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Discover the Quiet Revolution: Coimbatore’s Literary and Creative Havens


Imagine a park where dappled sunlight filters through leaves, and the air is alive with the quiet murmur of turning pages. This serene scene is brought to life at Coimbatore Reads, part of the global silent reading movement originally inspired by Cubbon Reads in Bengaluru. Here, the love of literature unfolds in shared silence.

Unlike conventional book clubs, Coimbatore Reads avoids discussions and deadlines. Instead, it offers a sanctuary for bibliophiles to immerse themselves in their chosen worlds, with only the rustling of pages and the chirping of birds as the soundtrack to their journeys. This literary haven, nestled amidst the greenery of Bharathi Park, was the brainchild of Nivedha, Akalya, and Arathi, who envisioned a space that transcended the city’s typical social arenas.

But Coimbatore Reads is more than a haven for individual readers; it’s a community. For newcomers like Harshvardhan Ojha, who moved from Rajasthan, this group was a gateway to making friends in an unfamiliar place. “I come from Rajasthan. Making friends is one of the most essential and challenging parts of moving to a new city. Thankfully, Coimbatore Reads has made it easy for me,” he shares. “People here are very accepting. I don’t feel like an outsider in this community.”

The absence of pressure and formality sets Coimbatore Reads apart. There are no assigned books, no discussions to prepare for—just the freedom to get lost in pages at your own pace. This resonates with those seeking a leisurely escape and a chance to connect with both literature and like-minded individuals.

Though smaller than its counterparts, Coimbatore Reads makes a significant impact. It quietly builds a community where the love of reading reigns supreme, fostering a culture that celebrates the power of literature to connect, inspire, and enrich lives. So, the next time you find yourself in Coimbatore, seek out the quiet symphony of pages in Bharathi Park—you might discover a new chapter in your own love affair with books.

Coimbatore Reads meets at Bharathi Park, Saibaba Colony, every Sunday from 9 am to 11 am.

Moving from the tranquility of Bharathi Park to another vibrant community space, At641 Community offers a different kind of retreat. Fueled by the belief that rigid, formal spaces often stifle artistic expression, Shanjay B envisioned a fluid environment where dancers could twirl freely, artists could dabble without pressure, and anyone, regardless of background and expertise, could find a haven for their passions. At641 Community is unlike academies or competition arenas; here, passion takes center stage without the pressure of perfection. Inspired by the majestic banyan trees in his village, Udumalaipettai, these natural gathering points shelter children’s laughter, elders’ wisdom, and the lively hum of markets.

Born in 2016, At641 Community aimed to be a co-working space with a unique “SCAM hall”—a dedicated area for Sports, Cinema, Arts, and Music, reflecting Shanjay’s interests. Unexpectedly, the SCAM hall garnered immense popularity, hosting numerous events until the pandemic momentarily halted their journey.

With renewed hope, At641 Community has relocated to the historic Maruthi Theatre, boasting 14,000 square feet of possibilities. Though still in its early stages, the community buzzes with potential, ready to welcome diverse individuals seeking connection and creative expression. Over the past year, the new space has hosted over 40 events, including open mics, artist meetups, live sports screenings, and storytelling sessions.

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The name 641 (the first three digits of Coimbatore postal codes) is Shanjay’s tribute to the city he’s lived in for nearly two decades. It also abbreviates the services offered. “We extend six services: a co-working space, a celebration space, a studio space, a backpacker’s hostel, a play area for board games, and a space exclusively for children. Our events focus on four areas: sports, cinema, arts, and music. And we have one food zone,” he explains.

Beyond fostering creativity, Shanjay has weaved inclusivity into the very fabric of At641. The space serves as a haven for all ages, free from smoking and alcohol, ensuring everyone can comfortably participate. While this fledgling community is still finding its roots, its ambitions are grand. Shanjay envisions At641 Community expanding throughout the state, becoming a symbol of artistic expression and connection, much like the banyan tree that inspired it.

At641 Community is located at 7, Bashyakarlu Road, RS Puram. For more information, visit at641community.com.

Meanwhile, for music enthusiasts, there’s Tyron Davey, a well-known figure in Coimbatore’s Western music scene. Over his ten-year solo career, Tyron has covered a wide range of Western music from 1939 to the present. Whether at corporate events or private gatherings, Tyron’s retro music covers of famous artists such as Elton John, Bob Marley, Bryan Adams, and Ed Sheeran have made him a beloved entertainer.

“Music runs in my family,” says Tyron, who started with a music band in the 1990s in Erode before continuing as a drummer and eventually pursuing a solo career. Acknowledging the limited opportunities in Coimbatore, he launched Art Box Events to promote performing artists. “The space aims to create visibility for various artists, including magicians, live portrait artists, balloon artists, and more.”

Currently an in-house musician at ITC Welcom Hotel, Tyron’s three-decade experience also extends to composing and lyricism. He collaborates with a Bengaluru-based music company to release his label and promotes city-based artists at private gigs and live events, welcoming both professionals and upcoming bands.

Located at 76, Venus Illam, Arumugham Nagar, Ramanathapuram, Tyron’s Art Box Events is a meeting point for performers looking to share their contacts and enjoy the spotlight.

In another part of Coimbatore, The Archway serves as a creative hub co-run by sisters Shri Mithraa and Shree Shuba. Opened in August 2022, this welcoming and cozy 750 sq ft hall features arched French windows and a high ceiling. Mithraa envisioned this space after frequently encountering fellow Coimbatoreans at art, craft, and dance workshops in Chennai.

The Archway has hosted various workshops, including Pichwai art, calligraphy, yoga-brunch events, and Lindy Hop dance sessions. It’s also a venue for children’s events, intimate birthday parties, and baby showers. The space is constantly evolving, from an art studio to a place for photoshoots, dance, or simply unwinding with friends.

Located at No 26, 1A, Bharathi Colony Road, The Archway continues bringing people together through creativity and shared interests. For more details, visit them on Instagram @thearchwaycoimbatore.

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