Toyota sells six million hybrid cars globally as of December 31, 2013

Toyota Motor Corporation announces that cumulative global sales of its hybrid vehicles topped the six million unit mark as of December 31, 2013 reaching 6.072 million units, according to a company statement. The latest million-unit milestone was achieved in the fastest time yet for Toyota, taking just nine months.

Based on its belief that environment-friendly vehicles can only truly have a positive impact if they are widely used, Toyota has endeavoured to encourage the mass-market adoption of hybrid vehicles.
As of this month, Toyota sells 24 hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid model in approximately 80 countries and regions around the world. Furthermore, within the next two years, Toyota will launch a total of 15 new hybrid vehicles worldwide. Toyota will continue augmenting its product lineup even further and increasing the number of countries and regions where it sells hybrid vehicles.
Toyota calculates that as of December 31, 2013 Toyota hybrid vehicles2 have resulted in approximately 41 million fewer tones of CO2 emissions—believed to be a cause of global warming—than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance. Toyota also estimates that its hybrid vehicles have saved approximately 15 million kiloliters of gasoline compared to the amount used by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size.
In August 1997 in Japan, Toyota launched the “Coaster Hybrid EV” and launched the “Prius”—the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle—in December.  Since then, Toyota hybrid vehicles have received tremendous support from consumers around the world.
Toyota has positioned hybrid technologies that enable the use of different fuel combinations, including the component technologies necessary for development of various environment-friendly cars, as core environmental technologies for the twenty-first century. Toyota therefore plans to continue working to raise performance, reduce costs, and expand its product lineup—including that of non-hybrid environment-friendly vehicles—to create vehicles that are popular with consumers.
Including plug-in hybrid vehicles; Toyota data
Excluding the Coaster Hybrid EV and Quick Delivery 200
Number of registered vehicles × distance traveled × fuel efficiency (actual fuel efficiency in each country) × CO2 conversion factor.

