A breath of fresh air Kehimkar (in red) guides visitors through his newly inaugurated butterfly garden in Karjat. Pic courtesy/Facebook I would ask for nothing more than clean air in the city. While Mumbai is not as bad as other cities, it is something we could do more of. So, I would ask Santa to rid Mumbai of the noxious fumes and give us a crisp, clean winter.Isaac Kehimkar, naturalist Chance for peace In the times we live in, to ask for material things feels a little silly. I know this might sound cliché but I would like to ask for world peace. I just want children around the world and everywhere to have a normal Christmas, where they can wake up without being afraid and anxious of being inside their own homes. If we could have that, it would be a good Christmas.Ehsaan Noorani, musician Success and contentment Manish Mehrotra At the moment, all I would ask for is a successful 2025. I plan to start on quite a few projects in 2025, and hopefully a new restaurant of my own. I have not yet decided on the cuisine or the location, but I will begin work on them soon. So, I would ask for success and contentment in the year to come.Chef Manish Mehrotra, former culinary director, Indian Accent New blocks in the city Quasar Thakore Padamsee (left) in discussion I do not have a lot of wishes for the city apart from the basic need of the moment — clean air. If one has to add to it, I would ask for more new and improved performance spaces around the city. That is all a theatre maker can dream of, and ask for.Quasar Thakore Padamsee, theatre artiste No avocado on toast Irfan Pabaney I would like peace to all mankind this season. On a personal note, I wish for more interesting things in food and cuisine. I wish they would stop putting avocado on toast. Although I know it is impossible, there are so many more interesting variations to try. For instance, I’d love to see more experiments with good ol’ French toast on breakfast tables.Chef Irfan Pabaney, country head, SodaBottle OpenerWala Clean air and good food If Santa is listening, I’d keep my wishes simple yet impactful — clean air; something as basic as the right to breathe without harming our health; honest food, real, pure food that nourishes rather than misleads; clean water, because no one should have to fight for something so essential. And if Santa could grant just one more wish, I’d ask for a ban on celebrities endorsing junk food. Imagine the ripple effect if that influence were used to promote healthier, holistic, and mindful choices instead. Lastly, I’d wish for love and peace to flow through the city because when we have that everything else will fall into place. Simple wishes, but ones that could truly change how we live and thrive in this beautiful city.Luke Coutinho, nutritionist Get Mumbai back on track Sahil Shah I keep hearing Santa Claus is coming to town, but I’m genuinely concerned about how he’s going to make it to town with all the dug-up roads this year. Perhaps, there’s a reason he travels up above us in the skies. This year, I’m asking Santa for the city I was born and brought up in to finally reach completion. As a stand-up comedian and a performing artiste, this year has been quite fulfilling with a lot more people coming out to our shows. Next year, I’m hoping for more performance spaces and stages to pop up so we can accommodate this rekindled interest.Sahil Shah, comedian
25 December,2024 08:40 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamGo Green Humboldt penguins in their enclosure at The Mumbai Zoo >> If you haven’t claimed your share of the green this city has to offer yet, there’s still time. Head to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park where an orchidarium recently came into bloom, kick it back by the park’s lake, or dive head first into action on a Lion safari. If you prefer solitude, cut the noise and hop onto a bicycle to pedal through the safe, demarcated trails at the park.Where: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East. A flamboyance of flamingos in Navi Mumbai. FILE PICS >> Those who like being in good company this time of the year can head to the Mumbai Zoo where flappy friends — Humboldt penguins Olive, Flipper, and Daisy — alongside gharials, spotted deer, and aquatic birds are waiting for you to make a big splash.Where: Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, Byculla. An orchid in bloom at the park >> If your kids are avian enthusiasts, we suggest you make a trip to the scenic DPS Lake in SeaWoods, Navi Mumbai, to introduce them to our most popular and precious winter visitors to the city — the flamingos. You can also try heading to Sewri Jetty to view this annual spectacle that the city is blessed to witness. A good time for green lessons, we say.Where: Navi Mumbai; Sewri East. The season of Giving >> Still mulling over what and where to head to, to do your bit for the lesser privileged, especially since there’s just a week left in 2024? We suggest you swiftly get into ‘winter’ cleaning mode, and donate all those forgotten, unwanted clothes and footwear, bags and baubles, and drop them off at the Mount Mary Convent High School that accepts them and distributes them to the needy across the city. Go ahead, and add some light into someone’s life.Where: Mount Mary Road, Bandra West. >> In Vasai’s Chulna Village, the Zilla Parishad school’s students are in for a surprise — your presence. Nanhe Haath Foundation’s Secret Santa plans to distribute stationery and Christmas treats to the students with help from fellow Santas. ON December 28; 10 am MEETING POINT Zilla Parishad School, Chulna, Vasai West.LOG ON TO @nanhe_haath_foundation >> Closer to the heart of the celebrations in Bandra West, a hundred Santas from the Sounds of Silence (SOS) Foundation are making dreams come true. Join the red army who will step out one last time today to distribute gifts to the lesser-privileged in the city.ON TodayLOG ON TO @sos_soundsofsilence (for more details and to register as Santa) Colaba's Other Church Trail The altar St Joseph’s Church >> Apart from the big-ticket venues like Holy Name Cathedral and the recently restored Afghan Church (St John the Evangelist), we nudge you to walk down Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg to soak in the spirit of the festival at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bombay Baptist Church, Bowen Methodist Church and St Joseph’s Church (commonly referred to as ‘RC Church’ by Mumbaikars). Start this trail at Bowen on Lansdowne Road, head to the Wesleyan church at BEST Marg, next, proceed to Bombay Baptist Church opposite Colaba Post Office, and round it off at RC Church near Colaba Bus Depot.Where: Colaba Paws to Celebrate >> Could this be the last Christmas that the furry friends at these rescue centres spend alone? Head to this animal welfare and adoption centre to meet with its resident stray dogs and cats. Stay back for a special workshop on crafting up-cycled cat toys today, or let your creative juices flow at a dog doodling session tomorrow.ON Today and tomorrow; 10.30 am onwards AT Welfare of Stray Dogs, Jamnadas Prabhudas Chawl, Lower Parel.LOG ON TO @wsdindiaENTRY Rs 200 per person (for activities) >> The feline friends at this Versova café don’t know yet, but they’re in for an a-meow-zing year-end surprise. The café has released an online Amazon store wishlist of supplies and toys for its resident cats that you can tick off from the comfort of your homes. If you prefer getting more hands-on and cuddly with the felines, head to their cafe-turned-home any time of the day.AT Cat Café Studio, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO @catcafestudio Also Read: Your guide to having a safe Christmas with your pets Find That Tree! >> WE bet you didn’t see this coming. After the SoBo friend shared this bit of information, we had to see it with our own eyes. Tucked away in the quaint streets of Mumbai that is still old-world and charming, we spotted the gorgeous bountiful Christmas tree standing tall in one of the gardens fronting a stunning residential building off Apollo Bunder. While the tree isn’t bedecked, it makes for quite the sight in tropical Mumbai.Where: Mereweather Road, Colaba. Theatre Binge A moment from the children’s play Wosquito Mosquito >> If none of the manifesting and self-love podcasts have done the trick (who could’ve guessed?), Saurabh Nayyar’s three-play series ought to teach you some timely lessons as the year draws to a close. Wosquito Mosquito, Nayyar’s children’s play, talks about taking a stand for yourself in a society that applauds conformity. “The play was written for children, but I think the message will resonate with people from all walks of life,” Nayyar says. Golden Jubilee, another one from the series, is a satirical take on love and its exaggerated silver screen representation.ON December 28 and 31; 12 pm onwards AT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 500 onwards
