This article on Cultural Spaces is written by Seemab Alam and�originally published on www.nazariya.in,� an initiative that is connecting rural India to metropolitan cities
How can one define culture?
Culture defiantly speaks about a lot of possible horizons. Culture is infinite. Culture is a way of living.
The current generations is living an exemplary life. With the touch of 1900s and the modernization of 2000s, this generation has become familiar with India’s culture.�But slowly, people�are losing touch with their roots, they are losing the significance of their background and adapting to a world that is�tech savvy, contemporary, and there’s a chance that we might just forget all that we are leaving behind.
Anthropologically speaking, the concept of culture is an idea of single importance, for it provides a set of principles to explain�and understand human behavior. And the concept of a cultural space that does that — boosts�our modern lifestyle and culture altogether.
Therefore, a cultural space is a space or a community which has its own sub culture and since India is abundant with its variant cultures, cultural spaces seem like a �very attractive idea.
These cultural spaces are a tourist attraction as well as a platform for people who are aware of the cultural heritage around them. �So far, India has been enriched with few amazing cultural spaces which aim to uphold the culture for people all over the world to experience and be a part of.
Here’s a list of some of the cultural spaces in India that have managed this are:
LAMAKAAN, HYDERABAD
Located in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Lamakaan (meaning the abode of homeless), Lamakaan is a space that inspires. It has become a modern’s addition to the city�s heritage and culture. Being a non-profit cultural center which provides space for events such as arts, literature, theatre, and music. Lamakaan was established in March 2010 by Ashhar Farhan, Humera Ahmed, Biju Mathew and Elahe Hiptoola. The day to day events are managed by Subbareddy Adapala.
Lamakaan has held concerts of local artists such as �Warsi Brothers, Ateeq Hussain and many other. It also hosts various book releases, plays, seminars and events such as Wikipedia meetups. It also acts as an open liberal space, where people can get together every once in a while. Lamakaan is certainly an important part of Hyderabad’s creative coterie.
About Lamakaan
Address Near GVK One, Road 5, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Contact number +91 9642731329
Opening hours 10 am to 10 pm
Entry charges ticket for any events does not exceed Rs.100/
Web Address: www.lamakaan.com
SARAYA ECOSTAY, GOA
Saraya is beautiful cultural space in Sangolda in the heart of Goa. Saraya is a Sanskrit word meaning �to begin, to flow.� It is a space where creativity, art, culture, food and eco-living flows without restrain. It�s designed by Deeksha Thind,�who is also the owner�of Saraya, triples as a chef and architect of the place.
Saraya is a confluence of artistic minds and energies. The main attraction is the 300 year old Portuguese house, which also serves as an art gallery where artists, sculptors, writers, musicians and theatre groups gather to�promote the local culture. Besides this, Saraya also holds many workshops on Satori music, Prana movements among other things. Also Saraya provides a stunning outdoor caf� with serves�delicious food. The rents start from Rs.500 to Rs.1500 depending on the rooms.
About Saraya
Address House #64, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa, 403511
Contact +91 8888926811, email- [email protected]
Opening hours 5 pm to 11pm
Cost Rs.600 for two people approx.
Web address https://saraya.in
STUDIO SAFDAR, NEW DELHI
A non-funded cultural space in the capital established in 2012 by Jana Natya Manch (Janam)- one of India�s leading political street theatre groups. Taken care by Studio Safdar Trust, this is a place dedicated to creating an alternative and affordable space in Delhi for enactment and experimenting with art. Studio Safdar mainly supports activities which are involved with the exploration of multiple intersections of communities and politics.
Studio Safdar is platform which is perfect in order to discuss social issues and talk about the fading cultures and how they can be brought back in the society.
Studio Safdar is type of cultural space which is promoting theatre in an era where people are more inclined towards movies. Great effort by trust is resulting in something so good as Studio Safdar is a hope for all the theatre groups around Delhi.
About Studio Safdar
Address 2254/2A Shadi Khampur, Guru Nanak Nagar, New Ranjeet Nagar, New Delhi-110008
Contact +91 9818386114| 011 2570 9456
Opening hours 11am to 8pm
Entry charges FREE
Website: www.studiosafdar.com
SHILPARAMAM,HYDERABAD
From Indian pottery to plethora of weaves, woodwork, jewelry, clothes and local crafts of each region of the country, Shilparamam is a fantasy of India�s diversity and talent. Established in 1992, Shilparamam is spread over 65 acres in Madhapur.
This cultural space is regarded as a never ending cycle of festivals of arts and crafts which presents ethnic art, crafts and skills of the rural folk from all parts of the country.
The most interesting part of Shilparamam is its rural museum. It is the epitome of classic Indian village depicting rural and tribal lifestyles. It is also a window for the city dwellers and people around the world for people to experience rural India.
However, Shilparamam is Hyderabad�s tribute to India�s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
About Shilparamam
Address Hi Tech City Main Road, Madhapur, Near Cyber Towers, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Contact no +91 4064518164
Opening Hours 10:30 am to 8pm
Entry Charges For Adults INR 40 and for Children INR 20
Website www.shilparamam.in
CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE,�INJAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI
Smriti Nandan Cultural Centre is a perfect example of alliance between culture and modernity. The mainstream focus of this center is directed towards preserving the traditions and cultures for the present as well as future generations. They�ve evolved traditions and new legends of music, art, design, theatre, craft and beauty for the people of Bangalore to experience the culture they�ve been leaving behind.
Every month, Smriti Nandan conducts cultural programs which are focused on�philosophy and spirituality, folk theatre, literary events, designing, Film making, music, craft, art, dance etc.
About Smriti Nandan Cultural Center
Address 15/3, Palace Rd, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052
Contact No 080 2225 8091
Opening hours Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Charges Rs.150 (including one house drink)
Website www.smritinandan.org
Hence. these cultural spaces are testimonial that modern India cares about its rich heritage and culture, and wants to share it with the rest of the world. Visit a cultural space today and tell us what you think.