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Time of India

City's new weekend vibe: Immersive activities take center stage

An immersive activity that has become a favourite among city residents is the sketch meet Lucknowites have shaken up their weekend routines by choosing immersive activities instead of the usual brunch and bazaar scene. From shaping clay to stretching into silks and immersing in dance movement, the city is leaning into a slower, more intentional weekend rhythm. BCCL It's in the air Beyond art, many are turning to aerial yoga for a physical and emotional reset. Using silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling, this practice is said to offer a balance of strength, flexibility, and breathwork. 'Aerial yoga is not just fitness, it's soul work,' says Heena Badlani, founder of a wellness studio in the city. She adds, 'It's a space to stretch both the body and the mind. People now want weekends that leave a lasting impact, which is why these practices are gaining popularity. ' BCCL Why it's catching on At a time when life is often in overdrive, more people are choosing activities that bring joy and a sense of inner calm in their life. 'Life is always in a rush,' says Shreya, a regular participant of a wellness studio. 'Weekends are now about taking a pause, going out with your friends and doing something that feels good for both the body and mind,' she adds. These creative weekend gatherings are places where you can walk in alone and leave with making new friends. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo It's not just about crafting it's about community. The inclusive and relaxed vibe makes these activities ideal for solo participants, friend groups or families looking to do something different, alonne or together on the weekend. — Prince, co-founder of a creative studio BCCL Sketch & chill An immersive activity that has become a favourite among city residents is the sketch meet, part of a global community of sketching enthusiasts who practice live sketching on location in the cities and towns where they live or travel. Mishti, founder of the Lucknow chapter, who organises these weekly meets, shares about the activity and says, 'Every Sunday morning, people from diverse walks of life gather at different historical spots and cafes around the city to do live sketching. What started as a small group has now grown into a vibrant community of art lovers. It's like a weekend activity where members sketch, paint, doodle and keep the artist within them alive. The participants have said the activity brings them calm, positivity, creativity and focus.' BCCL Play with clay Among the most popular weekend escapes is pottery, a practice as meditative as it is creative. Studios around the city now offer pottery and clay workshops where you can throw on the wheel, paint terracotta, or enjoy the art of pottery. 'Clay grounds you. It's a slow, mindful process, and that's what people crave now,' says Sonali, founder of a pottery studio in Lucknow. 'Pottery workshops are for everyone from beginners to seasoned art lovers. People cherish the joy of creating something with their hands and taking it back as a memory,' she adds. For those seeking a more personal touch, handprint-based clay Impressions sessions have become a favourite. Couples, friends, and families imprint handprints and messages onto clay slabs, which are later framed as keepsakes. BCCL Playtime for city folk Lucknow's new-age studios are also creating space for social connection and creative expression through playful, hands-on activities. The city residents can enjoy distinguishing activities like tote bag painting, pasta-making, charming jewellery DIYs, canvas art and even Murder Mystery Nights. 'These creative weekend gatherings are places where you can walk alone and leave with making new friends,' says Prince, co-founder of a creative studio. 'It's not just about crafting it's about community. The inclusive and relaxed vibe makes these activities ideal for solo participants, friend groups, or families looking to do something different together on the weekend,' he adds. BCCL A unique movement Fitness in the city is also evolving. More people are now turning to Creative Movement and Dance Therapy sessions to take care of both their bodies and their emotional well-being. 'Creative movement and dance therapy bridge movement with well-being,' says Gurleen, a dance educator and founder of a dance studio. She adds, 'It's about emotional regulation, creative expression and being present in your body. City folk are enjoying detoxing through these movement activities. ' Gone are the days when weekends were just about malls or restaurants. Now, meet-ups feel meaningful, doing activities where you create something to take back home. My friends and I have even changed our usual hangout spots to spend our weekends – A frequent visitor to a pottery studio speaking of her experience BCCL Such immersive activities are the best stress busters apart from pets. It's like indulging in a hobby. I love cooking but can't do it during week days. Such activities help me indulge in something I love which is highly satisfying. I highly recommend such weekend activities – Kshitij, vice president of a corporate house who's joined a pasta-making class A quick guide to weekend activities in Lucknow ACTIVITY WHERE FEE Pottery Workshops Moh– The Earthy Tale ₹1250–₹1750 per session Terracotta Painting & Wall Art Moh – The Earthy Tale ₹950 per session Clay Impressions (Framed Keepsake) Moh – The Earthy Tale ₹3000 per session Clay Workshop & Pottery Ohm Pottery Studio Price on request Aerial Yoga + Dance Movement Therapy Svasa Wellness ₹8000 per month DIY Painting , Crafts & Murder Mystery Nights Melon Studio ₹500–₹1000 per session Creative Dance Movement (Ages 4–14) The Aad Studio ₹2500 for 10-day workshop -Amina Ashraf