Putting Navi Mumbai on the map

Commuting in this city can feel like wading through a flood even if it's not the monsoon. But life can be harder if you live in Navi Mumbai with most major cultural events, outside of those held at DY Patil Stadium, being held either at BKC or SoBo.

Pav Bhaji Roll by Bombay Food Truck

This weekend, residents of the satellite city have something to look forward to. It's a festival called The Weekend Fiesta and the first edition will kick off at Nerul's Tandel Grounds. Here's what you can expect to catch.

On February 22 and 23
At Tandel Grounds, Sector 26, Nerul.
Log on to insider.in
Cost Rs 199 onwards (for entry)

Food for the soul

Bake My Day's cake jars and cakesicles

Feast on desi snacks or gorge on burgers and rolls at a food truck. There will also be caksicles by pastry chef Harshita Sharma who runs the venture Bake My Day. Her treats will be available starting at R50, and there will be millet brownies, chiffon and tea cakes on offer. She says, "Most of my clientele is from SoBo, so I'm excited to see how the fare does here."

All in this together

On Sunday, Saki Naka-based drum circle facilitator and corporate trainer Amrut Bhat will conduct two rounds of a drum circle workshop for 100 participants, each of whom will be provided with a djembe. "It is a de-stressing activity and also encourages bonding. You don't need to have any prior experience with music," he says.

Green shopping

If you're running out of clothes, you're sure to find something here with stalls selling drapes and Indo-western wear. You can also shop for fashion and fine jewellery. Watch out for a sustainable stationary brand called Grecosion that offers pencils attached with seed capsules.

Power-packed performances

Jam to the tunes of popular Navi-Mumbai band, MH43, that plays punk rock music and also covers retro Bollywood music. They have played over 400 shows in the last four years. Singer Heeral Chhatralia who is known for the Punjabi pop love anthem Phul javan duniya will also take the stage.

Drink delights

The festival is big on craft beer, with four labels setting up shop and so, you can expect a variety of flavours ranging from apple cider to wheat beer. Special cocktails have also been crafted for the event. But if you turn up hungover, head over to Ethigro, a sustainable agri-business venture that offers detox drinks, and grab a moringa mojito that will prove to be an instant refresher.

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