All aboard the Hogwarts Express!

Wingardium Leviosa! This is what the world has been chanting while levitating itself to the world of Harry Potter, eagerly waiting to peak into the eighth part in the series — Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is the script for the West End stage play of the same name. Potterheads across the world have been abuzz about this version, as Harry and gang grow older in the story! The story is set 19 years after Deathly Hallows, and traces Harry’s life as a Ministry of Magic employee now, along with his son Albus Severus Potter’s new life at Hogwarts. Namma ooru has also been gearing up with an array of Potter-themed events to join the world in this fictional land. Here’s how you can join Chennai’s Potter lovers as they get back to Hogwarts, a phenomenon which took over the world nearly two decades ago, and is only getting stronger! Fans say though there have been movies — nothing can quite replace the books for them.

The last book was released almost seven years ago (!) —  and to let them access the book exactly at the same time of release in the UK  on July 31 (Harry and JKR’s birthday), Chennai’s Iloveread, a book club, has something that will have every fan teary-eyed.

“There is an embargo on the book till 11am on July 31 globally — so nobody can have access to it until then. And we’re going all out to get the copies into Chennaiites’ hands at the very same time. We will be having a cosplay party, and the venue will be decked up in a way that it will transport everyone into the book instantly. We are very excited at the overwhelming response the book has been receiving even before the launch. We got completely booked up in just a few days,” shares Amrutash Misra, the founder of Iloveread, with a huge grin.

The library is also planning to have a wand and robe station, a photo booth, a themed-brunch, with some goodies inspired from the magical world itself!
This themed party has even author Arya Rajam waiting to mark her attendance.

“I am one of the biggest Potter fans. and am really excited not just about the upcoming book — but the whole experience of celebrating Potter with other enthusiasts. I’m planning to dress up as Nymphadora Tonks, and have ordered a pink wig for myself as well. The city’s love for Harry Potter is very heartening as I’ve grown up reading the series and queuing up at book stores for the releases,” Arya says on her love for the books, and hopes that the love for Potter continues even after the book launches  — through book readings or discussions.

Nineteen-year-old Anagha Natraj, a college student, says she was privileged to be a part of organising Chennai’s first ever Harry Potter party last year — and is all the more excited about the upcoming celebration. “There is going to be much more fun this time as I hear there will be a Platform 93/4, a themed brunch and more! Nothing can replace what the books do — neither the movies nor the events, so it’s fantastic we have another book out. Last year I had dressed up as Professor Trelawney, and I’m still deciding on who I will be this year!” Anagha shares.

Phoenix MarketCity is also cashing in on the hype — the mall is going to be transformed into a huge wizarding land on D-day, with a Wizards and Witches Party and a quiz to woo all the Potter fanatics and let them relive the fantasy. Guess what? Your childhood fantasy of writing an O.W.L examination is also going to come true!

“Over the past two decades, Harry Potter has become the biggest franchise in the world — it has turned into a global phenomenon with merchandise, accessories, restaurants, and much more themed around it. Phoenix is also planning a decor with flying candles, a train platform, the house flags, Snitches, candles and our very own Hogwarts Express! We are also planning a breakfast box which would have a Hogwarts Express sandwich, butterbeer and much more along with the book launch. The city has always loved Harry Potter ever since J.K.Rowling gave birth to the character and has woken up even at 3 am to queue up at stores for the books,” adds Murugan Rajan, centre director of Phoenix MarketCity. Winter might be over... but magic season is well and truly upon us! What you waiting for?