Picture yourself enjoying a pleasant evening, unwinding with your favorite book in a calm park surrounded by other book lovers; each engrossed in their own reading. The peaceful ambiance is enhanced by the sweet melodies of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. This idyllic and unspoiled environment allows you to relish your private moment of quiet and solitude.
This isn’t a dream. You can live this a reality.
In Kochi, there is a group of lovely individuals who enjoy reading and can enhance your evenings with their company. Gopika, a passionate reader, established the Kochi Reads community, intending to promote the joy of reading and offering individuals a secluded environment to pursue their personal interests.
Let’s find out more about it!
An inspiration from Cubbon Reads, a reading community in Bangalore
Gopika was inspired by Cubbon Reads, a silent community in Bangalore, to bring the reading movement to Kochi. This community in Bangalore offers a serene environment where visitors can come to Cubbon Park, settle down, and enjoy their books or other activities, combining the peacefulness of a library with the comfort of home.
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In December 2022, Shruti Sah, a marketing professional, and Harsh Snehanshu, an entrepreneur, started a weekly cycling tradition to Cubbon Park, where they enjoyed reading books amidst the park’s sprawling trees. After sharing their experiences on social media, their friends were inspired to join them, forming a group of five or six members for this peaceful reading activity. The following month, Shruti and Harsh created an Instagram page called Cubbon Reads to document their book-reading adventures. The page quickly gained popularity and has since become a well-loved destination on social media.
This Bangalore-based community has extended its reading movement and community building to more than 60 cities.
When Kochi reads together!
In the bustling city of Kochi, where life moves fast and noise can be overwhelming, this special community has made an impact by appreciating the peacefulness of silence and the pleasure of reading. “Kochi Reads” is a paradise for introverts and book lovers alike, where strangers gather to enjoy the peace of their own minds while engrossed in their favorite novels.
This group of silent readers has evolved into a haven for people seeking solace from the world’s noise and a place to experience the power of silence in the community. The ability of silence to calm our brains and provide us with a sense of calmness is one of its amazing powers.
Although this is a community for silent reading, you can spend your time as you wish. Reading can be therapeutic for many people; some may enjoy reading in silence and having a wonderful time.
A Silent Revolution!
What began as a small gathering of like-minded individuals has now become a silent revolution in Kochi. ‘Kochi Reads’ has revitalized the art of reading and paved the way for people to be silent.
The ‘Kochi Reads’ community convenes every Saturday at Panampilly Nagar Park, creating a dedicated silent space from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This park serves as their chosen sanctuary for indulging in the pleasures of reading, artistic expression, and other creative endeavors.
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Although the individuals attending each session may start off as strangers, they often become like family over time. Attendees typically bring a yoga mat, snacks, and their favorite book to read.
The success of this community lies in its simplicity, proving that sometimes, the most profound connections are forged in the silence between words.
Leisure with no pressure.
Kochi Reads is a group that provides a pressure-free environment for leisure time. The gatherings are relaxed and enjoyable, with an unspoken connection between members that adds to the group’s beauty.
Even though the people are strangers, they bond deeply over their love of reading and respect for private space. As each person becomes absorbed in their chosen book, a serene atmosphere weaves itself together from their individual pursuits. The resulting sense of calm is almost palpable.
There is no compulsion to engage in conversation, and no one is judged for choosing to be alone with their thoughts.
In a busy city like Kochi, a community like this is much needed. Kochi Reads has become highly active on social media, resulting in significant growth. Joining the community is easy, with no prior registration required. Simply come to the park and enjoy the moments when people come together. Each meetup concludes with a group photo, capturing a beautiful memory.
To become a valued member of this wonderful community, you must gather your essentials: a comfortable mat, a water bottle, some snacks, and your beloved novel. Then, make your way to Panampilly Nagar Park every Saturday, where you can immerse yourself in the joy of reading alongside like-minded individuals in the ‘Kochi Reads’ community.
Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram to get updates about the timings of each session and many more interesting things.
Happy reading!
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