The iconic Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh’s Sector 18 is one of the most sought after places in the city to hold any kind of closed-door event. The venue’s prime location, unmatched facilities, the aura and accessibility make it like no other venue in Chandigarh. Added to all this is the heritage value and the legacy of the place.

Let’s have a quick tour to understand how this ‘ordinary’ site has evolved to become an indispensable part of the life and culture of Chandigarh.

History
Tagore Theatre was constructed in the year 1961 to mark the birth centenary of Sir Rabindranath Tagore. It continued to be the only theatre in the city of Chandigarh for several decades, thus becoming an indispensable part of the life and culture of the city. Now, it has been converted to a massive auditorium which hosts several theatrical plays, functions and cultural events throughout the year.

The Creator
Tagore Theatre was designed by the notable architect Aditya Prakash, who was also a part of the Chandigarh Capital Project Team, headed by Le Corbusier. Mr. Prakash had worked closely with the legendary planner, and was a key element of the Indian team assisting him. Aditya Prakash was also the then principal of the well-known Chandigarh College of Architecture, and was entrusted to layout this cultural hub for the city.
Apart from Tagore theatre, he has also designed a number of iconic houses in different sectors of the city beautiful.

Architecture
The architecture of Tagore Theatre primarily represents two square blocks: the larger one accommodating the main auditorium, the foyer, booking office, etc., and the smaller, stage, green rooms properties, reversal area, workshop, electrical installation, air-conditioning etc. The acting area of the stage is located at the meeting place of the two squares.
Externally, the structure is a bare brick-walled, cuboidal structure. The interiors of the theatre were made in consultation with actors Prithviraj Kapoor and Zul Vellani, with careful emphasis on design aspects such as acoustics, sightlines, size of stage in relation to the size of auditorium, and optimal distance for un-aided facial recognition.
The auditorium capacity of the Tagore Theatre is 600.

Facilities
The auditorium, though, being more than half a century old, is well-maintained and is in good shape. It has main auditorium with a capacity of 600+, and a mini auditorium. It has two well-equipped rehearsal halls, 8 green rooms, dressing rooms and two retiring rooms. The theatre also houses a canteen in the basement, along with a souvenir shop and a book shop. There’s adequate parking space in front of the site. Overall, the venue enjoys a very good aura.

Events Held
Tagore Theatre, since its construction, has hosted several events of varied stature. Many organisations and events have chosen it to be their regular host. The Chandigarh Theatre Festival and Chandigarh Humour Festival are the annual events held here. The venue hosts cultural evenings, functions and shows. Local schools hold their annual functions here.  Standup Comedy shows are also held here regularly.

Address: Tagore Theatre, Sector-18, Chandigarh 160018
Website: http://tagoretheatrechd.org
Phone: 0172-2724278
E-mail:  tagoretheatre18(at)gmail(dot)com

What – Comic Con Delhi
When – December 15-17 | 11am-8pm
Where – NSIC Grounds, Okhla

How To Get There – Govindpuri Metro Station, Violet Line
Tickets – Official Comic Con Website:- http://comiccondelhi.com

The biggest pop culture event is here once again and we can not contain our excitement! Comic Con is known worldwide for being the one event that celebrates our much beloved fictional universe(s). The one place where it’s okay to yell “HODOR!” in public and expect someone to say it back. Or turn up dressed as a little blonde girl with a pack of Eggos in a hand, no matter how old you actually are. Comic Con is that one place that will honour and celebrate your fictional fixations with you. Comic Con features the best of comics, movies, television, gaming & cosplay!

There’s multiple reasons why you should be attending the Comic Con but the best one is always the same – Cosplays. Where else can you go dressed as whatever your favourite character is? Well, here you can and you wouldn’t be alone. And you can win prizes worth rupees one lakh if you happen to have worn the funkiest costume in all of the seven kingdoms! All you have to do is register for the Daily Cosplay Contest.

The highlight of the event is obviously going to be the distinguished guests set to grace the event with their presence. The guests tend to be YouTubers or leading comic book artists from around the world and India! You get to meet the creators of your favourite universe and be stunned. Comic Con stands true to its name and is the leading promoter of comic culture in the country. You’ll find everything at the event from the classics such as Amar Chitra Katha to the legends in their own right DC and Marvel comics. As well as the newer one in the market.
Another reason, if you’re not convinced yet is the incredible original merchandise you probably won’t get anywhere else. Tees, Accessories, Action figurines, Poster to all sorts of quirky things! Indulge in these little somethings and perhaps start your own collection.

