Friday, July 13, 2018
My First Experience with an ART Festival in Manali
Friday, July 13, 2018The project was coming to an end in office and we were literally burning our asses out to finish the work. No Saturdays off and working la...
The project was coming to an end in office and we were literally burning our asses out to finish the work. No Saturdays off and working late nights was like a cherry on my pineapple pastry.
I was scrolling through my Instagram when I saw the story of this PFA ' Platform for artists' from one of my favorite Instagrammers. she said that she is also going to be there. So IT WAS GOING TO BE FUN- I will have good, talented people around, and surely get to learn new things, make friends, and most importantly get outta my COMFORT ZONE (of staying away from people). That is why I did not tell my friends also to hop along because then we do not get together with other people but before that question is, "Am I an artist?"
I, in no time, called Kshitja, her number was there for any queries ( later I came to know that she is the co-founder of PFA). She asked- what do you do, I said am not into any sort of art. I just do a bit of blogging and youtube but not anything full-time. I am not a professional. and she was like- we need people like you only. You need not be a professional. That is what I wanted to hear.
Our project finished on Tuesday and boom, I took an off on Friday since it was going to be a 3-day affair. My thought process before the festival was like super chill sessions will be there. Also, did I forget to mention we were having early morning yoga and meditation session? This was the picture I had in my head.
A few days before the trip-
Socially awkward me: Kshitija ruined my trip she gave my number to fellow female artists who were also coming from Delhi. One of them called me up and now I am going with two other girls.
Trying to be Social me: Dude! that is why you are going- to be outta your comfort zone, mf!
Socially awkward me: K, Bye!
Let's begin our trip-
Dear Blog,😄
I met Priyanka and Shruti. Priyanka sketches and Shruti photographes :P I mean she is a photographer. Soon, I was the one who was the talkative one. Actually, I have a habit of making the other person comfortable so that I can get comfortable. It is bit tricky but yes that is the thing.
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| Priyanka on the left, My face looks weird and Shruti on the right |
In the night, Shruti woke me up, we had entered the hilly area, and we witnessed the huge forest fires. It was so horrifying and heart-breaking to see speechless trees burning down.
Next morning we reached Manali, we took a cab to Jagatsukh, a village 30 mins from Manali.
I came to know I have to live in a dormitory. Oh, shit 😐 Don't judge me plz! M not a papa ki pari kinda girl, I have lived in worst of a hostel or it was us roomies who made it so for 4 years. But I am a grown up now I prefer privacy, (says the socially awkward me again😷)
DAY 1
Friday, 11 AM
We gathered in The Lost Tribe's common area for our free breakfast and the introduction part.
There were around 30 artists, including singers, musicians, poets, and mainly painters. I don't know why but I have this weird thing in my mind that artist = painter.
The day was full of activities. Leaving everything aside, Food comes first. I scanned, I double scanned, I triple scanned the menu of 10 items. I ordered Parantha. No matter how many faces you make at home seeing parantha. When you are out, you will order parantha only.
We were a group of 3- Shruti, Priyanka and I, we thought we will share it, so I made sure one parantha is getting ordered now it was my time to experiment. The order taking guy recommended their specialty 'chocolate bomb'. It was not having chocolate on the top but inside too was brimming with chocolate and am not a huge fan of chocs so it was too much of it for me. But it will be a dream come true for a choco-lover and the parantha also was so scrumptious.
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| Choco Bomb- Speciality of TLT |
In the meantime, others were doing their first task of finding an object that they feel describes them from the surroundings. Be it a flower, leaf, stone, anything you have to be creative about it.
I luckily found an artificial garland (don't have a picture) in no time which showed my steadfastness and observant nature.
Later to which I explained it is vibrant in color shows optimism and cheerfulness that is why I felt a connection with it.
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Ladies selling tea, lunch, and dinner and, also a few traditional clothes, fruits like cherries, green almonds, and apricots. |
Time was for activity no.2- Collab with an artist of different forte.
Soon it felt like a college, assignments, and tasks! We were supposed to finish our task in 2 hours. Bro, I am not here to take the stress.A few people had just arrived, I got to collaborate with them. Both related to photography. I, a travel blogger and one was a cinematographer other a photographer- what a match!
I did not want to stay there like others to finish this task so we, three, just went down exploring the village, the houses, we filmed our way and reached down to the banks of river Beas. I did not want to work according to time limits. We sat there, watching the river gushing, burbling and splashing. I could not tell you how badly I wanted to take rest there itself but I knew now or later I have to go back. So let's go back.
People started presenting-
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| Khushnuma Panchi |
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| Deep and Ankita |
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| What does it say? According to you |
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| Have you seen a dustbin more beautiful than this? |
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| Round Table discussions |
This was our presentation.
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| Everyone enjoying The lost tribe's HOT CHOCOLATE |
We have to speak in front of everyone what we did, the challenges we faced, and the good points.
I loathe this thing! What will I say? I just do whatever I feel what gives me happiness, there is no thought! How stupid will I sound in front of people who are creative, make songs at the spot, sing, create art, my mood was in a low spirit now. I was feeling as if I am a misfit. I made calls to my family and friends.
I was feeling lonely. I wanted the days to end faster. I looked at the mountains for some solace.
