‘Start simple and keep moving forward’Adopted veganism: March 2009 This mantra is how Rithika Ramesh started her vegan lifestyle back nearly 16 years ago. Her commitment to veganism was inspired by a powerful moment. “I saw a calf being pulled away from its mother while the dairy farmer milked her, and I realised we are consuming the calf’s share of the milk,” she explains. “I hail from a vegetarian family, and we predominantly ate South Indian and Maharashtrian food, which is already almost vegan. Transitioning to this diet doesn’t need to be a hassle, even for those cooking for you,” she argues. For those interested in adopting veganism, Ramesh suggests a gradual approach with familiar foods, like dal and sabzi. “I would recommend first-timers to research both the movement and the dietary approach, and try to get through the first month on a vegan diet before introducing alternatives. Start small and avoid filling your diet with foreign ingredients,” she advises. Lentils pack essential nutrients. REPRESENTATION PICS Ramesh also recommends exploring dairy substitutes: almond, soy, or coconut milk for tea or coffee, cashew-based creams or coconut milk for curries, and plant-based yoghurt for daily use. Nutritional awareness is also essential; Indian staples like lentils, chickpeas, and leafy greens provide many nutrients, and Vitamin B12 supplements can be helpful. Ramesh also encourages using Indian spices and herbs and cooking with coconut or mustard oil for additional depth and flavour boost. While veganism is often seen as challenging or costly, Ramesh argues otherwise “You can stick to simple home-cooked meals, chaat, and South Indian dishes without non-vegan ingredients for a pocket-friendly diet.” While it is common to feel socially uncomfortable about your choices, one can opt to dine at vegetarian or vegan friendly restaurants and seek community support to stay motivated. Mumbai has a wide range of vegan restaurants and grocery options to choose from “I believe a vegan would never go hungry in Mumbai. There’s everything from café fare to street food that’s vegan-friendly here,” she explained. Veganism has been known to have many health benefits. “My allergies have disappeared, and I’ve seen others with resolved gut issues like bloating or constipation. My metabolism has improved, and I generally feel lighter,” Ramesh remarks. For those looking to adopt the diet, she advises “Stick to simple food, avoid over-complicating your diet, and remember why you chose this lifestyle at every step. Check your Vitamin B12 and D3 levels ensuring they stay balanced.” Rithika Ramesh, director, India at Generation Vegan, Powai ‘Indian food is a blessing’Adopted veganism: Early 2019 For Sakshi Kukreja, veganism wasn’t just a diet, it was a commitment. Inspired by online research on veganism and animal cruelty documentaries, the then 19-year-old chose to transition from vegetarianism to veganism. Since starting her vegan diet in early 2019, the sports enthusiast, faced unique challenges, particularly around maintaining her protein intake. “I started studying nutrition and how Indian food could be made vegan-friendly, realising that veganism can adapt to everyone’s personal preferences and needs. Since I did Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and powerlifting, it was essential for me to prioritise my protein and nutrient intake,” she shared. Transitioning to veganism involves challenges, especially when it comes to letting go of familiar foods and adapting to the taste of vegan alternatives. “I have the biggest sweet tooth, and love Indian sweets, but you have to be mentally strong. I missed the taste of desi sweets, but animal cruelty mattered to me more. I realised that having a positive mindset towards alternatives like vegan sweets is important,” she explained. Mixed dals can introduce balance to a vegan meal Kukreja believes a vegan diet can be simplified by embracing traditional Indian food. “Indian food is a blessing in disguise; it’s mostly vegan-friendly, with an abundance of flavourful vegetables and dals. It’s important to keep trying new things and educating yourself about nutrition, your body’s needs, and how to mould your diet to be vegan-friendly.” For people with a busy work schedule and hectic routines, sticking to veganism can be challenging, particularly when travelling to places lacking vegan alternatives. “I often travel for work to places that don’t have many of the options we have in Mumbai. I find it best to stick to an Indian diet and eat seasonal, locally sourced vegetables paired with protein-rich channa or mixed dal for a balanced meal. Snacks or meals that fit my diet are also helpful,” she noted. She has observed notable health benefits since turning vegan, “I’ve noticed that I don’t have any body odour when I sweat, which is