In a country where life is all about fixed routines, packed schedules, and the very familiar Monday-to-Sunday rhythm, there is one Indian town that quietly
chose a different path. Welcome to Auroville, a unique township near Puducherry where time, work and even the idea of a “week” are approached very differently. For the unversed, the official website of Auroville says, “Auroville forms an interesting and complex experiment that takes place on more than 20 sq kms of scattered settlements in the midst of forested, semi-urban, and beach areas. For someone new it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where Auroville is.” In this township, life flows to a different pulse - defying the weekday and weekend culture. This place is shaped by community events, inner work and a weekly bulletin which is called News & Notes. For the unversed, this lists everything that matters to residents and guests. History Of Auroville Auroville was founded in 1968 as an experimental township for people from around the world to live and work together in peace. Now, it is a home to thousands of residents from many countries, and at its heart is the golden Matrimandir. For those who don’t know, it is a quiet space which is meant for inner concentration rather than worship. Visiting the Matrimandir and its viewpoint is one of the most distinct Auroville experiences. How Does The Weekly Calendar Work? So how does this “own weekly calendar” work? The answer is very simple: Auroville publishes a weekly bulletin called News & Notes. This community-produced sheet lists workshops, talks, farm tours, concerts, meditation sessions, volunteer opportunities, and other events for the coming week. Residents and guests rely on it to plan their days. You can find issues and subscribe online. In fact, guesthouses also often keep printed copies or point visitors to the most recent edition. The idea is that events in Auroville are organized around this internal rhythm. So, when you live in Auroville, you might want to walk into a full meditation session on a weekday or find a lively cultural evening on a Tuesday. And on a weekend? You would just want to work or even run errands. What Does It Mean For Travellers? If you want the tourist quick-hit, which is all about the Matrimandir viewpoint, a short e-bike tour, and a cafe stop - Auroville, for sure, will deliver that. However, if you want to feel the town’s real pulse, you have to follow its weekly calendar. News & Notes points to the quieter, richer activities. For instance, inner-chamber meditation slots, farm work mornings, community film nights, and intimate concerts.