TMC Hybrid Vehicle Chronology

Year	Month	Milestone
1997	Mar.	Toyota Hybrid System (THS) unveiled
	Aug.	Coaster Hybrid EV launched (Japan only)
	Oct.	Prius unveiled (launched in December)
2000	Nov.	Cumulative global Prius sales top 50,000 vehicles
2001	Jun.	Estima Hybrid launched (Japan only)
	Aug.	Crown Royal series with Mild Hybrid System launched (Japan only)
2002	Mar.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 100,000 mark
	Aug.	Cumulative global Prius sales top 100,000 vehicles
	Oct.	Crown Sedan with Mild Hybrid System launched (Japan only)
2003	Apr.	Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) unveiled
	Jul.	Alphard Hybrid launched (Japan only)
	Sep.	Completely redesigned second-generation Prius launched
		Dyna Hybrid and Toyoace Hybrid unveiled (launched in November; Japan only)
2005	Mar.	Harrier Hybrid (Lexus RX 400h) and Kluger Hybrid (Highlander Hybrid) launched
	Oct.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 500,000 mark
	Dec.	Second-generation Prius production commenced at SFTM’s Changchun plant in China
2006	Mar.	Lexus GS 450h launched
	Apr.	Cumulative global Prius sales top 500,000 vehicles
	May	Camry Hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Jun.	Completely redesigned Estima Hybrid launched (Japan only)
	Oct.	Camry Hybrid production commenced at Kentucky Plant in the U.S.; Quick Delivery 200 launched (Japan only)
2007	May	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 1 million mark; Lexus LS 600h/LS 600hL launched
2008	Feb.	Crown Hybrid unveiled (launched in May; Japan only)
	Apr.	Cumulative global Prius sales top 1 million vehicles
2009	Jan.	Lexus RX 450h unveiled (launched in April)
	May	Completely redesigned third-generation Prius launched
	Jul.	Camry Hybrid production commenced at TMT’s Gateway Plant, Thailand; HS 250h launched
	Aug.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 2 million mark
	Oct.	Sai unveiled (launched in December, Japan only)
	Dec.	Camry Hybrid production commenced at TMCA’s Altona Plant, Australia
2010	Apr.	Camry Hybrid production commenced at GTMC’s plant in China
	Jun.	Auris Hybrid production commenced at TMUK’s Burnaston Plant, UK; Auris Hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Jul.	Cumulative sales in Japan of hybrids top 1 million vehicles
	Sep.	Cumulative global Prius sales top 2 million vehicles
	Nov.	Third-generation Prius production commenced at TMT’s Gateway Plant, Thailand
2011	Jan.	Annual Prius sales in Japan of new vehicles in 2010 were 315,669 vehicles, the largest amount of annual sales ever recorded; Lexus CT 200h launched
	Feb.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 3 million mark
	May	Prius α launched
	Aug.	Prius sales in Japan top 1 million mark
	Sep.	Completely redesigned Camry Hybrid launched in Japan; Alphard Hybrid and Vellfire Hybrid unveiled (launched in November, Japan only)
	Oct.	TMEC of China conducts cornerstone laying ceremony and announces plan to produce and sell vehicles with hybrid systems produced in China jointly with China FAW Group and GTMC around 2015
	Nov.	Prius PHV unveiled (launched in January 2012 in Japan, in March 2012 in the U.S., in the summer of 2012 in Europe)
	Dec.	Production of third-generation Prius commenced at SFTM’s Changchun Plant in China; Aqua launched
2012	Jan.	Completely redesigned Lexus GS 450h unveiled (launched in March)
	Feb.	Start of Highlander Hybrid production at Indiana Plant in the U.S. in the second half of 2013 announced
		Production and sale of Camry Hybrid in Kuozui’s Kuanying Plant, Taiwan commenced
	Apr.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 4 million mark
	May	Yaris Hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Jul.	Start of Lexus RX 450h production at TMMC’s Cambridge Plant in early 2014 announced; Lexus ES 300h launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Oct.	Cumulative hybrid vehicle sales in Japan top 2 million mark
		Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales from January through October 2012 top 1 million mark
	Nov.	Completely redesigned Auris Hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
	Dec.	Completely redesigned Crown hybrid unveiled (launched in January 2013, Japan only); Avalon hybrid launched (for sale outside Japan)
2013	Mar.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 5 million mark
	May	Lexus IS 300h launched
	Aug.	Corolla Axio Hybrid and Corolla Fielder Hybrid launched
	Sep.	Crown Majesta (only hybrid version available) launched
	Oct.	Lexus GS 300h launched
	Nov.	Completely redesigned Harrier Hybrid unveiled (launched in January 2014)
	Dec.	Cumulative global hybrid vehicle sales top 6 million mark

Camphor Cinema crew of ‘Ramanujan’ remembers the mathematical wizard on his 126th Birthday, on December 22, 2013

Cast/Crew of the English-Tamil Biopic ‘Ramanujan’ remembers the Math Genius on his 126th Birthday, December 22, 2013
With no formal training in pure mathematics, Srinivasa Ramanujan made significant and extraordinary contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.

During his short lifetime, Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3,900 results mostly focusing on identities and equations and nearly all his claims have now been proven correct. On December 2011, in recognition of his contribution to mathematics, the Government of India declared that Ramanujan’s birthday i.e. 22 December should be celebrated every year as National Mathematics Day, noted a statement issued by Camphor cinema,

Proud to be making a film on the unsung hero, director Gnana Rajasekaran says: “Ramanujan’s skills in mathematics were stupendous since he was a young boy, but instead of being celebrated for his talent, he suffered due to lack of recognition by society and academia. He carried his skill like a cross throughout his life. That is what pushed me to make a movie about him. Ramanujan’s life is relevant to society today: how do we treat our geniuses, do we understand them or push them to madness, poverty and suffering?… These are the questions Ramanujan’s life answers.It’s an honour to have made a film on the math genius”.
Rekha’s step nephew ‘Abhinay Vaddi’ who plays the role of the genius mathematician in the English- Tamil Biopic said: “Srinivasa Ramanujan’s is one of the most romantic stories in the history of mathematics. Playing this important role on celluloid about a common man with a natural talent who was determined to follow his passion breaking all norms and conventions was a dream come true for me”.