caused by bacteria, and I’ve noticed inflammation in my body decreasing as my skin clears up. When you follow a diet religiously, you learn to read your body better,” she remarked. Kukreja advises that a vegan lifestyle is more manageable when approached gradually, with a well-planned diet. “Give up one thing each month and replace it with an alternative that provides the same benefits; for example, replace milk with another calcium-rich substitute” she concluded. Sakshi Kukreja, lawyer, Thane Eat the vegan way Our picks of the best, most diverse vegan menus in the city Chickpeas can be a good vegan source of protein >> Japanese cuisineAt Kuuraku, Linking Road, Bandra West. Call 7304496623 >> Continental and European cuisineAt Neuma, near Regal Cinema, Colaba.Call 7031493333 >> Gluten-free, keto-friendly, organicAt Farmers’ Cafe, Celeste Building, Khar West.Call 7506015930 >> Punjabi cuisineAt Sadak Chaap, Uthalsar, Thane West. Also in Chembur, Powai, Malad, Khar. CALL 9955224485 (Thane) >> Desserts At Fig - The Bakery, Kadam Marg, Lower Parel. Log on to @fig_thebakery >> Multi-cuisineAT Santé Spa Cuisine, BKC; also in Girgaon.Call 8767861111 >> Indian thali At Aharveda, Parsi Colony, Andheri West.Log on to @aharvedafood >> SaladsAt Greenr, Pali Hill, Bandra West; also in Breach Candy.Log on to @begreenr >> GelatoAt Vegan Bites, Twin Tower Lane, Prabhadevi.Call 7666586430 >> Lebanese, Mexican and Asian cuisineAt Yogisattva Plant Based Cafe, Khar West. Call 9867455009 >> SandwichesAt Tralata - Wholesome Food, Narmadadevi Society, Mulund West (takeaway only) Log on to @tralata.wholesomefood (for delivery)Call 9136003677
01 November,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi | Kanisha SoftaAs Diwali festivities commence in full force we decided to take a break from the fanfare when we stumbled upon an interesting podcast called Queen is Dead. It pulled us out of the Diwali and Halloween clash, and sent us out for a delicious discussion on the Hammer Horror films of the 1950s and 60s. The third episode in the Halloween series, Hammer Horror Films 101 is a dissection of the staple British horror films of the mid-90s and the cultural echo that they left behind to guide future filmmaking on how horror developed as a genre on screen. Christopher Lee as Dracula The podcasters, Varun Bhakay and Dhruv Goyal are seasoned cinephiles in the matter and very deftly guide the listener across the cinematic landscape of the Hammer production company. Taking inspiration from existing literature, the Hammer Film Productions brought out classics such as The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959), The Two Faces of Doctor Jekyll (1960), and the Dracula and Frankenstein series to the public. The last two have been the definitive must-watch in the genre. A scene from The Hound of the Baskervilles Dracula occupies the majority of the conversation as the podcasters pick up the various elements that made it such a landmark film in history. Right from the Gothic mise-en-scene to the measured horror and camera restraint in depicting violence and gore, Dracula mastered the formula of a ‘transgressive’ tonality in its first foray into the horror space. It is a very ‘classy’ horror film in its production and treatment of the subject, which as the podcasters quite enthusiastically reveal later, does not translate into the filmmaking of Don Sharp’s Rasputin, the mad monk. Based on the life of the infamous peasant-mystic whose controversial relations with the Czars of Russia and a notorious personal life made him the stock of a psychic-horror imagination, the film evokes neither terror nor interest for such a rich subject matter. The lack of a cinematic synergy and the obviousness of its horror make it a very rudimentary production of Rasputin’s lore. Throughout the episode, the podcasters playfully drop in Bollywood references such as Shantipriya’s revenge sequence in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om, the impact of Makdee (2002) and the absolute non-seriousness of Jaani Dushman (2002) before teasing us another insightful discussion on Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining in their next episode in the Halloween series. Log on to: Spotify
