This was my thought after reading about Celebrate Bandra , a fortnight-long annual festival that is citizen-driven. It is held on a free space developed out of a beach-front bandstand that was a junkyard. Done at the initiative of a citizens welfare group, consisting of residents associations and other interest groups, acquiring the free space was a matter of people’s pride and a struggle that consolidated the area’s sense of community. The Hindu report (Jan.1, 2006) quoted the landscape designer as saying, “every day is a struggle with land sharks and with the apathetic bureaucracy – its many layers can bury you in its own graveyard”.
It was this struggle for free space, for four long years, that prompted the citizen doers to celebrate the accomplishment. Thus, started the ‘Celebrate Bandra’ Fest, in 2003.
Highlights of the Fest. 2005: A local event management group designed simple outdoor stages with basic sound and light effects.
n Local children took the stage to perform their acts, to the very vocal encouragement of family, friends, and the neighbourhood aunties and uncles.
n Artistes among local residents were invited to perform. Writer-director Gulzar, a Bandra resident who was honoured at the fest. participated with enthusiasm.
n ‘Ballad of Bandra’, a wacky musical was performed to a deafeningly loud applause.
n An animated panel discussion was held on the role of media in fostering community spirit.
n ‘Legacy of Rage’, a Cyrus Mistry play, staged against a spectacular backdrop of an old-time Bandra bungalow.
n Outdoor screening of popular films.
n Food festival on the steps of the historic Mount Mary’s Church.
(Source: ‘Flavour of Bandra’, feature article by Sonya Dutta Choudhury, The Hindu )
Here is another thought – if we can bring ourselves to celebrate Mysore, as they do at Bandra, I can think of a venue, Devaraja Market. How about it ?
My views on this is well known, I guess. I do need to write it down so that a discussion may be initiated. GVK's suggestions is excellent. I think we the citizens need to take back some of the powers we have given to the elected and appointed officials and undergo a similar struggle to celebrate Mysore. The venue suggested by GVK would be apt.
It would indeed be the best was to utilise the area. But let us be careful before we make much noise in decibel levels. The administrative apathy towards the heritage buildings has made the environs (read individual protests) very weak and may cause it to crumble. We need to strengthen the buildings (Read organised group) first before we take the protests to higher levels. Let us all join in this effort to save OUR Devaraja Market