25 December,2024 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Fiona FernandezMele Kalikimaka by The Andrews sisters: THIS rendition by The Andrews Sisters breaks the stereotype of a white Christmas. The lyrics talk about how Christmas will be green and bright in Hawaii, and the song is portrayed as an Islander’s Christmas greeting. This song works as living proof that Christmas is a festival celebrated by all at a global stage, irrespective of the weather conditions. The Hawaiian name, as you’ve probably guessed, translates to Merry Christmas. Groovy Xmas by The Linda Lindas: As the name suggests, this is a Christmas song one can dance to. It could be a lovely addition to your Christmas playlist, due to the upbeat tempo. The lyrics are well-put with iconic references to Santa, the Grinch, Charlie Brown and pumpkin spiced lattés. These references hit all the right spots for the listener, especially when in need of Christmas cheer. A moment from Sia’s Snowman I wanna be with you (On Christmas day) by The National Parks: Christmas is the season of love, among other things. This song explores the longing for togetherness during this season. One may even call it a love song with a Christmas theme, as it speaks about the various ways the artiste wants to spend Christmas, as long as it is with the one he loves. It also references the birth of Christ. Space Christmas by Allo’ Darlin: This could definitely make it to the family playlist. It speaks about the hypothetical future where the artiste and her partner spend Christmas in space. It also hints at the idea of how a good, thoughtful Christmas doesn’t depend on the cost of the gift or how elaborate the celebrations are, but simply the intent behind it. Snowman by Sia: The pop sensation released this track in 2017. With a soothing rhythm, this song can be the calm amidst the Christmas chaos. While the music is calming, the lyrics are deep and could be the perfect balance between the highs and lows this season is bound to bring. The lyrics talk about the snowman crying (melting) while accompanying the artist who goes on to refer to herself as Mrs Snowman in the chorus. The Jonas Brothers in performance. Pics courtesy/YouTube Like it’s Christmas by The Jonas Brothers: It is said that ‘Home is where the heart is,’ but the Jonas Brothers, after describing the perfect Christmas in this song, go on to say that every day can be Christmas as long as it is with the right people or person. The chorus reads, “You make every day feel like it’s Christmas,” which is a romantic notion that can make this song the perfect addition to your playlist if you’ve found your senses being taken over by the Christmas love-bug this season. Cozy Little Christmas by Katy Perry: Katy Perry made an impression on the Gen-Z crowd with quite a few hits, but four years ago she also came out with a Christmas song. The song speaks about how she doesn’t want fancy expensive gifts but just wishes to spend time with that one special someone. The song is catchy; has Christmas references throughout, along with hints of festive romance. Elton John (left) and Ed Sheeran in the music video of Merry Christmas Make it to Christmas by Alessia Cara: While many agree that this season is also the season of heartbreak, this song explores the idea of how hard it is to cope with pain amidst all the Christmas cheer. And so, we see the artiste question if all the heartbreak and pain can just be postponed to after the season is over, because who wants to spend this time alone? If you find yourself in similar situations during this festive time, this song might be for you. Merry Christmas by Ed Sheeran Ft Elton John: Ed Sheeran is quickly