01 November,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaFresh from a Diwali pooja with her extended family, comedian Sonali Thakker answers our call. Any other weekend, you’d probably find her up early, catching a morning walk through the city. And by the way, she’s just moved into her own new place in Bandra. But don’t start picturing Thakker as some kind of role model. In fact, that’s exactly the image she’s aiming to knock down in her latest one-hour stand-up special, fittingly titled Perfect Role Model. “No one tells you this, but in an Indian family, there’s an unspoken expectation to be the one child that everyone admires, the one who sets an example for the others,” Thakker shares. Her background as a former CA aspirant and dedicated dance student before standing up for herself, quite literally, proves her point. “Over the years, I have realised that you can’t please everyone. The most you can do is embrace your flaws and be the perfect version of yourself,” shares Thakker, revealing that her new special is all about coming to terms with this new definition of ‘perfect’. Thakker in performance This isn’t Thakker‘s first time shifting gears, though. “Every three or four years, I have a life changing realisation that leads me to rediscovering my voice, much like the government changes hands,” she humours. The comedian calls her younger self a “confused youngling”, a persona that stands in stark contrast to juggling professional, personal and social responsibilities as a 35-year-old. “I’m married now and spend most of my time figuring out home loans and taxes. That’s bound to bring some unexpected humour in your life,” she laughs. For the comedian who has spent a decade touring the country and international venues, including a pit stop at the coveted Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2019 and 2023, the new set marks another gamble. “Growing up around South Mumbai, I have always found my natural voice in English. This will be my first hour-long set that is purely in English, and my first clean, family-friendly set after a long phase of experimenting with Hinglish to play to the crowd,” she reveals. A residential building photographed by the comedian during a heritage walk in Dadar East Thakker isn’t casual about her love for the city. Every other weekend, you’ll find her exploring her favourite Art Deco structures in the Fort precinct, or wandering into one of Bandra’s old villages to find peace. “I’m obsessed with Mumbai. I can’t survive anywhere else,” she exclaims when we nudge her about the fascination. “I grew up in Dadar East — the nexus of what was old Bombay and the ever-evolving Mumbai. I went to my first heritage walk in Kala Ghoda nearly a decade ago, and it soon became a routine. When someone says there’s nothing new to see here, I point them to the oldest neighbourhoods. That’s where you’ll find something new, every single time,” Thakker adds. Despite all the makings of the ideal comedian for the urban Mumbaikar, you’ll rarely find Thakker’s content making the rounds on social media reels or shorts. She explains, “Putting your life, or your content out on the Internet is a huge commitment. I have never deemed myself ready for the flipside of social media hate until very recently. If I’m able to build confidence through my upcoming performances of the special, I’d love to put it out on streaming platforms soon,” Thakker hints as she signs off. On November 2; 6.30 pmAt Backspace, Lodha Boulevard Mall, Majiwada, Thane West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 399
01 November,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursdayTrick or treat This party for your little munchkins includes multiple Halloween-themed activities like scary face painting, balloon ghost making, colouring activity and more.Time 4.30 pm to 6 pm; 6.30 pm to 8 pmAt Fun Kids Zoo, Thakur Complex, Kandivli East. Cost Rs 500 (90 mins) FridayGood food for a good mood The sadya will feature delicacies like puliyodarai and erissery Begin the month with a soulful festive meal. With delectable dishes like erissery, kadala kari, cabbage thoran, mezhukkupuratti, and puliyodarai among other cherished favorites, this Diwali sadya that features traditional South Indian food. Till November 3At Santosham, Naupada, Thane; also in Powai. Cost Rs 1,499 SaturdayAlong the shore November is the ideal time to witness the city’s diverse marine life up close. This walk at Juhu will explore the intertidal zones, as participants may come across anemones (above), hermit crabs, sponges, and even an octopus. Time 5 pm onwardsAt Juhu Koliwada, Santacruz West. Log on to @naturalistexCall 8976451433 Nights to remember Humour is rapidly taking over the city’s nightlife. This Saturday, witness famous comics Punit Pania (below) and Siddhartha Shetty give you a hangover full of lame jokes. Time 11.30 pm onwards At Ministry of Games, AB Nair Road, Juhu. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 249 onwards SundayTime to rock on Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Pic Courtesy/Instagram City-based band The Venom Berries will perform live and throw a tribute to the famous ’90s rock bands, Green Day and Foo Fighters.Time 8 pm onwards At House of Pandora, Khar West. Log on to sortmyscene.comCost Rs 500 onwards Go with the flow Delve into a session of art therapy at this DIY unguided session, where the aim is to let you discover your thoughts and process without intervention. Time 11 am onwards (multiple sessions, one-hour-long batches) At Dorangos near Learners’ Academy, Bandra West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499 (all material and two beverages included) Shop for our strays This garage sale by the Welfare of Stray Dogs offering books, home décor, musical instruments, sports equipment, doggie beds and more, will raise funds for the welfare of the strays of Mumbai. Till November 6; 11.30 am to 7 pmAt Laxmi Baug Hall, near Opera House, Girgaon. Log on to wsdindia.org
