Latest news with #DialoguesCafé
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Books and brews bring Bengaluru together
A typical weekend in Bengaluru often finds its residents soaking in the city's rhythm — dancing to live music, unwinding at bustling breweries, or catching a cultural performance. But for those seeking a slower pace, the city offers quieter, more contemplative corners. One such haven is the growing number of book cafés — spaces where you can read, reflect, and leave feeling creatively recharged. 'BOOK CAFÉS ARE BECOMING SANCTUARIES WHERE IDEAS ARE SHARED' In an age where technology dominates daily life, book cafés offer a much-needed pause Udai Kiran, founder of Dialogues Café, has noticed a shift in what people seek from public spaces. 'Book cafés are becoming sanctuaries where ideas are shared, voices are heard, and creativity is nurtured. We're moving beyond mere transactions. I believe we'll see more hybrid spaces like this in the future — places that grow into true communities,' he explains. Prerna Prakash, store manager at Atta Galatta, believes in giving visitors the freedom to engage with the space in their way. 'Some come for conversation and company — and they'll find plenty of it here — but we're just as happy when someone tucks themselves into a corner and makes it their own,' she says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Candi: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru People often bring books to read while enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal, showing how naturally the two habits complement each other – Nathan Harris, co-owner of The Hole in The Wall 'EACH BOOK CAFÉ TELLS ITS OWN STORY' At Atta Galatta, the shelves are devoted entirely to Indian writing in both English and regional languages. Dialogues Café, on the other hand, has a more organic collection, with most books donated by patrons eager to share their favourites. The Hole in the Wall offers an eclectic mix — from fiction and autobiographies to nursery rhymes. 'BOOK CAFÉS OFFER A DIFFERENT VIBE ALTOGETHER' For many, book cafés offer an atmosphere unlike any other. Bengaluru-based author Sumaa Tekur explains, 'Book cafés have a more intellectual energy. Surrounded by books, you naturally slip into a reading mood. It's very different from regular cafés, where the focus is often on socialising or eating.' She adds that such spaces can help revive a stalled reading habit. 'At home, we all have our favourite reading spots. But sometimes you hit a wall. A new environment — shelves full of books, other readers lost in their pages — can give you that push to start reading again,' she says. For Fariha Jawed, a 32-year-old creative consultant, weekend visits to a book café are a cherished ritual. 'It's my go-to reset. I sit with my favourite drink, switch off from everything else, and leave feeling centred and creatively recharged.' My friend took me to a book café recently. I picked up a book at random and ended up finishing it before I left. Spaces like this remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place D Shravan, 29, a UI/UX designer in Bengaluru 'BENGALURU IS A CITY OF THINKERS AND DOERS' Bengaluru, according to Udai, is inherently a 'city of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.' He says, 'There's a natural curiosity here. People are always seeking new communities. But it's also a city that values calm, which is why book cafés fit so well. And sometimes, the experience can be transformative.'
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bengaluru cafés are turning into therapy zones
Gen-Z is finding ways to speak about mental health and get deeper into the process of healing, one meetup at a time, and it is Bengaluru's quaint cafés that seem to be opening doors for what can be called a 'movement' of sorts. From post-breakup blues to dealing with layoff-induced anxiety, these informal community hubs are becoming the unlikely sanctuaries for mental well-being. Here's a look: Wellness meetups at cafés Bengaluru's cafés aren't just about latte art and vegan bowls; they're now evolving into safe spaces for emotional expression. 'We host open mics, therapy talks, and mental health events, and we've had people aged from 18 to 60,' says Sneh Chawla, who helps organise events at Go Native. 'There's a shift. Earlier, therapy was seen as a last resort. Now, talking about it is a sign of strength, and these meetups destigmatise therapy in the best way,' she adds. Another such space in Bengaluru is Champaca, which is a book café that hosts sessions about mental health and overall well-being. Gen Z's online presence comes from the occasional misuse of therapy language. Terms like trauma bonding or gaslighting get thrown around casually. It's great that people are learning the language, but real understanding takes time. Guided sessions help people start conversations that our parents never dared to Bhavya Verma, psychotherapist 'Easy, affordable and meaningful' Not everyone can afford clinical therapy right away. That's why these drop-in models are important. They're affordable, accessible, and don't come with the intimidating formality of a clinic, says Bhavya, a practising therapist, who sees this shift as deeply meaningful. 'Therapy can feel isolating. You're changing, but your world around you isn't. These meetups offer a community, a place to realise you're not alone in the work,' she explains. 'No stigma of being judged by fellow participants' Udai Kiran, founder of Dialogues Café, one of the city's active community spaces, says, 'We've been hosting Listener Circles, which are informal, non-judgmental gatherings where people open up to strangers without fear of being judged. No feedback, no solutions, just listening, and for many, that's all they need.' While talking about how there has been awareness among Gen-Z about mental health, he says, 'If talking helps them feel better, they'll do it, and that's powerful. Around 60–70 per cent of those attending mental health circles and meetups are under the age of 30. These include teenagers as young as 15 to working professionals in their early 30s.' Around 60–70 per cent of those attending mental health circles and meetups are under the age of 30 - Udai Kiran, of Dialogues Café Dr Isha Maharana, a dentist, also hosts a monthly meetup series that explores different facets of emotional well-being. According to Isha, Gen Z is leading the charge. 'They draw boundaries, talk about therapy, recommend counsellors, and it's become a part of everyday language,' she says. 'When I was younger, we never spoke like this. But there's more to it than vocabulary. These meetups make people feel less alone. When someone shares a story, others realise that they're not the only one feeling this way, that's the beginning of healing,' she adds. These meetups make people feel less alone. When someone shares a story, others realise that they're not the only one feeling this way, that's the beginning of healing Dr Isha Maharana, dentist and participant The rise of art therapy Among the most popular formats now are art therapy sessions, where people gather to paint, sketch, or simply let their creativity speak. 'There are no rules, no expectations. Just colours and emotions. A lot of people say they haven't painted in years. But once they start, they don't want to stop,' shares one event organiser. 'It's not about what you create, but what you release.'
