A place to read, a space to thrive: Bandra Reads welcomes bibliophiles, one Sunday at a time

While roaming around the streets of Mumbai, you’ll come across a number of locations, that are perfect for readers. So claiming one such site at Jogger’s Park, Bandra Reads is a 'reading society' which meets every Sunday. The goal of this thriving community is simple - to silently but collectively sit and read. Bandra Reads welcomes all bibliophiles, no matter what genre they might be into, and we've got all the details.

With multiple 'reading' chapters across Mumbai, including areas such as Juhu, Powai, Sobo, Thane and SGNP, the city's reading societies have been snowballing each day. Drawing inspiration from the same, Amie Fazulbhoy and Abhimanyu Lodha established Bandra Reads in June 2023. This reading society embraces the concept of a community, that simply revolves around reading. 

In a conversation with Knocksense, co-admin Amie said “Bandra Reads is a blessing. A community where you can belong without any social barriers. A place to make like-minded friends, especially for a new resident of Mumbai”. Since there isn't an assigned reading, Amie also mentioned that people are free to bring any reading material - be it science, mystery, fiction or poetry.

Sometimes, after reading, the group also engages in sharing diverse thoughts, related to books, characters, storylines and more. The discussions here can range from Murakami’s journey to finding oneself to the yearning for one's homeland in the works of Milan Kundera or the absurdly dark world of Franz Kafka. So be prepared to learn, unlearn and relearn.

All in all, Bandra Reads' mission is to nurture the love of books and support all book-reading fantasies. Collectively building a brilliant and creative society, this group meets every Sunday at Jogger’s Park, Bandra East, to silently do their own thing.

But why not meet at cosy cafés you ask? Well, this society also believes in the idea of reclaiming parks/public places, to expand awareness about them as quality community spaces. Quite an interesting point of view don't you think?!

Bandra Reads which is open to all, has also attracted more than 15 readers at a time. Amie stated that readers have made their way from as far as Andheri, Wadala and Ghatkopar to participate. 

So if this is something that interests you, join Bandra Reads this Sunday for its 16th session from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Jogger’s Park. Remember, what Thomas Wharton had said: “An hour spent reading is one stolen from paradise”. Follow Bandra Reads' Instagram handle for weekly updates.