Comic Con’s Main Stage arena is where all the good stuff takes place.
Talks, sessions and panels take place at regular intervals all throughout the day, this is undoubtedly the most action packed spot on the show floor. Some of the sessions include:
• Workshops and Discussions with featured guests
• Exclusive Comic book launches
• Cosplay Parade and Contest each day.

The tickets start at Rs500 for a one day pass and go up to Rs1299 for Superfan VIP passes. You can book your passes at http://comiccondelhi.com/.

Are you done with all the old and boring event ideas? Do the tested and proven event concepts not inspire you any more? Are you looking to bring about some fresh, exciting events to your audience? If the answer is in affirmation to these questions, then this post is for you! Here we are going to suggest some event ideas which not many people may have heard of before.

Let’s go!

1. Car Boot Sale
The first one is a really unique concept. All of us have at least some possessions, which we no longer use or need. So why not sell them out, and that too in a fun way! People can come together, bring along all the stuff that they want to get rid of (which can be literally anything), and sell them all out of their car boots. Wouldn’t it be a hell lot of fun? I can already imagine!

2. Silent Disco
Disco is all about loud music, dance and party. Not necessarily. The concept of silent disco can be an amazing new change. People would dance and party, but there would be no loud music. Each person will have a headphone, each playing the same beat and people can dance together. An onlooker may consider your group a bunch of mad people, but how does that matter? One should anyways dance like no-one is watching.

3. Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality is not yet a part of our everyday lives, but it’s a hot topic of discussion in the tech world. An event around the unknown is bound to be successful. You will need to buy some VR Headsets, or rent them from a gaming parlour, and you are set for any type of event in the virtual world. You won’t need much else, for everything else is going to be an illusion!

4. Paint Jam
Paint Jam is like any other jam, except that it has an artistic side to it. The event will be bunch of artists gathering at a public place and showcasing their artistic skills by painting in front of a live audience. This can be great for a promotional activity, too!. People do actually love to see the art being made, as much as they love the end product.

5. Hackathon
Hackathons have joined the league of events that every technocrat looks forward to, these days. The concept is simple – find solutions to a given problem or set of problems within a stipulated time period by putting in continuous, non stop (literally!) efforts. A hackathon can be any duration long, from a 24 hour non-stop action, to the one extending to several days. Be sure to arrange desks, chargers and a lot of coffee.

6. Roast
The concept is still very alien to many, and you can encash on it. A roast is a comedy event intended to amuse the event’s audience at the expense of a specific individual or group. Organise the roast of a local hero, a politician or a performer and it’s going to be super successful. And yes, it doesn’t always have to be as dirty as the AIB one!

7. Webinar
Web+Seminar=Webinar (wasn’t it too obvious?). Webinars are the best solution to the constraints of space and time. All you would need is subscription to a good online software to organise your webinars. Market the online event hard, and deliver value. Your audience will be happy.

8. Kidult
Again, it’s Kid+Adult=Kidult. You can organise an event where adults would enjoy a day like kids. They would come dressed as kids, will play the kids’ games and have fun. The time travelling experience can be as much fun as you want it to be, and will ignite a nostalgia of the ‘good old days’.

9. Book Barter
This event will be every book lover’s rejoice. Invite a community, ask them to bring along their stock, and help them partake in the exchange. You never know who can give you the book you always wanted. Who knows, you might come across a book that can change your life! Book lovers will love it.

10. Fandom Gathering
A ‘Fandom Gathering’ is a small gathering of the admirers of a particular personality, art, culture or place. This can be a good platform to have open ended discussions and meet people with similar interests. You don’t need much resources or investment for such an event.

11. Secret
Sometimes, not revealing the concept of the event, coupled with some shameless marketing creates so much curiosity amongst people that they would actually buy tickets to know what it’s all about! Make sure that your event actually has a substance, or get ready to face some serious ire afterwards.

Have some more amazing event ideas? Put your creativity to work, and come up with event ideas of your own! Do let us know in the comments.

What – Nite Owl Festival
When – November 24th – 26th | 12pm – 12am
Where – DLF Place, Saket
How to Get There – Saket Metro Station, Yellow Line

The weather has taken a turn towards the colder end and all of Delhi couldn’t be happier. Well, at least most of it. With the smog almost cleared up, it’s time again to get out of our hoods (or blankets!) and head out. What better way to chill than shopping and food? And what better place than DLF Place, Saket to do it at? DLF Place just celebrated its ten year anniversary and has now come up with the amazing Nite Owl Festival for its second edition. The Festival offers everything you would want at a night out. From scrumptious delights to the Little Flea market and the added joy of having a nip in the air. The Nite Owl is a three day extravagant affair that starts from the 24th of November, Friday. The great thing about this festival is that it lasts an entire day up until 12 am. So if you do wish to spend the entire weekend sleeping, you can still catch the event going on late in the evening.