Suhasini Maniratnam said: “Ramanujan is an unsung genius but I don’t think he cared about recognition and adulation which made him a class apart…playing his mother is one of the best achievements in my life. The character I  play is easily one out of the best 10 roles in my 285 films acting career”. Sharanyan Nadathur, producer – Camphor Cinema pointed out: “We wish that our movie would inspire parents to identify the hidden talent in their children and motivate them to pursue their passion, no matter how tough the path to success is”.
Sushant Desai, producer – Camphor Cinema said: “Ramanujan’s journey from British India to England in search of recognition is an extraordinary story. It is a tale of perseverance against all odds. Our film is a tribute to the great genius and 22nd December being Ramanujan’s birthday is a very special day for the entire cast and crew of our film”. On Ramanujan’s birthday, the Tamil version of the film’s poster will be released.

Mood Indigo, annual cultural festival to be held at IIT Bombay Powai from December 20-23, 2013

Mood Indigo or MoodI as it is fondly called, is an annual cultural festival of IIT Bombay. Held towards the end of December, every year, it attracts a whopping 88000 students from 700 colleges all over the country, according to the press statement.

MoodI has been the trend setter for various festivals in the country. This year, the favorite fest is going to be more innovative, more crazy, more creative, more fun and more awesome than ever. Also this year there will be major participation from world over specially South Korea, China, and other south Asian countries etc. Its objective is to be a part of this event is to give the youth a glimpse of our highly uber personalised gifts. Being a prestigious event, it will help us with the desired mileage and help in brand building.

Our gifts are meant for celebration any occasion i.e birthdays, anniversary, graduation, mother’s day, valentine day etc for the near and dear ones. Today gifting is a part of youth’s lifestyle and it believes this will be the right platform to create more awareness about uber personalised gifting vis-a viz personalised /generalised gifting.
The event will have a kiosk where they will display its gifts and also sell them at a discounted rate for the students. This event will be held at IIT Bombay Powai from December 20th-23, 2013. Being one of the key sponsor’s Mood Indigo has distributed some free goodie bags with MI and GiftisAha brand.
“Our aim is to participate more in similar kind of prestigious events and also believe we will get the right set of young people to join our team to build our online portal and take it to the next level”, a senior official said.

Sunny Leonne Sizzles the ramp for Designer Mayyur R Girotra at Ramola Bachchan’s Runway Rising on December 14, 2013

One of the most celebrated fashion designers, Mayyur R Girotra, showcased his finest ‘Jamevar’ collection at Ramola Bachchan’s ‘Runway Rising’, 2013. Amidst glitz, glamour, music and style, bollywood’s new diva Sunny Leone set the ramp on fire along  on December 14, 2013, New Delhi, according to a company statement.

While speaking on the occasion, Girotra said: “It is an immense pleasure to be part of Ramola’s show. ‘Runway rising’ gained immediate popularity after its 1st edition. This time the fashion show along with the exhibition was cherry on the cake, audience had a great time watching it. Besides, I had rope in the very sensuous Sunny Leone . Sunny looked absolutely stunning and gorgeous in the red lehenga. She is indeed a true diva! I am extremely grateful to her for being a part of my show and making it so glamorous and worthwhile”.

The collection included gorgeous sarees, fascinating gowns, alluring lehengas etc. The peppy – evening affair also witnessed some of the biggest socialites and power women’s of Delhi including Neelam Pratap Rudy, golfer; Rachna Sharma, COO lebua hotels and resorts; Anukant Dubey, wife of MP Nishikant Dubey’s wife and many more gracing the ramp for designer Mayyur.

Weaving together the threads of extravagance and expert design, Mayyur Girotra pushes the envelope of high fashion as he concocts a diverse collection of Indian bridal couture that is truly fit for Kings.

A rapidly emerging couturier, Mayyur breaks free from conventions and rules to spell magic with his work in Indian festive dressing. Be it a girdled fishnet skirt with an embellished corset blouse or asymmetrical embroidered coats paired with pencil trousers.