31 October,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiFor those of you who hate pitch darkness even when they’re asleep, ditch your boring night lamps, and add a touch of your favourite popular culture moments through Geek Monkey’s quirky lamps. I recently purchased a Joker acrylic night lamp (Rs 795) for a friend. This one looks like a holograph when lit up. It has a soft golden glow which doesn’t disrupt your sleep. The best part is that it comes with a charger, and you don’t need to replace batteries every once in a while. Among other quirky picks, we liked the astrologer night lamp, Neymar’s jersey night lamp and Monkey D Luffy’s famous bounty poster. Log on to: geekmonkey.in
31 October,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThe classical dance form of Bharatanatyam has always been deeply associated with Indian mythology and the myriad lores that coexist in its colossal oeuvre. For Bharatanatyam exponent Mythili Prakash, it is about those ‘flawed, human’-like qualities of these stories that make her upcoming set so refreshing and exciting. In this riveting medley of dance, emotion and music, Prakash will attempt a re-imagination of the dance competition between Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. “We are playing with perspectives in this performance. According to the traditional story, Kali is invincible; so an insecure Shiva decides to cheat in order to defeat Kali. He replaces his earring with his foot and Kali ends up surrendering because she couldn’t do that,” she explains. Prakash will perform her set, AR | DHA on this dance battle between Shiva and Kali at G5A Warehouse later today, with a team of Susha Rangarajan, Ashwath Narayanan, Sumesh Narayanan and Sayee Rakshith, accompanying her. Mythili Prakash in a moment from a rehearsal While multiple versions of this story already exist, Prakash’s set will explore Goddess Kali’s perspective with much more nuance. With a 360 degree-view seating and an immersive audio-visual experience, unlike conventional Bharatanatyam performances, she also seems to be redefining tradition with innovation. “Tradition is dynamic. There’s a popular adage that says, ‘Yesterday’s innovation is today’s tradition.’ I strongly believe in exploring things naturally,” she shares. When the writer broaches the topic of her international performances and how she adapts to different sets of audiences, Prakash tells us about her diasporic upbringing as instrumental in lending her the ability to understand cultural contexts and refine her storytelling skills “I ask myself how the story is relevant to me, and then I choreograph the performance for my audience,” she says. Prakash’s dance technique and interpretation of mythological concepts have shown incredible creative variation over the years. When asked on what drives this passion in her craft she brings up motherhood. “After I became a mother, it was also about what kind of stories I want to pass on to my child. Questions about society and identity are very important, as is the ability of movement and music to drive fascinating storytelling on the stage,” she concludes. ON October 31; 7.30 pmAT G5A Warehouse, Laxmi Mills Estate, Mahalaxmi West. LOG ON TO insider.in Also Read: Prithvi Theatre Festival: Here are The Guide's top picks that you can indulge in
31 October,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWe are all for looking at the bright side of things, but this festive week, you might just be blinded by it — the city’s about to light up with fireworks and dazzling displays around every corner. On the not-so-bright side, one half of all firecracker-related injuries every Diwali involve the eye, ophthalmologist Dr Niteen Dedhia says. Dr Niteen Dedhia Even if you’re not ringing the festivities in with a bang and sticking to the simpler sparklers for that Instagram-worthy carousel, Dedhia shares a word of caution. “While sparklers may seem harmless, they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious eye injuries. If you do use them, keep them at arm’s length and away from the face,” he points out.Also Read: World Psoriasis Day: What is the skin disease and why stress may be one of the causes For those who are planning a truly ‘lit’ Diwali this year, the doctor shares a handy guide. >> Maintain distance: Debris can fly off firecrackers and injure your eyes. Opt for protective eyewear to steer clear of mishaps and use incense sticks to light firecrackers from safe distances. >> Choose wisely: Light firecrackers only in open, ventilated areas. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand handy. >> Wait and watch: Never attempt to relight a firecracker that didn’t go off. Wait for a few minutes before approaching it with caution. As convenient as treating an injury at home to avoid a trip to the hospital amid the festive mood might sound, Dedhia strongly advises against it. A three-step plan of action will help you stay on top of things should an unfortunate accident occur. >> Do not rub: Rubbing an injured eye can exacerbate the damage >> Rinse softly with water: If there is a foreign particle in the eye, rinse it gently with clean water only if there is no open cut. Avoid using any chemicals or eye drops without professional guidance from a doctor. >> Seek medical help: After providing initial first-aid, it is always wise to consult an ophthalmologist to understand the true extent of the injury.SEE PHOTOS: Innovative fusion dishes for Diwali celebration
30 October,2024 10:28 PM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIt is a busy afternoon when Zahan Kapoor answers this writer’s call. As trustee, he is busy with last-minute preparations for one of the biggest celebrations of the year — the Prithvi Theatre Festival. “This is a concentrated time when the fraternity comes together,” Kapoor shares. Extended by five days this year, the festival will witness over 26 premieres by production companies across the country. Kunal (left) and Zahan Kapoor “Extending it even by five days has a logistical load. It has its own unique challenges from setting rehearsal dates to managing the venue,” Kapoor notes. This can be a challenge, considering the curation spreads across art forms of theatre, music and dance performance. The infrastructure though, Kapoor assures, is ready. The newly upgraded light and sound mixers ensure that the venue is moving ahead with times, while retaining its familiar feel. The other addition is the Fringe venue that has grown popular for radical experiments. “It caters to a specific kind of performance. It also encourages newer groups and more experimental work,” he remarks, adding that there are plans to transform the space into a parallel venue for shows throughout the year. “Extending the festival is a challenge, and we might have to power through. But that is part of the fun,” the Kapoor scion laughs, as he signs off. From: November 3 to November 18At: Prithvi Theatre and Fringe, opposite Prithvi House, Juhu. Log on to: prithvitheatre.org; in.bookmyshow.comAlso Read: Time for a workplace detox? Here's how you can approach it The guide’s top picks At Prithvi Theatre Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah. File Pic >> Return of old maestrosRatna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah open with Ek Dastaan Ek Haqeeqat, writer Ashok Lal’s contemporary dastans replete with poetry, themes of religious harmony and justice. ON November 4, 9 pm; November 5, 6 pm and 9 pmEntry Rs 750 onwards >> Live laugh loveManav Kaul’s new musical Pyar Aadmi Ko Kabootar Banaa Deta Hai, based on his book Prem Kabootar tells the story of three boys who fall in love and out of the ‘bro-code.’ON November 6; 6 pm and 9 pmENTRY Rs 750 >> Snapshots of a romanceGhanshyam Lalsa’s group brings to the stage three decades of a tender romance, through snapshots of a complex relationship in Khichik (Snapshots).ON November 7; 6 pm and 9 pmENTRY Rs 750 >> Finding singularityUnlike the premieres on show, Adishakti will be presenting the final run of their famed production, Brhannala — that first premiered 20 years ago on the Prithvi stage — based on the mythical episode from the Mahabharata on Arjuna’s transformation.ON November 8; 6 pm and 9 pm ENTRY Rs 500 >> Book this dramaMahmood Farooqui (extreme right) and Poonam Girdhani’s Dastan-E-Ret Samadhi take Geetanjali Shree’s Booker Prize-winning novel, Tomb of Sand and transform it into a dastangoi performance.ON November 9, 9 pm; November 10, 5 pmENTRY Rs 750 >> Drunken reveriesMakarand Deshpande will bring back his drunk avatar in this solo act, Piyakkad, that he calls “an insight into the true makings of a drunkard”. Deshpande gives us a sneak peek, saying, “It’s the story of three veteran drunkards that have changed my life.” ON November 14; 6 pm and 9 pmENTRY Rs 750 >> Heart of a familySachin Khedekar (seated) takes on the role of a disillusioned patriarch played by the late James Earl Jones and Denzel Washington in Feroz Abbas Khan’s Hind, the Hindustani adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences.ON November 16, 