becoming one of the city’s favourite international artistes with songs for every mood. This song, with its hopeful lyrics and soothing music, make it a must-hear as the year ends. While the lyrics have a certain depth to it, overall the song has a feel-good vibe about it, making it hard to resist a smile. While the song simply aims to wish you a Merry Christmas, it also assures that the past year can be left behind as you look towards new horizons. Katy Perry in a Santa-inspired outfit The happiest Christmas tree by Nat King Cole: With an upbeat groove and playful lyrics, this OG track is one that the children will absolutely adore. The music is catchy, and before you know it, the kids around you will be mindlessly singing along to this song. This is one of those Christmas songs that every age-group can enjoy, making it the perfect song to add to a family Christmas playlist. Available: Apple Music, Spotify Also listen to: >> DJ play a Christmas song – Cher (2023)>> Christmas Lights – Zach Seabaugh (2023)>> A nonsense Christmas – Sabrina Carpenter (2023)
24 December,2024 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheWestern suburbs All on boardRoll into 2025 alongside friends at a board game night featuring Catan, Risk and Spendor at this pet-friendly cafe away from the city’s buzz. TIME 9 pm onwards AT Kaffeine, Shimpoli Road, Borivli West. LOG ON TO @kaffeinemumbai ENTRY Rs 3,000 (per person) A starry nightCome for the aerial acrobatics, live bands, and light shows, and stay back to catch a glimpse of the midnight fireworks at Juhu Beach at this seaside resto-bar. TIME 9 pm onwards AT Bar Bank, Ramada Palm Grove, Juhu Tara Road. LOG ON TO sortmyscene.comENTRY Rs 1,959 (female); Rs 2,939 (male); Rs 4,409 onwards (couples) Come as you areGive your wardrobe woes a break, and show up in your comfy outfits to this house-party themed celebration that includes bar games to keep the spirits high.TIME 8 pm onwardsAT Monkey Bar, Linking Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @monkeybarindENTRY Rs 3,500 (singles); Rs 7,000 (couples) Asian overloadThis kid and pet-friendly resto-bar is whipping up a pan-Asian festive spread for your year-end hunger pangs. Heads up: Keep an eye out for the friendly big cat mascot.TIME 8 pm onwardsAT Tipsy Tiger, Hotel Peninsula Redpine, Marol, Andheri East. LOG ON TO @the.tipsytiger ENTRY Rs 1,060 (female); Rs 2,120 (male); Rs 2,120 (couples) Poolside countdownSettle into a cosy spot at the poolside seating of this rooftop restaurant lined with tropical foliage for a smooth sailing into the new year.TIME 7 pm onwardsAT Ira, The Orchid, Chakala, Andheri East. LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 4,010 onwards (per person) South Mumbai Classic vibesDig into an extravagant North Indian spread and enjoy live Indian classical music to usher in the New Year.TIME 8 pm to 12:30 pmAT Kebab Korner, InterContinental Marine Drive, Churchgate.CALL 2266399999ENTRY Rs 10,500 onwards Bollywood bashFill up your beer tumblers and dance your heart out to classic desi music as you enter the New Year with a fuzzy, happy note in this Bollywood-themed party.TIME 12 pm onwardsAT Effingut, Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 1,000 onwards A retro partyWelcome the New Year with a rewind to the old times with this nostalgia-themed retro glam party that promises an evening of classic hits and special cocktails to set the mood for the coming year.TIME 9 pm onwardsAT HYLO, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort. CALL 9004191901ENTRY Revealed on request Central Mumbai Masks outSlip into your sleekest dresses and tuxedos and head to The Dadar Parsee Colony Gymkhana’s New Year’s Eve masquerade ball.TIME 8 pm onwardsAT Dadar Parsee Colony Gymkhana, 606, Dr BabaSaheb Ambedkar Road, Dadar East. LOG ON TO allevents.in ENTRY Rs 2,500 (per person) Mediterranean moods Choose from tirokafteri, manakeesh, or Turkish fide, and wash it down with Middle Eastern wine sangrias to ring in the New Year.TIME 9 pm onwards AT Bayroute, Palladium, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel; also at BKC, Juhu, Cuffe Parade and Powai. CALL 8291177913 (Lower Parel) ENTRY Rs 3,500 onwards Bambaiyya magicThe