Deeply guilty of being involved in a long love affair with fine art and designing, Mayyur takes inspiration from the vibrant hues of Indian weddings and lends the bride a special glow. Following in the footsteps of his mother Riimple,

Mayyur launched his label in 2009 and in this little time has quickly grown as a custodian of Indian textiles and embroidery. The designer is devoted to lending Indian couture a new chic statement –imbuing a touch of royal blue to the essence of all his outfits.

Sensual gowns in the finest chiffon, graceful flowing anarkalis with impeccably intricate thread work and gorgeous Victorian jackets in opulent reshum and zardozi adaptations – the collection rivets on a harmonious amalgamation of Victorian ideas with Indian sensibilities.

A deep study of the architecture as well as thread work in the royal destinations of India, such as City Palace Jaipur, Amir Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and more has greatly influenced the outcome of his irresistible gowns and stunning lehengas.

He also designs trendy chunky accessories every modern woman would aspire to wear!

Having been part of several successful platforms such as Lakme Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Bride Show, Blenders Pride Fashion Week, Kolkata Fashion Week and many more, Mayyur has also had the honour of being picked by Maharaj Narender Singh, son in law of the late Maharaja Bhawani Singh of Jaipur, to redesign the official uniform for the Royal Polo Team of India. Not only did he work his magic on the Polo T-shirts, Mayyur also designed for the team formal breeches and achkans which may be worn off the field with exquisite style and panache.

Mayyur preserves style and taste as he nips and tucks for today’s bride who desires comfort, class and most importantly, culture.

More images

Vodafone Foundation to launch the book, ‘Women of Pure Wonder’ in New Delhi on December 4, 2013

In recent times, very few issues have been raised as vociferously in media as that of women empowerment and women’s rights. There have been many reports where women have not been given due recognition, or have been victims and the wronged. In all this gloom, we miss stories of hope, accomplishments and triumphs. However there does exist a parallel universe where women are empowered and defining new stories of success.

Vodafone Foundation, which considers women empowerment a key focus area, takes the opportunity to salute the achievements of sixty such empowered women with the launch of the book – ‘Women of Pure Wonder’, in New Delhi on December 4, 2013. According to a statement issued by the foundation, attempts to chronicle the struggle, survival and ultimate success of these real women, who have extraordinary accomplishments. Vodafone Foundation will donate the proceeds from the sale of the book to empower girls from the Naz Foundation. ‘Women of Pure Wonder’ is the Vodafone Foundation’s tribute to the indomitable spirit of these women, who are a shining example of what a strong will and determination can achieve against the odds.
“We are putting our best foot forward to support a cause dear to our heart and one that empowers generations. All of this effort is incomplete without your support. Please do visit the Facebook page Vodafone Foundation India, follow Twitter handle @VodafoneIN_Fdtn and do share the good word, apart from re-tweeting the hashtag #WomenOfPureWonder and ‘liking’ the Facebook page. Your support in our goal to make every woman feel proud and confident about herself will be of immeasurable help”, added the statement.

Second Mumbai Film and Comic Con to be held at Bombay Exhibition Centre Goregaon between December 21-22, 2013

The second edition of ‘Mumbai Film and Comics Convention’, an event dedicated to comics, films and everything in between is all set to enthuse fans in Mumbai by bringing one of the biggest pop culture event of the year.. the second Mumbai Film and Comic Con is going to be held between December 21-22’ 2013 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.

With the increasing synergy between films and comics, Comic Con India found Mumbai to be the ideal place to introduce the brand new convention, and introduced ‘Mumbai Film & Comics Convention’ last year.

Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India, shared, “We head in to our 3rd year in Mumbai bigger & better than ever before! This is the biggest convention we have ever organized, with tons of new exhibitors, activities and exclusives! We hope to party all weekend with Mumbaikars this December!.”

Comic Con India as always is planning a whole slew of activities for Mumbai Film and Comics Convention (MFCC), ranging from workshops to interactive sessions, display and sale of a wide range of comics & merchandise, special corners for creating comics and cartoons, Cosplay, Contests, Book launches and lots more with an aim to promote and bring together local, national and international talent in India to generate more interest among fans.

