Kochi is not what one would call a boom town but nevertheless it is the commercial capital of Kerala and undeniably has become a hub for immigrants from other states as well as people from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode moving here, seeking a better life, a better job, a better city or maybe just to get away. 

Kochi never had an upbeat nightlife in its streets and neighbourhoods beyond a few five-star hotels attempting to copy Bangalore’s pubs and discs or a Pai Brothers and a few thatt kadas open late. Until after the pandemic. The pandemic changed everything. WFH geeks want to get out after spending the entire day at home, at their home-built workstations, in their pyjamas or boxers.

Post pandemic and lockdowns, Kochi’s streets have awoken and have started buzzing with life, well beyond mid-night. We see 24×7 booster cafes, street side eateries and restaurants busy with youngsters, couples, singles and families. This is something new and this is good. Good for Kochi, its businesses, people and economy and most importantly for it to place itself as a competitive hub for tech.

We need a vibrant nightlife to attract people, entrepreneurs, startups, founders, geeks to this blossoming city. Let it bloom.

With the end of the pandemic (for now) we have folks of every kind and people in love stepping out late. The other night, past 12:00, I was surprised to watch school age kids and teenage hijabi girls cycling through the empty KK main road with no one to watch over them. I am guessing their parents knew. It was such a pleasure to see and to my realisation- is it a sign that the city is safe or a sign of change, a change in attitude and culture. 

Every successful city, be it Mumbai, NY, Bengaluru all have a vibrant nightlife and spaces to step out. The nightlife of these cities evolved over the years and plays an important role in its commercial and economic success. Just as well, without the entertainment, diversion and distraction what would we be. Zombies. 

Entertainment does not begin or end with malls and cineplexes. We long for open spaces, safe spaces, parks, walkways, waterfront promenades, spaces for open theatres, culture and art.

And Kochi has them all, but not enough of it. Durbar Hall Ground, our parks, Marine Drive, the Queen’s Necklace (thanks to the progressive thinking Hibi Eden) and how can one leave out Changampuzha park, a veritable hub of culture and chess. There is a revolution happening in the city -book clubs, anime meetups, board gamers at cafes, concerts, art-fests and the ever so beautiful sight of silent reading gatherings. And we need spaces for this. A space of our own, outside our homes. Safe spaces for men, women, trans, kids, couples, families. Day or night.

Just when the pulse of the city has hit a verve, a string, a sweet musical note, here comes a new rule barring entry into Marine Drive from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. This does not augur well for anyone, our people, for businesses, the tourists, the economy. Why, why would you come up with such ham-handed, clumsy edicts.

I say open up all community spaces day or night for its people. The parks are ours.  It is imperative that we opt for a more progressive approach that embraces the potential of our urban landscapes both day and night. Public spaces, including parks, walkways belong to the people, and their accessibility should not be limited by arbitrary restrictions. By opening up these spaces round the clock, we can foster a more vibrant and dynamic urban environment that benefits all residents and visitors alike, ensuring that our city truly thrives in the twilight hours as it does during the day.

In the end, the failure to keep public spaces open for its people is not a reflection of our community but, rather, a shortcoming of the authorities and police. It is a shared responsibility to build a city that truly belongs to its people, and we should never shy away from demanding our rightful place in shaping the future of our city, the Queen.