A perfect weekend getaway

After a day of pondering over archived photographs, maps, engravings and portraits depicting the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia, contemporary art by various artists at the exhibition – 'Carrying Roots around' and a cinematic journey through Italian cities; get yourself ready as the second day i.e. October 8, of the 'Festival of the arts' at India International Centre (IIC) brings with it a day full of food, music and cinema.

At 11 am, one can witness the brilliance of the Mysore Brothers – Dr Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj. The sons and disciples of renowned violinist Prof. Mahadevappa were child prodigies who matured quickly to emerge as one of the top ranking violinists today. Their exceptional musical talents were first discovered at the age of 8 years when they stormed into the music world sweeping music lovers and critics off their feet with their extraordinary musical acumen and technical virtuosity.

After a harmonious duet, go and enjoy the flavours of Bihar at 1 pm, as Pooja Sahu of Pot Belly restaurant presents some exquisite yet simple dishes from the state which houses myriad monasteries.

Had a bite of Bihar? Now, travel to the streets of Italy. At precisely 2 pm, watch award-winning Quiet Bliss by Edoardo Winspeare, followed by Red Dessert by Michelangelo Antonioni at 4:15 pm.

Delve a bit into history and know how Mohan turned to Mahatma at 6:30 pm. Directed by Dr M. Sayeed Alam and presented by Pierrot's Troupe, this play marks the centenary of the Champaran Satyagraha – the defining symbol of Mahatma Gandhi's introduction to India and the country's first major revolt in the struggle for independence. The play opens with a 55 year – old Gandhi making notes of the Champaran Satyagraha for his autobiography, "My Experiments with Truth". Moving from the epoch making events of the movement, the arrival of a 47 year-old M.K. Gandhi sporting Kathiawadi attire in Patna on April 10, 1917; and his onward journey to Champaran and its successful culmination. The play portrays the Champaran Satyagraha not just as a political movement alone but also focuses on the larger and far reaching consequences of the movement in terms of social, education and economic reforms.

Wrap up your Sunday with a spicy dinner at 8 pm straight from the Tandoor by Chef Vijay Thukral and the staff of the IIC kitchen, followed by an evening show of Miracle in Milan, a 1950s film by Vittorio de Sica. The film revolves around Toto (Francesco Golisano), an orphan boy with a good, innocent approach to life, who joins a colony of beggars in a shack village on the outskirts of Milan.