6 pm and 9 pm; November 17, 5 pm and 8 pmENTRY Rs 750Also Read: Diwali 2024: Six easy tips to keep your eyes safe this festive season At Fringe >> Russian talesRussian poet Alexander Pushkin’s poem will come to life in Purvabhyas Natya Sansthan’s stage adaptation, Gypsies, that deep dives into the concepts of morality, conformity to law and freedom.ON November 13; 5 pm and 7 pmENTRY Rs 250 >> Grandma’s loveA grandmother and granddaughter’s bond of sacrifice and unconditional love finds an emotional expression on stage with Tumhara Shammi.ON November 18; 5 pm and 7 pmENTRY Rs 250 >> Murakami speaksA Japanese adventure is set to unfold with Adammya Theatre Group’s premiere of this fantastical story on Mizuki Ozawa’s chance meeting with increasingly mysterious characters in Aham Murakami. ON November 16; 5 pm and 7 pmENTRY Rs 250 Music >> Quadrophonics II – 4 PianosVeteran keyboardist Louiz Banks will unlock a treasure trove of symphonies with instrumentalists Tubby, Rahul Wadhwani and Arka Chakraborty, Gino Banks on drums and Sheldon D’Silva on bass.ON November 18; 8 pm ENTRY Rs 750 >> Symphony Orchestra of India Young piano prodigy Ayaan Deshpande will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21 at this specially curated programme. ON November 11; 8 pm ENTRY Rs 500
30 October,2024 10:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Devashish KamblePerfect your Pookalam Learn the traditional art of Pookalam rangoli with this video series. It teaches outlining and filling the rangoli with flowers and focuses on layers with intricate floral patterns.Log on to: Ira & Mom on Youtube Eco-friendly matters Celebrate sustainably with an eco-friendly, reusable flower rangoli. Learn how to repurpose old cardboard boxes, old newspapers and filler flowers to create classic floral designs. Log on to: Handmade Craft Lovers on Youtube Floral tribute Master the art of crafting vibrant floral rangoli using classic flowers like marigold, roses, and jasmine with this Instagram reel series. These designs enhance mandir or entrance décor and can be elevated by adding diyas and samais.Log on to: @kumaoni_soul on Instagram Go traditional Explore the foundational concepts of Sanskar Bharti rangoli through this series where viewers are guided from basic designs like bindu and resha to intricate patterns like swastik and shank. Log on to: Geeta Raotole on Youtube The Marathi tutorial Learn to create beautiful rangoli patterns and borders using motifs like flowers, diyas, and kalash in this easy-to-follow tutorial in Marathi.Log on to: Urmila Nimbalkar on Youtube Also Read: Diwali 2024: Take your pick from diverse kandeels in Mahim's Citylight market THE STEP-BY-STEP RANGOLI GUIDE We spoke with rangoli designer Umesh Panchal to gather an insightful step-by-step guide for crafting a classic Sanskar Bharti rangoli design. Materials: Coloured powders (green, dark blue, orange, and white) A flat surface for the rangoli A pencil or chalk for outlining (optional) Instructions: Start by identifying the centre of your tile or surface. Mark a small dot at the centre using a pencil or chalk. Use a round object (like a plate) to trace a large circle around the centre point. Make sure this circle is large enough to fill the space around the centre. Draw two smaller circles closer to the centre point. These should be evenly spaced and concentric within the large circle. Fill the space within the large circle using green coloured powder. Use dark blue coloured powder to outline the innermost circle. Fill the space between the innermost circle and the second inner circle with orange coloured powder, ensuring it is neatly contained. Inside the innermost circle, make a swirl in the middle and outline eight more petals using white coloured powder. Fill each petal with a small dot of colour at its centre. Make eight additional dots outside each petal, connecting them to the blue part of the circle. With a loose hand, use white coloured powder to create eight petals around the middle circle. These petals should be evenly spaced. After creating the petals, fill the gap between each petal with alternating colours of green and blue. Across the outermost circle, create a running pattern by placing dots at finger-width intervals. Connect these dots with each other using small lines to form a continuous design. Create eight larger petals around the outermost circle, similar to the inner petals. Fill these petals with blue coloured powder. Inside each blue petal, make swirls using white powder, adding a dot at the tip of each swirl for decoration. In the space between each pair of larger petals, create smaller white petals. Fill these smaller petals with green coloured powder and add a dot at the top of each. Border the larger and the smaller white petals in the outermost circle with dark blue colour.
