Latest news with #Lucknowites
Time of India
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- 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
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Metro milestone: PIB green lights East-West corridor in Lucknow
LUCKNOW Eight years after the successful launch of its first phase in September 2017, the Lucknow Metro has reached a new milestone. Its Phase1B, which includes the East-West Corridor, has received clearance from the Public Investment Board (PIB), paving way for the next major expansion of the city's metro rail network. The proposed corridor will extend from Charbagh to Vasant Kunj, addressing the transit needs of many densely populated and historically significant areas. This approval marks a turning point in the growth of public transport infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh's capital, as the project now moves closer to receiving the final green light from the Union cabinet. The East-West corridor spans approximately 11.165 km, featuring both elevated and underground sections. Specifically, 4.286 km will be elevated, while 6.879 km will run underground. The line will host 12 stations — seven underground and five elevated—providing greater accessibility across the city. The corridor will start at Charbagh, a crucial transit hub, and end at Vasant Kunj, an emerging residential area. The estimated cost of the project is ₹5,801 crore, and construction is expected to be completed within five years of commencement. A major highlight of the East-West Corridor is its planned integration with the existing North-South Corridor at Charbagh Metro station. This interchange will significantly enhance passenger convenience, enabling smoother transitions between corridors . Currently, Lucknow Metro operates along a 23-km North-South Corridor, connecting the CCS Airport to Munshipulia, with 21 stations. The new addition will extend the total metro network to 35 km, offering better coverage and accessibility. The detailed project report (DPR) for this corridor was approved by the UP government in March 2024. The Network Planning Group (NPG) at the central level cleared the project on July 9. The PIB meeting that led to this clearance was chaired by the Union finance secretary and took place earlier this month in Delhi. The official communication about PIB approval was received by Lucknow Metro authorities on Wednesday. UPMRC has already completed substantial groundwork and compiled key research data, ensuring that the project is ready to roll into its construction phase as soon as final approval from the Union cabinet is granted. An official of Lucknow Metro said, ' UPMRC can start work on the route as soon as the cabinet gives clearance.' UP Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) MD Sushil Kumar expressed his optimism and commitment on the development. 'This expansion will provide Lucknowites with a world-class transit system, particularly in areas that are currently congested and underserved,' he said. 'It will also enhance connectivity to Old Lucknow's rich heritage and boost access to tourism and employment opportunities.' 12 STATIONS ALONG EAST-WEST CORRIDOR UNDERGROUND STATIONS: Charbagh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Aminabad, Pandeyganj, City Railway Station, Medical Chauraha, Chowk ELEVATED STATIONS: Thakurganj, Balaganj, Sarfarazganj, Moosabagh, Vasant Kunj. These stations have been carefully planned to serve some of the city's most vital areas. Old Lucknow locations like Aminabad, Chowk, and Thakurganj — known for their heritage, commerce, and cultural value — will now be connected via a fast, safe, and efficient transit system.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
‘Missed Kohli in action, but country first': Fans after IPL match deferred in Lucknow
LUCKNOW For the second time in five years, Lucknowites on Friday missed watching star cricketer Virat Kohli live in action at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow after the IPL match between hosts Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was postponed in wake of BCCI suspending the tournament for a week. In March 2020, Team India's second ODI against South Africa was also cancelled at the eleventh hour even after the arrival of the two teams in Lucknow due to Covid-19. The LSG-RCB match was scheduled to start at 7.30pm on Friday. Around 1pm, the BCCI suspended the remainder of the ongoing tournament for a week and also announced that further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with authorities and stakeholders. A huge crowd of fans gathered outside the Ekana stadium to cross-check the postponement of Friday's match. After knowing the update, they started shouting anti-Pakistan slogans like 'Pakistan Murdabad, Indian Army Zindabad', 'Narendra Modi Zindabad', etc. 'We are certainly missing our hero Virat Kohli live in action, but at the same time we are proud to be Indians. For us, nation comes first and cricket is not above the country,' said Tabrez, a fan. 'I got the match ticket a month ago and till last night, I was excited about seeing Kohli live in action for the first time. But this afternoon, I came to know about the postponement of the match. It is disappointing, but for me the country is more important than the match,' added another fan, Rashid. Similar sentiments were echoed by other fans from Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) and Nepal, etc. But a group of about 30-40 vendors, selling T-shirts, caps and other merchandise on the roads outside the Ekana stadium, also suffered a setback due to the match postponement. Most of them said they suffered losses between ₹25,000 and ₹65,000, as they were expecting a huge turnout. 'Even yesterday, I sold T-shirts and caps, mentioning RCB and Virat Kohli worth ₹13,000 and was expecting a sell-out today. But this sudden postponement hit my plans hard,' said one Sukant Banerjee, who came all the way from West Bengal. 'I have been a regular from Kolkata during IPL matches and it's been an annual business trip not only for me but for many like me from the region,' said Banerjee, who also makes jerseys for fans during the football derby in Kolkata. Another vendor, Satya, from Tamil Nadu also looked disappointed with the postponement of RCB-LSG match but said that country comes first for him too. 'No worries even if I lose a few thousand in my business. If our country is safe, I will make more money in future. I also stand by the Indian Army and government for action against Pakistan, which is spreading terrorism in India,' he added. Food vendors, in and outside the stadium, were also a dejected lot. 'I spent heavily on raw materials for the supply of eatables to fans during the match and now all these things will go waste,' said one Rajkumar, adding, 'Ever since the postponement of the match, I am not allowed to enter the stadium where my things are lying unattended.'