The Flea Market will be brimming with beautiful little things you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Stuff ranging from Home Decor to Indo-Western Clothing to Chunky Jewellery. It’s a perfect destination for all your fashionista friends.

And of course there will be Food Stalls for every taste palate. Sumptuous momos of more than a hundred types are likely to be present. Okay, maybe not a hundred. But you do get our point, right? Food of all kinds, shapes and sizes will be at your avail.

There is always a cherry on the top and here it will be the soulful live band performances. Groove to the rhythm of acoustic times as you wander around or while you shop.
The bands slated to perform are Zephyr, Alankaar, Savarveda, Rocknaama, and more.

So head out to DLF Place to destress your nerves and be a little bit self indulgent this weekend! There’s more to life than chasing targets and attending meetings, after all.

What – Pet Fed 2017
When – 2nd and 3rd December, 11am – 9pm
Where – NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla
How To Get There – Nearest Metro Station is Govindpuri, Violet Line.

If you connect with puppies and their elder versions on a holistic, almost spiritual level and if being around pets reduces your stress levels to a grand total of naught, this place will be nothing short of Paradise for you. India ‘s biggest pet festival Pet Fed is back for it’s fourth consecutive year on 2nd and 3rd December!
A huge, lush arena awaits you (and your pet, if you have one) for two full days of spreading and getting love from our furry friends. The event is jampacked with fun activities all throughout the two days for both you and your pets! Pet Fed will have a special Cat Zone for our purring little fellows, an off leash zone for your pets to wander about in and a dedicated Activity Ring with all the stalls and competitions.

The activities include –

Pets Got Talent – Time for your little genius to show everyone what they’re best at!

Pupper Parade – Little doggos hopping about with music playing in the back, try not melting into a mush of feels and tears of joy.

Doggo Frisbee Display – Dogs playing with Frisbees? We thought that only happened in heaven!

Dog Security Display – Lets see how protective your little buddy is of you!

Here, have a look at what the itinerary is like :-

• Day 1 – 2nd Dec, 2017 – Saturday – 11 AM – 9 PM
  All Day: World Record Attempt for the Biggest Gathering of Dogs
  12:35 PM : Dog Frisbee Display
  1:00 PM : Temptation Alley Qualification Round 1 (Day 1)
  2:10 PM : Good Dog Citizen Show
  2:50 PM : Pet’s Got Talent Have-A-Go
  3:30 PM : Temptation Alley Qualification Round 2 (Day 1)
  4:40 PM : Security Dog Show
  6:00 PM : Temptation Alley Finals (Day 1)
  7:05 PM : Dog Frisbee Display
  7:30 PM : Awards Night

• Day 2 – 3rd Dec, 2017 – Sunday – 11 AM – 9 PM
  All Day: World Record Attempt for the Biggest Gathering of Dogs
  12:10 PM : Good Dog Citizen Show
  1:00 PM : Temptation Alley Qualification Round 1 (Day 2)
  2:10 PM : Security Dog Show
  3:00 PM : Temptation Alley Qualification Round 2 (Day 2)
  4:00 PM : Dog Frisbee Display
  4:30 PM : Temptation Alley Finals (Day 2)
  5:30 PM : Pet’s Got Talent
  7:00 PM : Fashion Show

Doesn’t this make you and your furry four legged best friend jump with excitement and anticipation? Give them the best day out with Pet Fed! And of course if you do not have a pet, you’re still welcome with both arms (or four) open! Immerse yourself in all the cuteness and all the cuddles.