Cosplay(costume contest),one of the major attractions at Comic Con India, will be more appealing than ever! As it’s Mumbai Film and Comic Con, people will not only get to dress up as their favourite comic character but their favourite movie actor/character as well. Comic Con India will continue to give assured prizes to everyone in costume, but now there are 5 categories that have been created to increase one’s chances of winning gifts. Each day, one winner will be chosen from each of five categories:

1. Comic book/graphic novel

2. Animated Series/Movie

3. Manga/Anime

4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy

5. Gaming

Both days, One lucky winner out of the chosen 5 will get the awesome chance to win GOLDEN TICKET TO SINGAPORE TOY, GAME AND COMIC CONVENTION 2014.

There are going to be special sessions with the leading artists and writers in the country. There will be special Screening of Burka Avenger followed by question and answer with its creator. An exclusive movie session has been planned with Tere Bin Laden Sequel Cast (Manish Paul & Pradyuman Singh) and Abhishek Sharma (Director) for the movie fans at the convention.

There will more than ten new titles to be launched at the convention. Few book launches to look out for are Gandhi by Campfire, Shiva – Book III by Vimanika Publishing, The Skull Rosary by Holy Cow Entertainment, Tinkle Hindi Collections by Amar Chitra Katha Publishing, Zombie Rising by Chariot Comics which will be launched by special guest – Luke Kenny (VJ on Channel V and Actor, Rock On) and Munkeeman 3 by Pop Culture Publishing which has been planned to be launched by Creator Abhishek Sharma (Director of Tere Bin Laden) and Special Guest Manish Paul (Actor, Mickey Virus).

Also, ‘Wonder Bai’ will be relaunched in a brand new avatar at Mumbai, as the city’s convention’s official mascot. The main participants for the Mumbai Film and Comic Con are Amar Chitra Katha, Vimanika Edutainment, Pop Culture Publishing, Manta Ray Comics, Holy Cow Entertainment, Chariot Comics, Campfire Graphic Novels, Macmillan Publishing, Harper Collins Publishers India, Mario Miranda Gallery, Orange Radius, DC Comics by Random House India, Meta Desi Comics, Scholastic India, Marvel and Diamond Select Toys.

Comic Con India is a unique event celebrating the illustrated medium, which brings together the whole comics industry and related fields such as Merchandise, Toys, Games, Films and Animation, along with fans of this culture from all age groups. Now, after years, the comics’ community in India has a platform where they can meet and interact.

Sales and footfall

At the first Comic Con India in Feb’11, the turnout was approx. 20000 and Sales touched 25,00,000 in just two days. At the Comic Con Express Mumbai, the travelling version of Annual Indian Comics  Convention that took place in October ’11, the turnout was around 12,000 and Sales touched 30,00,000 in two days. AT the second Comic Con India that took place in February this year, the response was humungous with the footfall touching 35,000 and sales scaling 50,00,000 in three days.

Last year the traveling version of Comic Con India went to a new city – the Technology capital of India – Bangalore in September 2012, the turnout was 35,000 and the sales crossed over 65,00,000 in two days. At the first ever ‘Mumbai Film and Comic Con’ that took place last year in Mumbai in Octtober last year, the turnout was an estimated 26,000 and the sales crossed over 45,00,000 in just two days.

At the third Comic Con India that took place in February this year, the response was tremendous, footfall touched 50,000 and sales touched one crore in a matter of three days. At the first ever annual ‘Bangalore Comic Con’ that took place in the south India city in June this year, the turnout was about 62,000 and the sales touched 1.25 crore in two days. Adding a new city to the travelling version, The Comic Con Express went to Hyderabad in Sept’13, and the response was overwhelming. At Hyderabad, the turnout was 25,000 and the sales touched 75,00,000 in mere two days.

