Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

12.12.2012, Kochi

Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a three-month event  draw artists of every muse from both within and outside India for an extravaganza of art, culture and heritage on a scale unseen in India.

More than 80 influential artists from around the globe will showcase their creativity through a variety of mediums such as art installations, paintings, sculpture, music and films as Kerala seeks to enjoin Kochi, which represents the contemporary, with the biblical-era port town of Muziris that symbolises heritage

The big names from overseas include Ariel Hassan from Argentina, Amanullah Mojadidi from Afghanistan, Rigo23 from Portugal, Joseph Semah, an Israeli based in Amsterdam, Ernesto Neto from Brazil, and Jonas Staal from the Netherlands.

Image source : http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/kochi-muziris-biennal

The artists - 22 of whom trace their roots to Kerala, an equal number from other parts India and the rest from across the globe -- will show their talent at nine venues of this ancient port city, including the recently renovated British-era warehouse, the Aspinwall at Fort Kochi.
A number of installations have also been mounted in rambling public spaces and heritage buildings, such as Pepper House in Fort Kochi. The other spots of artistic activity are Cochin Club, David Hall, Moidu's Heritage and Parade Group

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is set to inaugurate the event Wednesday evening as his state -- which markets itself as 'God's Own Country' -- hopes to attract some 800,000 visitors, from India and abroad during the three-month season.

Globally, Biennale has a history that dates back to 1895, when Venice in Italy held one such event. Since then, as the organisers of here state, it has seen some 150 editions across the globe. For india, it is the first.

The event is being brought together by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, led by Bose Krishnamachari, 50, and Riyas Komu, 40, its Malayali curators. Already, Kochi has been declared a Biennale City by the state government.

'Through the celebration of contemporary art from around the world, Kochi Muziris Biennale seeks to invoke the historic cosmopolitan legacy of the modern metropolis of Kochi, and its mythical predecessor the ancient port of Muziris,' said Krishnamachari.

'This is a non-commercial project. The exhibits are open to all. The programme of events will run for three months closing on 13/03/13. The Biennale will then take place every two years in Kochi and Muziris.'

Awesome print Ads from Kerala Tourism

Another totally awesome print ad from kerala tourism.Unfortunately could not locate a image with english copy.But here is the translation.Congratulations Stark communications!

Kerala. Home of Ayurveda.Of all the places on earth there is just one that is literally shaped by a thousand year old unbroken tradition of Ayurveda.Home to the world's largest number of qualified & certified Ayurvedic physicians, Here Ayurveda is opractised to perfection. Here the humid air, fertile soil & tropical rain forests nurture over 500 species of rare medicinal herbs for you. Here centuries old regimens of Ayurveda come alive everyday.Welcome to the home of Ayurveda. Welcome to Kerala

image courtesy http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/kerala_tourism_home_of_ayurveda_2

image courtesy http://adofdamonth.com/kerala-tourism-home-of-ayurveda-1/

Advertising Agency: Stark Communications, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Creative Director: Shelton PinheiroArt Director / Illustrator: P K UnnikrishnanCopywriter: Seetha JayakumarPhotographer: Rajesh KhanAccount Group Head: Manoj I SPublished: February 2012

Palacharakku.com, online grocery store

Palacharakku.com, The first of its kind online grocery store in India was launched by the Kochi based youth fraternity in an attempt to tackle unemployment.The platform brings the supermarket to the consumers doorstep.

Palacharakku.com

The home delivery system employed by supermarkets & small shops in other parts of the country does not exist in Kerala.The service is aimed at providing convenience to the shopper saving both time & fuel.Palacharakku.com would be a boon to the savvy aging population of the state

The website palacharakku.com though basic, showcases clear information segregation with a clear 3 step how to order process to introduce the workings of the portal to its consumers. Sorted from the usability perspective, though they could do with a stronger branding. Products are categorised clearly into vegetables, grooming products etc.The service also brings meat & fish products to the consumers doorstep & promises best quality products.

Currently the service operates within Kochi city limits
Visit Palacharakku.com here

'Take a Break' tourist amenity centres in Kerala

'Take a Break' tourist amenity centres in Kerala by the State Tourism Department will provide international facilities to foreign and domestic tourists at an affordable cost.'Take a break' tourist amenity centre project, a pilot project of the Kerala Tourism Development corporation (KTDC), was launched at the Santhigiri Ashram in Pothenkode last-day.

'Take a Break' centre project aims to change the face of tourism in the state. Once the project is fully realized, domestic and international tourists en-route to important tourist destinations could stop over for rest, refreshment and recreation at such centres.

The centres would house basic facilities like food courts, restrooms and parking spaces in addition to modern IT-enabled facilities like tele booking and check-in, and information kiosks.

Other modern facilities include gaming consoles and ATM counters. Tourist Resorts Kerala Ltd, a public sector initiative under the tourism department, will oversee the Rs 1.30 crore project at the Ashram. (UNI)

Kerala all set for Thiruvonam

Kerala is all set for Thiruvonam tommorrow, the concluding & the most important of all the 10 days of Onam.For it is on this day the beloved king Mahabali, comes on his annual visit to see his people.To read an onam tale click here

On this occassion the Kerala Governor HR Bhardwaj has greeted Malayalis the world over during Onam, the biggest festival of the state.

"Onam thrives on the golden memories of a glorious past when everyone enjoyed plenty in an endearing ambience of equality," Bhardwaj said in a message

All the traditional practises are in full swing including pookkalam (flower rangoli) competitions & Sadya, the traditional midday feast.Traditional songs & Thiruvathira, the dance form assosciated with the festval, performed by the women of the house are being translated to modern contexts.

Onam special this year for GOC has been the bumper sale of lottery tickets, Its that time of the year when there is good cheer all around & everybody feels lucky .

Celebrations cannot be complete without a smashing sale of liquor. The state-owned Kerala State Beverages Corporation, the sole wholesalers, has stocked its outlets and godowns with more than adequate stock.

"Last year during Onam week, we had sales of close to Rs.300 crore and this time we expect the sales to go up by a minimum 25 percent," said an official.

Textile shops too will expect spurt in sales. It is common for Malayalis to buy new pairs of clothes every Onam.  

Kochi Onam Regatta @ Bolghatty Palace

For more information visit the website

Coir Expo 2012

The 5 day Coir Expo 2012 will open at Marine Drive, Kochi on 4th Aug.The coir technology exhibition is set to showcase all the breakthroughs achieved by research organisations in the area.In addition to new technologies in coir the expo will also show case new products developed in the material.The expo is planned for 5 days.So if you are in God's own country in August,look up the Coir Expo, The garden products & floor coverings are quite something. Lookout for large players like Palm fibre too.