What – Trade Fair – Participating nations showcase the best of their commercial products.
When – November 14-27th (Opens for general public on November 18th)
Where – Pragati Maidan
How To Get There – Pragati Maidan Metro, Blue Line

The mother of all shopping events – The India International Trade Fair is back to town! Called just the Trade Fair by the common folk, this extravagant affair is a must go to event for people of every age. The mega event is happening for the 37th consecutive time, this year and of course at the most amazing of venues – Pragati Maidan.
The event will be open for general public from the 18th November onwards. The much hyped affair lands right on the expectations every single year and this year it’s going to be no different. This year’s central theme is Start Up India : Stand Up India, the scheme launched by the central government to boost manufacturing of goods in the country and create more job opportunities. Expect to see sparkling garments and accessories, luscious fabrics, pristine artworks and sculptures, woodwork and furniture and our personal favourite stationery. All of these things in forms you probably haven’t seen them in. The biggest USP of the Trade Fair, the factor that has made it immensely successful and universally loved is that it brings unimaginable variety to the public from across the globe at a single event. With the wedding season in full swing, the Trade Fair is where you will find every little thing on your list and more. And there of course is Food. Savoury bites at every nook and corner making the walking worth every little bit.
If you do intend on going, here are few tips to help you navigate through the entire space –

1. The Metro Station gate No. 10 Opens right inside the venue so make sure you get down from the right exit from the Metro Station.
2. The timing for the event is 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. While evenings might suit the working people, prefer going in the afternoons on the weekdays.
3. Carry as less as you can and preferably an empty bag for you to easily carry the things you buy there.
4. Tickets will also be available at various Metro Stations and Ticket Counters at the Pragati Maidan Gates.
5. While there are going to be eating joints in abundance, make sure you carry a water bottle with you.

The partner country for this year is Vietnam while the country in focus is slated to be Kyrgyzstan. The event however will be conducted in lesser space than the previous years due to the ongoing renovation and construction works. Despite this little glitch, the expected footfall is still a humongous 6-7 lakh.

So go ahead, experience the frenzy that is the India International Trade Fair.

What – DIAF – Multi Art and Culture Festival
When – November 11 to November 25th
Where – Multi Venue Event
If you thought Delhi does not have much to offer to those who have an artistic eye and a penchant for exploring worldly cultures and traditional experiences, well we have some news for you –
The Delhi International Arts Festival is back in town for its most coveted 11th edition. For those of you who have no clue what this event is about, don’t worry we have you covered.
DIAF is a multi culture and arts event that brings together over 200 artists from across the world with the aim of showcasing and celebrating traditional indigenous art forms. DIAF is an umbrella event catering to performing arts of all kinds.
They acts range from traditional and folk music, dances, theatre, storytelling and even films.
It’s an event for everyone who wishes to get a taste of the traditions of the farthest lands while sitting in the comfort of their own city.
You can experience the magnificence of Dervish dances from Egypt, a one of a kind circus theatre from Argentina, an enchanting contemporary dance performance by the epic Escuela 5 Elementos from Colombia or the impeccable theatre act – The Big Fellow from Ireland.
Cookie points to the organizers for spreading out the venues across the city and including heritage sites like the Qutub Minar complex and Purana Qila. Not only does the festival cover cultural acts from around the world, it will also feature traditional Indian classical and folk art forms from states like Manipur and Kashmir. The soul soothing Qawwali by Nizami brothers at the ecstatic Old Fort should be reason enough for you to ditch whatever other plans you have and head over.
If even all of this hasn’t convinced you, the entry is absolutely free.
Take part in DIAF and indulge traditions, watch dream like performances, engage in discussions about what moves the world and forget your phone, your commitments, your bosses for a while. There is no better therapy for the mind than a new experience for it dwell over.

Things you ought to know –

• The DIAF is happening across the city at various venues from 11th to 25th of November.

What – Poetry Open Mic
Where – Kunzum Travel Cafe, Hauz Khas
When – November 12, 3pm
How To Get There – Hauz Khas Metro, Yellow Line

The past few years have witnessed a radical change in the way artists convey their humble selves and in the middle of that change came untethered the age old warrior of expression – Poetry. Renewed and somewhat dismembered, this medium carved itself to be more striking, more meaningful and more stunning. Slam Poetry is a happening new way by which poets are making themselves heard. Poetry isn’t the subtle, sombre, sometimes sly plain Jane it used to be. For those of you who are unaware, a Poetry Slam is a recital competition in which oral poets perform their original pieces and are awarded points on the basis of their performance.

Now about the event, Safarnama is organizing its first open mic Poets Chamber at the Kunzum Travel Cafe, Hauz Khas. Poets Chamber aims at bringing the art of storytelling and poetry to the common recreational spaces. Anyone who wishes to perform and thinks they have something to say, this is your chance. If you are not one of the speakers then make sure you go listen to these young souls opening their hearts out to you. There is no central theme, your poem can be about anything at all. No bar on the language as well. For those of you who wish to perform, send in your entries at 8742928264! Kunzum is located in the heart of HKV and is the place to be for lovers of coffee and mellow lighting.

