29 November,2021 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Nuts about you: A squirrel munches on a peanut at Shivaji Park in Dadar. Pic/Ashish Raje
After downing its shutters in March 2020 owing to restrictions, we're glad to report that indie bookshop and library Trilogy has opened its doors to readers. Co-founder Ahalya Naidu Momaya told this diarist that they have missed interacting with readers, and that the bibliophile community has kept them going in unexpected ways during this trying period. "We had been active online through WhatsApp orders and did curb-side pick-ups. People have been very patient. There was a woman who started sending âbook hugs' to her dear ones. Every week, we would send out titles for her âbook hugs' - which weren't only for her friends, but for us too," she revealed, adding that currently, visitors need to make appointments to drop by the Bandra-based bookstore. Head to @teltrilogy for details.
Vibrant hues of nature are colour-ing up a wall in Mulund West, thanks to the artistes of Aravani Art Project, a collective working with transgenders. Commissioned by Green Acres Academy, the 70ft x 12ft mural was painted by Pradeep, Mayuri, Kajal, Soumya, Deepa, Vicky and Mona, said Poornima, a part of the collective. "The theme builds on flowers and the different colours of nature that we can see when the sun is up. The mural drives home the message of taking care of what we have in terms of nature," Poornima shared.
Two Mumbai-based artistes - Donn Bhat and Burudu - have gained recognition in Africa, after their tracks were used for a film called So Sicily, which won the award for Best Original Music International at the African International Smartphone Film Festival last week. It is held in Lekki, Nigeria, and is the continent's first ever mobile film fest. "There was a song of mine called The Sun that was used as part of the soundtrack. I'm feeling happy that this award came from Africa because all of humanity began there," Bhat (in pic) told this diarist.
In 2016, social enterprise Tribal Tadka that works with Warli women from Aarey started an initiative, Tribal Lunch, to empower them. At the lunches, women from the tribal community cook up their native fare, such as mirchi thecha, bombil chutney, til laddoos and modaks, for guests, who also get a glimpse of their lives. This weekend, the initiative was restarted post the pandemic, and will be held once every month. "These are the women who take care of Aarey for us, and Mumbaikars should be indebted. When I first encountered them, I realised making food was something they were used to. Everyone loves good food. What better than the unique food that they make to empower these women?" founder Cassandra Nazareth told us. Call 9820224450 to attend their upcoming feast.
Armin van Buuren. Pic courtesy/Facebook; (right) A previous edition of Sunburn
Dutch DJ and record producer Armin van Buuren, one of the biggest artistes in trance and progressive house music, will be headlining Sunburn Festival Goa. The 15th edition of the festival, from December 27 to 29, will be held at Hilltop, Small Vagator, and be themed on #LifeIsCalling. The electronic music artiste will also be promoting his eighth studio album, A State of Trance Forever, at his live performance, which will be one of the first major international acts to tour India post the pandemic. "I am delighted to be finally returning to India after a long gap, with one of my favourite festivals. We have all been through a very difficult period but it's now time for us to come together and celebrate life once again," he said.