30 October,2024 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaCurated by Devanshi Doshi, Divyasha Panda, Devashish Kamble, Nandini Varma Party-Planning Bring on the spook to your house, in a cost-effective way >> Plan DIY activities for your guests, like making a mummy out of jugs. Use paper for wrapping; add googly eyes and lights to your creation >> If it’s an outdoor bash, use an inflatable tub, fill it with ice, and Halloween props like insects (not real!). Use this tub as an ice bucket for drinks. Use a fog machine to create drama. >> Fill the venue with as many Halloween elements as possible. Decorate windows, ceilings, and corners of the main party area. Use a spider web made of yarn for the ceiling. Place a skeleton by the pot in the washroom to add fun. >> Window decor is picking up for all sorts of themed parties. For Halloween, create a simple idea by leaving red or white palm prints across the window glass. Lighting is key in Simple Halloween party décor for children Halloween parties. Invest in lights that add to the eerie effect. This, along with simple props like skeletons, balloons, spiders, and pumpkins are enough to throw a successful party. If you’re unable to get the props, you can also play around with easily available stickers that read, caution or warning. >> For children, skip the simple witch or vampire look. They are heavily into popular culture, and want their costumes to reflect the same. Let them pick their favourite characters. One such famous and easy-to-pull-off character is Red from Descendants. Myrah Rohra and Reenaa Gupta, founders, @eventsbay Shopping Props, decor and costumes, these websites and brick-and-mortar stores cover it all A battery-operated ghost doll >> Ghostly glamourFrom bright royal robes to classic Disney villain costumes and anime characters, this one-stop-shop is your ultimate go-to for the costumes you need to be your spookiest best this Halloween.At Wanna Party, SV Patel Nagar, Andheri West.Call 9582541493 >> Let’s get witchyWith a variety of masquerade masks, classic witch cloaks, and wearable props, get the right amount of gore and fun to make your Halloween an absolute hit.At Madcaps the party shop, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West. Call 9920494956 A Maleficent headgear prop at the Kalbadevi store >> Dog or a Beetle?As Beetlejuice lips trend on social media, the gothic character is set to be recreated the most this season. For a playful twist on this trend, get your four-legged friend this Beetlejuice pet costume.Log on to Impoosy on AmazonCost R4,448 >> A hell of a timeThis party shop in Kalbadevi offers affordable, classic Halloween costumes, accessories like blood-stained nails and broken skulls, and props like Harry Potter’s flying broom, and devil horns.At The Hell Party Shop, Chandiwala Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Kalbadevi. Call 9819495798 A dog in Beetlejuice attire. PIC COURTESY/Impoosy Cries of fearWithout having much to do, this battery-operated vibrating ghost can be left in any corner of the house or at food tables to ambush your guests; it makes unnerving crying noises.Log on to themomstore.inCost Rs 2,499 (available in black and white) Add an eerie touch to your party with fun signs. PIC COURTESY/EVENTS BAY A wicked gourdFrom colour-changing jack-o-lanterns and LED festoons to funky bags for trick-or-treat and glasses for shots, this website is your go-to destination for all things pumpkins. Log on to partywholesale.inCost Rs 55 onwards Listen Don’t let a last-minute playlist scare the fun out of your Halloween party Alice Cooper’s spooky avatar. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS >> Hallo, it’s me: Let the Halloween vibe creep in as your mysterious guests settle in. Tune into soundtracks like John Carpenter’s Halloween, Skeleton Rocks’ Into the night, or Fraankenstein’s Run for the perfect background score to your spooky ice-breakers. >> Rock it out: Wake the party up with Swedish rock band Ghost’s chilling discography or punk rockers Misfits’ classics like Dig up her bones and Horror hotel. The brave ones can tune into one of Alice Cooper’s live concert videos for a mind-blowing spectacle (spoiler alert: it includes a guillotine, broken necks and some bloody good action) >> Pop a trick: Pull out crowd favourites for a sing-along session. Tune into Billie Eilish’s album When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go, or Kim Petras’ 2018 EP Turn Off The Light. If you’re feeling retro, we suggest sneaking in a few Abel (formerly, The Weeknd) tunes or a full throwback to Michael Jackson’s Thriller or Donovan’s Season of the witch. >> Story time: No great Halloween party must end without a spooky story session. Pass the mic to the Desi Crime Podcast that dives head first into true crime stories of vanishing families, paranormal sightings and serial killers.AVAILABLE Spotify Read For those who like to ‘party’ with the scariest finds, from mystery to eerie, to horror >> A Murderous Plot by Sue Minix: THE townsfolk of Riddleton County are gearing up for Halloween in Sue Minix’s latest detective fiction, A Murderous Plot (HarperCollins). Carved-pumpkins and DIY ghosts sit at the store entrances. The protagonist, Jen, a murder mystery writer, co-runs the town bookshop with her friend Lacey. While the latter sketches artwork to decorate the bookshop, Jen gets busy writing her new novel. When a fresh case arrives at the police, where her partner Eric works, Jen