Everyday life can be a daunting ride if you’re not investing in a little bit of fun. Take a break from work, grocery shopping and paying bills and go to one of these five super fun comedy events happening in Delhi!

1. Sumit Anand – Completely Live
   Where – Canvas Laugh Club At The People Company, Gurgaon
   When – Saturday, November 11, 9:30pm Sumit Anand is the freshest kid on the comedy block. The lad has performed at venues all over the country and abroad! His previous stints on the stage have been liked, shared and featured on pop culture pages.
   His comic timing and befuddling simplicity is an absolute wonder.
   Checkout his most famous video My Job, My home and The Maid here.
2. Punchliners : Stand Up Comedy show featuring Angad Singh Ranyal
   Where – Food Capital, Aerocity
   When – Saturday, November 25th, 9:30pm Trust Angad Singh Ranyal to tickle the funny bones of even those who lack one. Part of the hugely successful and one of the few comedy ensembles of the country – East India Company, Angad has been performing for many years now. His fanbase is huge and definitely not only restricted to people who grew up in a Punjabi household. Go for a fun evening hang with your friends, we vouch for a good time.
3. Comedy Night 7.0 at antiSOCIAL
   Where – antiSOCIAL
   When – Wednesday, November 15, 7:30pm Any event happening at antiSOCIAL and you can be sure of having a quality time. The event is slated to be hosted by Shimit Mathur. Take a break and enjoy a slamming night with some amazing drinks and food at the same place.
4. Fresh Thoughts by Kunal Kamra
   Where – Aiwan-e-Ghalib Auditorium, Mandi House
   When – Sunday, December 3rd, 8pm Kunal Kamra shot to internet fame with his satirical YouTube series Shut Up Ya Kunal. The lad is edgy, brimming with sarcasm and often found taking digs at the social and political environment of the country. Watch him talk about different new things that have managed to annoy him recently, at this do.
5. LOLStars ft. Zakir Khan, Nishant Tanwar, Sumit Sourav
   Where – Siri Fort Auditorium
   When – Sunday, 26th November, 6:30pm We saved the best one for the last. LOLStars is bringing you some of the biggest names in the comedy scene right now with the sakht launda Zakir Khan, Joke Singh sir -Nishant Tanvar and Sumit Sourav all at one place and time! Mark your calendars for this rib tickler of a gig and laugh your worries off with these brilliant comics.Have you decided on the ones you’ll be going in for? Tag Citywoofer when you’re experiencing them live!

What – Sufi Concert
Where – Kuli Khan’s Tomb, Qutub Minar Complex
When – November 18, 1pm

The beginning of November brings with it a certain melodiousness to the world. The evenings are for relaxation and peering deep into the psyche of our existence with some soul stirring music playing in the back. For those of you who are in staunch agreement with the first two lines, we have some exciting news for you. The Sufi Route concert for peace is bringing you the greatest Sufi musicians of our times at the most magical of locations – Qutub Minar on the 18th of November.

The event is being held with a motive of recreating the era of Sufism with traditional music and poetry. Fans from across the world are expected to attend this enchanting, otherworldly experience. The headlining act of the do is by none other than AR Rahman, the genius that gave us a Sufi gem in it’s own right – ‘Kun Faya Kun’ in 2011 and many many other songs that are etched in the memories of the fans. The roster also has the amazing following acts up it’s sleeve –

The Nooran Sisters
The crackling duo of Jyoti and Sultana Nooran broke all the rules with their hit song ‘Tung Tung’. The sisters have been trained for over a decade by their father Ustad Gulshan Mir, the son of renowned Sufi singer Bibi Nooran. The Nooran Sisters vocals are the right mix of soulful and exciting at the same time.

Mukhtiar Ali
Born in a semi nomadic Rajasthani community of the Mirasis, Mukhtiar Ali is another gem on the roster. His singing is a mix of poetry by Kabir, Meera or Bulleh Shah and other poets of the Sufi era. His is an act you cannot afford to this!

Hans Raj Hans
The man needs no introduction. The punjabi folk singer has had a glorious singing career and is still growing strong. His rendition of the song Kacche Dhaage is embedded in the fond memory of his fans

Other notable mentions include – NEFES – Dervish Dancers with Band, a turkish ensemble; Dhruv Sanagri.

The concert is a ticketed event and a pricey one at that. The tickets start from INR 5000 and go upto INR 25000. But the extraordinary Sufi experience is sure as heck a priceless one.

To summarise, let your soul loose with The Sufi Route concert this November and experience music in a whole new, different light.