This is just so lovely 💕

Our founders document the travails of the chapter curators wrt the unsaid rule of BBMP parks: sitting on the grass isn't allowed. By talking to administrators, horticulturists & policy makers, they ask: what use is a public space if not for public use? caravanmagazine.in/communities/be…

The 18th edition, like every edition, came as a much needed pause after a hectic week. But a pause which ends with enthusiastic readers staying a little longer to exchange notes with other readers. Conversations that are made sweeter by the preceding silent co-reading.

I was at Lodhi Reads today. Reopened 'Lonely City', feeling quite the opposite of loneliness.

At Lodhi, you find your patch of grass, your spot under the sky and soon enough, a space where you can just be.

The 16th edition had readers come solo, with their families, friends, partners, or with strangers they met on the metro to read in silence. The gathering was brought alive by the enthusiasm of new readers, and warmth of the regular ones. We eagerly wait for the 17th edition!

A silent book reading community, which started in Bengaluru with Cubbon Reads is having its moment in the sun. Find out more about it in this piece by Deepali Singh

newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/heal…

santwanabhattacharya Ravi Shankar The New Indian Express

For the 15th edition, we made a call for readers to come wearing black as a protest against the ongoing attacks on democratic values across the country. It was heartening to see so many show up in solidarity, find their spots and read, paint or knit in silence together.

A beautiful article about our silent reading chapters in The New Indian Express, today.
newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/heal…

For the 14th edition, we were met by dramatic skies, occasional breeze and an array of readers spread throughout the park. We also had a trial run for our sub chapter Lodhi Knits, for all crochet and knitting enthusiasts. The community is not just growing but also diversifying 🌱

The 13th edition had readers spread far and wide- on mats, benches and patches of grass. Each vibing to the rythms of their books, and to the silence. So many come to us at the end and tell us what a wonderful time they had. They leave us overjoyed and bemused at the same time.

Sky was clear when we gathered for the 12th edition. Halfway through, it grew dark. We made it to the Bada Gumbad as it began to rain. The rains grew heavier and it took some time before we could go back to reading. Not an ideal reading session, but a day of much joy nonetheless.

Update: Given that it's pouring all over Delhi, Lodhi Reads will happen remotely today. Join us from 4:30-7:30 PM from wherever you are. Share your today's view of Lodhi Reads and what you're reading by tagging us in your posts. Happy reading!

Delhi!

We meet tomorrow for our 11th edition. Will you join us to read silently at Lodhi Gardens from 4:30-7:30 PM?

All information, including exact location is in our bio and pinned post. DM if you need to know anything else :)

Our routines textured into phone alerts and Netflix binge watching, ability to strike communion with an author has become elusive. This communal way of reading feels like an attempt to delve forcefully into a book… my dispatch on garden read @lodhireads!
thedelhiwalla.com/2023/07/03/cit…

And bookish citizens occupy everybody’s favourite park… my daily City Life dispatch in Hindustan Times today!