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| View from The Lost Tribe's garden |
Before dinner, we had a session with famous fashion blogger- 'Ritu Arya'. I came to know about her there itself. She had a strong personality and a great sense of fashion. She had a new fan over there now :) She started her short presentation. It was basically about how an artist can grow and survive with his art through social media. Some artists prefer following, some do it completely for themselves. It felt like a class because I feel uneasy in classes. That is my problem, but it was really helpful.
After dinner, we stayed for the bonfire, where @khushnumapanchi and @vichitramanushya took it to some other level. It made me so exhilarated to see how an artist gets completely lost in this performance and play continuously for hours. That is what happens when you do what you love! And how can 3 AM be devoid of ghost stories? I could not be a part anymore so I left😀🙈
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| Continuos Jamming for Hours |
Our dormitory was close to the cowshed and because the window was open. Our dorm was the house of business of flies. But I slept keep my ears closed with the blanket.
DAY 2-
Next Morning, Saturday, 9 AM-
I had no plans of watching early sunrise. I was here for PFA and I wanted to sleep till late so just went with the flow. No stress on my body.
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| Enjoyed my tea and poha with this view |
The location of the Lost Tribe hostels is very raw and appealing. A perfect destination for the budget travelers.
Soon we got ready and I had these munchkins in my dorm.
Most of us missed our today's Yoga and short hiking session. Time for today's activity!!
Some of my friends chose to bunk, I think the activities on the very first day took a toll on them also. It was not just me. But I chose to stay coz I had come for this fest only not for roaming around. I can do it someday else.
Activity was group collaboration- This time we were 5-6 people working together and we have to showcase our art in the panchayat area in front of the villagers at the end. Exciting no?
We got the whole day. Actually, I was happy today. We were not rushing through anything. We got to know each other. And when I come out of my shell, I am unstoppable. Now screw what others are doing. I am not less than anybody else. Jai Mata Di, Let's rock it!
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| Me bunking the practice and hopping into the neighbor's house |
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| Meet ' Bachi'- A 4 month old calf |
ENROUTE HOSTEL TO THE PANCHAYAT AREA-
REACHED THE PANCHAYAT GROUND-
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| Must have seen generations growing under it & lot of panchayati decisions |
There were 5 groups and after everybody's performance. Stuti Ashok Gupta aka @bijniswoman of Instagram- The founder of The lost tribe hostels. I realized it that very moment I have seen her somewhere. Omg, and she is the owner, how on earth I didn't realize it.
She was our strict cum sweet headmaster there. She started a stopwatch and asked people to describe their today's experience because we were running out of time. We were laughing and giggling how creatively people were coming up with the finishers in less time. Then Kshitija summed up the evening with her emotions pouring out.
Now was the time to party!!
We went to the pub in Manali. Party people won't call it a pub but yes it had music, We played snooker and our singers started singing, shutting their DJ off for good.
And not to forget the late night musical bonfire on the second day too🔥
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| Playing Sutta |
DAY 3-
Last day, Sunday-
This was the day when we actually did nothing apart from completely chilling. We did Yoga and meditation. I literally cannot explain how empowering and detoxifying it was by Disha Despande. Doing yoga amid the mountains with psychedelic music playing. Tears rolled down out of my closed eyes. I always used to wonder while any religious program what happens to the people? How can anyone cry doing such things? But when you really begin loosening up and surrendering yourself to the other positive energy, great things do happen.
I could not believe it was 2-hour long session. It didn't feel like one. I could have done it for 5 more hours. So refreshing for your soul.
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| After Yoga, Selfie! |
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| Even the local dogs were ecstatic about Yoga |
Then had my breakfast. I am a vegetarian but there was a choice of sexy looking omelet and bread jam. Omelette won!
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| Hi, Fraands chai pi lo! |
Then we played a game of bomb and shield whose purpose was to tell us that we need the help of other fellow artists to grow in our lives.
After a shower, It was time for the last activity. This time it did not feel like a burden. We had a collab with all the 30 artists. Yes!! We painted a wall. This time I was not underconfident. I was painting the way I did at home. I liked what I painted :) |
| The Lost Tribe |
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| B**chod Sutta |
Kshitija was taking memories along with her in her diary. I got the chance to write in her diary about the experience and sat there for an hour or two lying and gazing at the sky and the mountains. Had the yummiest local food as the lunch. At around 4 PM, we bid goodbye to everyone. We took selfies, we danced and we left.
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| Local food- Curry, Pahadi Rajma and Pahadi Chawal |
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| Free Riders. Thankyou Govind ji! |
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| Plastic everywhere! |
If you are still with me, Thanks for bearing me till the end.
I just love telling my stories...
Enjoy some more pictures !!
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| These innocent eyes were fighting a second before |
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| Lunch on Day-2 |
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| Day-1 When crow considered me lucky enough to be his toilet seat for the day |
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| Never seen so many roses together |
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| Pic Courtesy- @thefoodslayer |
My boi Kavya (on the left) made me this vase. It was filled with original flowers. Though I told him we should not pluck flowers. They look pretty alive. He will learn to love nature for sure.
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| She taught me the local dance ' Naati' |
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| Bridge connecting to Old Manali from Jagatsukh |
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| Like a kid! It was my first time tasting 'Buddi k Bhaal' |
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| My dinner-This was the best chana chaat ever had. |
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| Painting at the Lost Tribe |
You can check the Lost Tribe on Tripoto & Instagram thelosttribehostels and to join the upcoming Platform for artists event, follow them on Instagram platformforartists
Shong!
