Every brick in the 115-year-old Serendipity Delhi haveli in Chattarpur clutches a sliver of history within its fold. Once a forgotten piece of ramshackle edifice, it today serves as a cauldron of art and cultural activities. Most recently, it is proposing a toast to the art, design and music of modern times in a festival called Color me Autumn, that celebrates the haveli life along with all things that are Indian and unique.
The two-day festival puts together designers and artists including Artisau, Chicory Chai, Dhora, Nimai, Craftboat, Sreya Samanta, Khara Kapas and more. At dusk, the terrace opens to baithaks with music reverberating through the old but strong walls of the haveli that was completely restored in 2014. “The art and design scene in India has exploded in the last few years.
The need for self-expression and a growing sense of individuality are precursors for all the activity and growth in these fields today. We support the changing times, and this festival does the same,” says Kuldeep Kaur, the curator and owner of Serendipity Delhi. It’s not just havelis that she is passionate about. Her appreciation stretches to homes of zamindars, roads in Morocco and courts of kings.
On October 7, Puqaar Diaries: Jaisalmer and Barmer, a folk music documentary will be screened. A folk performance by the artists of the film follows. On October 8, the band Shadow & Light, will bring sounds of India to the stage. On the side, Sufi and folk music with unusual instruments will be included. The walls of the haveli will witness yet another episode in its illustrious legacy.
Color Me Autumn: October 7 and 8, from 11 am to 9 pm (display and sale of products); 7.30 pm to 9 pm (musical performances), at Serendipity Delhi, 238/4, Jonapur, Chattarpur, Mandi Road. Entry free.