Journalism of Courage
Cha Hut Bar presents that rare opportunity – to sip a hot
cuppa while looking out at Mulshi valley
Conceptualised by Devika Nadig,the tea bar is essentially the long-winding verandah of her house at Girivan Hills. The wooden-floored space has been spruced up with an eclectic mix of decor items – there are hanging kettles,jhoolas with intricately-woven spreads,cushions,warli wall frames,street-lamp style lights with creeper plants hugging them and photo books to browse through.
On the nippy February 4 evening,Cha Hut had an official launch party. Egging on the celebrations was a Taal Inc. drum circle at the open-air amphitheatre. Thumping sounds of djembes rose in the air. In the few moments of meditative silence that the conductor Varun Venkit encouraged,one could almost hear the sounds of dusk around. When the drummers dispersed,a group of abhang performers took to the small stage. “We have two temples in Girivan here where some local villagers sing abhangs. They are here to perform for us tonight,” Nadig announced. Dinner was served to the performance of the dholak and the cymbals.
Cha Hut,a good play on the Hindi word ‘chahat’,aims to be a weekend hangout for tea-lovers. The menu is still in the works,and will include basic snacks as well. “For now,we have the basic varieties of Darjeeling,Assam and other teas. I am working with a friend to introduce many more variations with fruits,” says Nadig,who wanted to share her family’s fascination for the beverage with more people. “I wanted to do something different from what is already there,” she says.
