Indians really like to celebrate. Any given day over the past 2 months could have been New Years Eve, or so it seemed. Lights, music, fireworks… all of the ingredients for a year-ending celebration can be found throughout the months of November and December here in Mumbai. When December 31st did actually arrive, we were invited in to a family’s new year celebration. Within minutes I was coaxed into playing a game - something I resigned to as a fun joke they were playing on me. On the contrary, each and every one of the family members played the game shortly before we arrived. Break The Pot is both the name and objective of the game. Ironically, I didn’t even notice the pot that I had to step over as we walked into the party, yet, with a secure blindfold in place, I bravely stepped up to the plate to take my swing.

New Years Eve - Game with Mumbai Family from Artefacting Mumbai on Vimeo.

We are excited as we look forward to sharing more and more of this project with all of you. With 5 weeks left in India, we are focused and optimistic about using our knowledge and artwork from here to help tell the story of Dharavi as it’s never been told.

Happy New Year from the Artefacting Team in Mumbai and all the best to you in 2011!