gets involved. The neighbouring resort owner Simeon Kirby has been killed. Jen had resented him for bringing tourists and development projects into town that threatened to ruin the small-town spirit. How deep will she go to find the truth? Author Sue Minix Minix draws readers into a whodunit through her arresting characters. Their conversations at Angus’s restaurant, the Riddleton Park, and the bookstore, bring the town to life. In addition to the protagonist, we encounter Charlie, who assists at the bookstore, loves to dress up in costumes, and extracts crucial information about suspects from the Internet for Jen. There’s also detective Havermeyer, who works with the police force, detests Jen’s personality, and becomes a key player. In her attempt to build Jen’s world, Minix sometimes falters, sharing details that don’t contribute to the mystery to warrant their existence. This leads to a slow narrative at the start. However, it picks up pace as she gathers more information from various people in the town, and we move closer to the case. Jen is not a detective; she isn’t supposed to be at the crime scene. This choice by the author introduces a new perspective to a world of stories otherwise narrated by those who have the authority to investigate. Her position enables her access to conversations that one would conceal in the presence of a detective. Jen loves taking risks, which makes it a thrilling read. Also read >> Mouthful of Birds by Samantha Schweblin: The International Booker Prize nominee’s collection of short stories plays with ideas of strangeness within reality. Unsettling situations can lead to eerie conclusions. A father watches his daughter eat live birds every day, a newly-wed bride is abandoned in the middle of the road for taking a long bathroom break, a stranded passenger waits to board a train at a station where trains never stop. >> Japanese Ghost Stories by Lafcadio Hearn: Hearn’s horror stories will interest readers who’ve enjoyed plunging into Japanese contemporary literature. A chilling collection with blind monks, tree spirits, haunted concubines, lonely towns, disembodied heads, among other things. >> Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia Butler: These stories explore ideas of freedom and fear, and ask questions such as how much we are defined by our genetics and what genetic disorders can leave one feeling. AVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores
29 October,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamDiwali is here. Despite it being the festival of lights, we often turn a blind eye to our four-legged friends, who perhaps inadvertently, are always on the receiving end of our celebrations. “While spreading awareness about animal sensitivity to loud sound and hazardous firecrackers is important, the first step for humans and stray feeders would be to take precautions,” shares Akshay Ridlan, pet parent of three canines, and founder of NGO Pawfriend. Ridlan, who lost a rescue dog he put up for adoption due to the anxiety that loud noises from a festival had caused him, has drafted a fool-proof plan to ensure dogs remain safe. Stray feeders can attach QR codes to their community dogs’ collars to help locate them >> Small steps: Each dog in my home is different — one is old, so he can barely hear. Another is timid, while the third one is gentle. Those with more than one dog must note that you may not be able to take them out on walks together. Some dogs need special attention during this time, and may need to be taken out individually. Step out with your dogs early in the mornings (4 am to 6 am) or in the afternoons (12 pm to 2 pm) when those who usually burst crackers are either asleep or at school or college. >> Be a companion: Never leave your dog alone at home. Remember, loneliness kills. The sounds outside are bound to make your pets anxious. They are like four-year-olds and they need to be looked after just like babies. It is also a time when a lot of guests will come home. So, it is natural for the dogs to get excited. If you are leaving them in a room, make sure there is someone inside with them. Talk to them constantly, make them feel relaxed. Through an animal perspective, the firecrackers are like sounds of war. They need to be put at ease. I also give my dogs one tablet of Anxocare a day to help with anxiety with their meal. Akshay Ridlan with his pug, Hope >> For stray feeders: If you feed stray animals, there are 80 per cent chances that dogs that are from your vicinity will relocate during this time. They tend to run away from sounds they fear. Relocation for stray dogs is extremely stressful. The way to avoid it can be that you relocate some to a foster home for the time being. You don’t have to find a foster home for each dog. If a certain dog in your housing complex is known to run away, find a foster home for it. Discuss with your society committee if temporary fosters can be made available for them. Use collars with QR codes (see image alongside). Dogs usually have collars with contact numbers. But a relocated dog is alreay terrified and will not let you near its neck. It may even bite you out of fear. QR codes that dangle down from their necks can be scanned from far away, and the dog can be moved back to its vicinity accordingly. You can also do this for your own pets at home. Also Read: Hush a bye baby: Here's how you can help your pets stay relaxed
29 October,2024 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
