Kochi:
The Kerala Night Bazar is set to begin at Fort Kochi. The idea - of giving foreigners and Indian tourists a place to chill out, to shop for traditional Kerala items, savour the local delicacies, listen to music - basically to bring everything under one roof - has always been with its organiser Rene Thekkekara. For many years, the concept worked, when it was first brought by him at Varkala, Coconut Grove.
"It was organised on a much larger scale then," he says. The gathering happened twice or thrice a week and ran successfully for quite a few years. Then there was a financial crunch, and the whole thing was given a rest. But now, with the tourist season coming up, the Night Bazar is once again hoping to attract people between the months of December and April. The low-key launch was held on December 2 at YWCA, which will be the venue for the Bazar every Friday. Rene says that they might look out for a bigger venue later on, but for now, the organisers are testing waters.
All the same, there is enough chance of the concept clicking again, says Rene. "Fort Kochi is the tourist hub, and quite often, you see foreigners and others getting quite bored during evenings. So we thought why not have a platform for them to come and enjoy. We'll have rock bands, and all kinds of other entertainment. The idea is to showcase Kerala in all its glory to the tourists," he says.
Entry is free for all, including the local population. The organisers are aiming to make their profits through the various stalls that will be on display. From local crafts to food items to other touristy essentials, Rene says that his company is looking at giving a platform for those in Kochi to exhibit their wares and make an earning. "We're also looking at scenic cottages etc which people here might want to rent out for tourists. Normally, when tourists come, hotels and tour operators give them a fixed itinerary. The bazar will give them a wider variety," he says, adding that stalls will be chosen with care.
Cristelle Hart, of the Dil Se foundation, who inaugurated the event along with YWCA president Pamela John, says the initiative is welcome, considering the lack of entertainment in the evenings. Hart, a Swiss citizen, came here many years ago, and is now settled here with her husband, Ravi. She says foreigners will be on board, given that nothing of this kind is there in the city. Rene intends to take the idea further to Alappuzha, Varkala, Kovalam, Thekkady and Munnar in the future.