Lenka Kripac, Divas of Rock to perform at Taj Club House Chennai on November 24, 2013

Giving all music enthusiasts a reason to rejoice, Vivanta by Taj is back with its annual property ‘Divas of Rock’ in association with VH1, Sony Music and Rolling Stone, a statement issued by Taj Club House said.

The property, in its third year, is designed to provide a unique platform to showcase potential and promising talent and encourage emergent female artistes to exhibit and enhance their skills. This year, Divas of Rock bring to you Australian Alternative Pop Diva, singer-songwriter, and actor Lenka Kripac – touring India for the very first time. Lenka shot to fame with her debut album ‘Lenka Lenka’ and now, after three albums and multiple hit singles, the artiste enjoys a huge fan base. Lenka will be showcasing her talent to the Chennai audience for the first time at Taj Club House on November 24, 2013 from 7.30 pm onwards.

Speaking on the occasion, Veer Vijay Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Vivanta by Taj – Hotels & Resorts says: “The idea behind introducing this initiative and naming it ‘Divas of Rock’ was to encourage young and fledgling female talent and offer them a platform to showcase their abilities to the right audience. “Divas of Rock” debuted successfully 2 years back. The brand Vivanta by Taj is evolving rapidly and the hotels host a large number of women, 21st Century Princess’ as would like to call them. This unique initiative finds a perfect fit with its distinctive values and future plans’.

Commenting on the association, Shridhar Subramaniam, President India & Middle East Sony Music Entertainment pointed out: “We have been a part of Divas of Rock since its inception as we believe in the core value of the brand. In its third year, we bring to you our Australian pop icon Lenka who has a tremendous following in India across age groups. This multi-city tour will give fans an opportunity to listen to her up close and we are confident she will be a great live act”.

As a prelude to Lenka’s performance, Anisha Varghese of the popular Chennai-based Subject to Change will perform along with Aakash Jacob (guitar and backing vocals) from her band. The performance will also feature Roshan George Thomas (guitar).

It is a known fact that the music industry is considered a major component of the media and entertainment market that can be further enhanced with the appropriate involvement of female artistes who possess a wide variety of astounding aptitude. Women artistes find it difficult with limited resources and restricted avenues to optimally utilize their gift. Divas of Rock is a streamlined medium through which female artistes stand an equal chance to be noticed by showcasing their skills through a road show performance format, supervised by a panel of experts, across different cities.

Divas of Rock is one of the many endeavours undertaken by Vivanta by Taj that will portray its core values of creativity, radiance and vibrancy. The name ‘Vivanta’ draws inspiration from the term ‘bon vivant’, signifying sophistication and appreciation for the good things in life and also from the attributes of vividness and vivacity.

Vivanta addresses multiple personas of sophisticated and urbane travellers, be it masters of corporate theatre, gastronauts and exploding taste buds, urban crusoes or 21st century princesses.

Date: Sunday, November 24, 2013
Venue: Summit, Taj Club House
Time: 7.30pm onwards
Entry: Rs 1299 nett inclusive of unlimited cocktail snacks and select beverages
For tickets visit bookmyshow.com
To win passes, follow us on twitter.com/vivantabytaj or facebook.com/vivantabytaj

Work hard and play hard. Relax and energise. Ideate and confer. Evolve and transform. Revel in a spirit that presents the normal with an unexpected twist. Stylish and sophisticated, Vivanta by Taj delivers premium hotel experiences with imagination, energy and efficiency. Currently comprised of 28 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Vivanta by Taj offers an imaginative, vivacious and stylish take on ‘cool luxury’. With innovative cuisine, energetic spaces, unique motifs, the smart use of technology and experiences that seek to constantly engage, invigorate and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler immersed in a sensory lifestyle.

Bacardi NH7 Weekender – Red Bull Tour Bus set to rock Bangalore on November 23-24, 2013

On November 23-24, 2013 Red Bull Tour Bus will be the newest stage at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender in Bangalore. Indie music lovers are invited to experience mind-blowing performances by Delhi-based live electronica Dualist Inquiry Band, and Bangalore’s folk rock band, Swarathma, followed by Scotland’s indie-rock band We Were Promised Jetpacks, Australian indie-pop band Hey Geronimo, Kerela-based rock act Black Letters, Chennai’s The F16’s better known for their indie, alternative and electronica music, four-piece alt-rock band from Chennai – Skrat and last but not the least, Bangalore’s very own post-rock band – Until we last.

