Amrita Sher-Gil’s work ‘The Story Teller’ becoming the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold, Google honouring Zarina Hashmi for her life’s work, and Nalini Malani winning the 2023 Kyoto Prize, Indian women artists in both modern and contemporary art are gaining momentum. This year, contemporary Indian women artists continued to wield their creativity as a powerful force, shaping the art scene and contributing to the evolution of societal narratives. With 2024 upon us, the recognition and interest Indian women artists receive will only continue to rise. Sneha Gautam, Senior Vice President at AstaGuru Auction House, lists some eminent women artists whom art enthusiasts and collectors should watch for in this year. Nalini Malani: Among the trailblazers in the contemporary art scene who are making an impact on a global scale is painter and multimedia artist Nalini Malani, recognised for her innovative use of technology and distinctive visual language. Born in Karachi in 1946, she studied at Sir J.J. School of Arts and became one of India’s video art pioneers. Malani’s work often explores themes of feminism, war, and the human condition, challenging viewers to engage with complex issues in new and thought-provoking ways. Her dedication to seeing the artist as an activist and her exploration of womanhood through various media has indelibly impacted India’s contemporary art. Bharti Kher: Influential contemporary Indian artist Bharti Kher was born in London to Indian immigrant parents in 1969. She captivates with her avant-garde creations that transcend traditional boundaries and is best known for works constructed with many bindis. Renowned for her thought-provoking sculptures and installations, Kher often explores themes of identity, mythology, and the female form. With a unique artistic vocabulary, she challenges conventional notions, using unconventional materials to craft

Arts and Theater

Art on Your Fingertips

Rooftop is a community-driven art experiences marketplace App that makes traditional Indian art forms accessible to the world. This App is a one-stop destination for all art needs, which is bridging the gap between Indian artisans and art lovers all over the world. This first-of-its-kind art technology company endeavours to curate art and recreational activities based on traditional art. Bindu Gopal Rao in conversation with the Founder of Rooftop, Kartik Gaggar. Rooftop was started to help the arts and artists. “Whilst travelling I came across so many different indigenous artists that were struggling to create value for their crafts. I was impressed with their skills and the passion with which they continued to love their heritage despite the challenges. When I started Rajasthan Studio, I wanted to bring art lovers closer to the artists and regenerate value for the arts. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, this provided me with an opportunity to revamp and pivot to a digital/online space with Rooftop. This enterprise was a brainchild of long hours of work, tears, and a zeal to make Indian traditional arts mainstream again,” explains Kartik Gaggar, CEO & Founder, of Rooftop. So how does it work? Rooftop works for art lovers and artists. It intends to connect the two and create revenue and value for different art forms scattered around the country. Rooftop onboards artists and experts based on their level of skills and love for their craft. The team record either workshops or courses with them to then market the same to different target audiences ranging from simple art lovers to hardcore artists. They also have subscription plans for people who are passionate about learning and upskilling. “Subscription is a great way to consume art and courses are great as it also gives you a personal connection with the