Bazaar buzz: What's hot and happening this month

In a world where art, entertainment, and gastronomy constantly evolve, staying in the loop with the latest trends has never been more exciting—or essential. From captivating exhibitions and binge-worthy shows to culinary innovations that tantalize the palate, there's always something new to explore and celebrate. Whether you're an aficionado or just curious about what's shaping the cultural zeitgeist, we've got you covered. Here we bring to you a guide on all that's trending in the art, entertainment, and culinary world.

BURST OF FLAVOURS

The next time you are in South Goa, dine at Juju for a unique experience. Helmed by chef Abhijit Khandual, the menu caters to both Indian and international palates.The beverage menu is curated by award-winning mixologist Evgenya Prazdnik, and showcases India’s diverse flavours. With its stunning design and warm ambiance, Juju is a must-visit.

CP's EVOLVING ART SCENE

Get to know the rich history of Delhi’s Connaught Place and its evolution as a hub for art, culture, and politics at an exhibition at Dhoomimal Gallery. Curated by Jackfruit Research and Design, the showcase,titledThe Past Has a Home in the Future, will run from November 7 to December 7. It will feature the archival works from various institutions, including Mahatta & Co., Pablo and Richard Bartholomew,Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, Riten Mozumdar, and SL Parasher, alongside contemporary designers.

VISUAL TRIBUTE TO NATURE

Kavita Chopra Dikshit’s solo exhibition, titled Enchanted Forests, is an exploration of the natural world. Curated by Jyoti A Kathpalia, the oil paintings evoke the beauty and tranquillity of forests. Running from November 16 to 19 at India Habitat Centre in Delhi, it aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation. Dikshit’s paintings capture the essence of the forest, its intricate details, and its profound impact on the human spirit.

IMAGINATIVE LENSES

The Palette Art Gallery in Golf Links, New Delhi, is hosting a group exhibition that explores the intricate relationship between humans and animals.TitledTales (Tails) of Imagination, the exhibits will be on display till November 16. From the majestic elephants painted by HG Arun to the surreal creatures by Gopi Krishna, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of styles and techniques. Other artists like Rajesh Ram, Valau Shende, Manisha, and R Magesh also delve into themes of conservation, empathy, and the beauty of the natural world.

TELLING STORIES WITH KASAVU

Artist Lakshmi Madhavan uses kasavu (fine cotton cloth from Kerala woven with gold zari) as her chosen medium to explore people’s stories, culture, and social mooring. Bazaar India speaks with the Mumbai-based artist, who held her solo exhibition recently at Akhara Contemporary where she used the kasavu- bordered textile to explore her identity.

Harper’s Bazaar: How do you envision your art to contribute to the preservation of memories?

Lakshmi Madhavan: It all began as a tribute to my grandmother’s kasavu mundu veshti—a symbol of her identity and my Malayali roots. After she passed away, I was driven to trace her story to the weavers of Balaramapuram.This journey not only revealed personal memories, but the communal legacies of caste, purpose, and belonging embedded in each weave. In preserving this endangered craft,my art invites viewers to explore their own roots, connecting with the broader legacies woven into identity, belonging, and tradition.

HB: How did the project develop?
LM: What began as a personal homage has evolved into a broader exploration. Delving into the complexities, I came to see it not just as a textile, but as a canvas for examining how material, socio-cultural hierarchies, and gender codes intersect. I seek to transform Kasavu into a universal cloth, reimagining the body as a site for redemption and cultural reconfiguration.

HB:What do you hope viewers took away from your art?
LM: I hope my art prompts viewers to reflect on their identity through layers of geography, gender, culture, and heritage. My work also reclaims textile history from a decolonised lens, engaging with India’s evolving role in honouring its craft legacy.

PROVOKING DIALOGUE

Two solo exibitions—one by architect and artist Balkrishna Doshi and the other by renowned British- Pakistani artist Faiza Butt—at Vadehra Art Gallery in New Delhi offer a deep dive into artistic practices that inspire and provoke thoughtful dialogue. On display till November 12, one can see 25 of Doshi’s black and white drawings created between 2014 and 2022. Doshi’s compositions, imbued with rich memories, bring a surrealist perspective to life's philosophical questions. Faiza’s exhibits tackle the dichotomy between contemporary culture and historical legacies, focusing on her experience as a parent, woman, and immigrant.

CELEBRATING HUSAIN

DAG art gallery is celebrating MF Husain with an exhibition.Titled Husain:TheTimeless Modernist,the exhibition showcases 116 works from 1950s to 2000s that capture the essence of his career and artistic journey. The show will run until December 7. Consider this an invitation to explore his impact on Indian modern art through an extraordinary range of paintings, manuscripts, sculptures, and archival materials.

TIMELESS TRADITION

Threshold Art Gallery in New Delhi will host a group exhibition that explores the timeless tradition of figurative art, reimagined by contemporary artists to express both external realities and their inner worlds. Curated byYashodhara Dalmia, the show will run until December 14. Featuring works by 10 artists, including Anindita Bhattacharya, Benitha Perciyal, Manjunath Kamath, and V Ramesh, it showcases diverse expressions of identity, form, and reality.

YOUR NEXT AIRPORT PICK

National Award-winning documentary filmmaker and bestselling authorTrisha Das has released her latest novel, The Grand Samara. Described as a delightful blend of Bridgerton and Crazy Rich Asians, the book is about Samara Mansingh, a wayfaring wedding photographer and the daughter of a diplomat, who needs a place to stay in Delhi. She lands at the house of the Khanna’s and the rest is an exciting story for the readers to explore.

GOURMET MEETS ART

Yauatcha, a celebrity hotspot in Mumbai, has collaborated with luxury jewellery brand Tribe Amrapali to bring to its customers handcrafted treasures in the form of desserts.This limited edition collection is available till mid-November and presents a unique fusion of gourmet and artistry inspired by the Navratna gemstones.The creations include bold flavours like that of gulkand, jamun, custard apple, and jasmine.

 

This article originally appeared in the October-November print edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

Image Credits: The brands 

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