In a one of its kind cultural and musical initiative, Red Bull Tour Bus takes bands to new geographies, bringing together musical talent from the east, west, north and south. If you are at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender, don’t miss your chance to witness this one-of-a-kind gig on the bus. Date and time: November 23-24, 2013 3.30 pm onwards. Venue: Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Embassy International Riding School, Devanahalli, Bangalore. Keep following us for updates on redbull.in, facebook.com/redbull and twitter.com/inredbull. For downloading images and videos, visit: redbullcontentpool.com.

Tripurari Purnima Boat festival to kick-start at Sanquelim, Goa on November 17, 2013

Goa Tourism in association with Art and Culture department is all prepared to celebrate Tripurari Purnima Boat festival on the banks of river Valvanti at Vithalapur village, Sanquelim Goa, according to a statement released by GTDC. This festive celebration will mark the end of Diwali in Goa. The festival will take place on November 17 at Sanquelim village.

Tripurari Purnima is the full moon day during the Karthik month, according to the traditional Hindu calendar. The boat contest that takes place during this time is one of the main highlights of the festival and draws a large number of spectators and participants from all over Goa. Diyas or lamps are placed in the water before the boats enter. The boats are miniature replicas of actual ships while others are traditional crafts mostly made of thermacol and cardboard. This colourfully lit up scene forms a a visual treat for the large numbers gathered.

The festivities will take place at Vithalapur in Sanquelim, near the Pundalik Temple. The river Valvanti which flows nearby makes it an ideal spot for the boat competition. The celebrations start in the evening as the palanquin of Lord Vithal is brought, amidst chanting and accompaniment of traditional music, to be placed on the banks of the river where it remains until the end of the boat competition.
Apart from the boat competition, there are a host of cultural programmes which includes songs by well known Goan artistes and performances of various traditional folk dances such as Goff, Dhalo, Tonyamel, Veerbhadra, Samai dance etc. As the competition progresses the competitors boats are brought and displayed near the shore. The entire Vithalapur village is perfectly lit-up and has the ambience of a typical Goan Zatra celebration. The grand finale has a spectacular display of fireworks on a full moon night. The organisers of the Tripurari Purnima festival award prizes to the best designed boats.

The festival of Tripurari Purnima is a part of a legend. A powerful demon named Tripuri or Tripurasura built three impregnable cities of gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Lord Shiva. The demon became so powerful and his inflated ego knew no bounds and started attacking and tormenting humans and demi gods (devas). Brahma and Vishnu failed to contain Tripurasura who was armed with several boons from Shiva.
Finally, the task of annihilating the demon fell on Lord Shiva and after three days of fight, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura and destroyed the three cities – Tripuri. This great victory happened on the full moon day in Kartik month and therefore the day is celebrated as Tripuri Poornima. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated by lighting of lamps.

Jibber Jabber band to play live at F Lounge Diner Bar Mumbai on November17, 2013

Jibber Jabber is the musical project of Lalith Rao aka Sonik Scizzor and Alekos Vozikis aka Zik, who have been an active force in the psychedelic trance scene for over a decade now. During this time they have transmitted their unique aural codes at several dance floors around this world, which has left a permanent imprint within countless listeners.

Today they bring this momentum to new heights with the release of their album Different World, a visceral journey in to the unconscious mind, where dream states coincide with alternate realities and the “defined” world as we know it is in question. Their sound is an upbeat visceral groovedelic dance floor story that is filled with vivid sonic arrangements that will transport you beyond time and space. Jibber Jabber will be playing live only at F Lounge.Diner.Bar. Date: Sunday, November 17, 2013. Timings- 7.00 pm onward. Contact- 022-66505820/9892868082. Address-F Lounge.Diner.Bar, One India Bulls Centre, 3rd Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road, Mumbai.