quirky cocktail menu at this Mumbai-inspired bar includes meter down (below), local rush and cutting chai-tini. As good a reason as any to drink up!TIME 9.30 pm onwardsAT Bombay Cartel, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Singles: Rs 3,000; Couples: Rs 5,000 Eastern Suburbs It’s the time to discoWhat better way to enter the New Year than with classic cocktails and a disco party that promises a night full of amazing music and cool vibes.TIME 9 pm to 1 amAT Hitchki, Lake Boulevard Road, Hiranandani Business Park, Powai. ENTRY Rs 2,000 onwards Groovy funParty the night away with a funky DJ and dance to the tunes to upbeat remixes as you welcome the New Year.TIME 7 pm onwardsAT Nxtlvl, Purav Marg, next to RK Studio, Union Park, Chembur. LOG ON TO @nxtlvl.chembur on InstagramENTRY Rs 4,000 onwards Dance the night awaySpend New Year’s Eve enjoying live band performances and grooving to a funky Bollywood DJ set in an open-air setting as the countdown starts to the New Year.TIME 9 pm onwardsAT Beatle Hotel, JMJ House, Hiranandani Gardens, Panchkutir Ganesh Nagar, Powai. CALL 9892576616ENTRY Rs 2,849 Thane and Navi Mumbai Game on!Enjoy an evening of fun and music as this sports bar turns into a party hall with a live DJ and bar counter.TIME 8 pm onwardsAT Taphaus Sports Bar, Emerald Plaza, Block 4, Pokhran Road, Thane West.ENTRY Rs 1,000 onwards Bollywood blitzStep into a retro party and relive the old Bollywood vibes with unlimited food and drinks along with entertainment acts and a fireworks display at zero hour. TIME 8 pm onwardsAT The Park, Nirmaladevi Marg, Sector 10, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai. CALL 9004121919LOG ON TO @thepark_navimumENTRY Revealed on request Fun festIndulge in unlimited drinks and food, and shake a leg to trippy electronic music at this popular watering hole. Hurry before the spots run out.TIME 9.30 pm onwardsAT MH04 The Drunkyard, Chithalsar Manpada, Thane.CALL 9459451881 Activities Soul trippingUnwind and rejuvenate for the New Year in this unique sound session that will feature improvised lullabies and guided meditation by Korean-American violinist and sound therapist, Sarah MeeRan Cave.ON December 29, 9.30 am to 11 amAT Tangerine Arts Studio, Ground Floor, Wilfred Apartments, St Leo Road, Bandra West.CALL 9867369960COST Rs 1,800 onwards Filmy countdownIf you’re the filmy kind, then head over to this spot and catch a NYE-special open-air screening of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani by Sunset Cinema Club for a wholesome wrap up to the year.ON December 29; 7 pm onwardsAT Infiniti Mall, Malad West. COST Rs 600 onwards Drive Away Sip, savour, celebrateIndulge in special cocktails and scrumptious bar bites as a party unfolds around you to welcome 2025 in high spirits.TIME 9 pm onwardsAT Buzz n Banter, Rupa Solitaire, Millenium Business Park, Sector 2, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai.CALL 9702010304LOG ON TO @buzznbanterENTRY Rs 3,125 Let’s glowThe real fun begins after the sun sets over Panshet Dam at this neon glow-in-the-dark party just a three-hour drive from Mumbai. Get there early to catch an open-air movie screening.TIME 3 pm onwardsAT Panshet (campsite location revealed on registration)LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 2,000 per person (includes food and accommodation) Also Read: Planning a Christmas or New Year trip? Here are 7 expert-backed travel hacks for a hassle-free experience Go greenThis vegetarian and vegan haunt is bringing out special fruit-based wines and cocktails for a sweet celebration this New Year’s Eve.TIME 12 pm onwardsAT Millo, Near Times Tower Office, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO @millo.mumbaiENTRY Rs 1,500 (per person) Hawaii not?This island resort with traditional Portuguese-inspired cottages might remind you of the lanes of Goa, but the fiesta here plans to give you a Hawaiian New Year experience with outdoor games, music and clear seas.TIME 8 pm onwardsAT Fonseca’s Beach Resort, Gorai. LOG ON TO @fonsecasbeachresortCOST Singles: Rs 3,000; Couples: Rs 5,000 (includes food and accommodation) Light up the skyCamp beneath the stars, groove to live music, and spend the evening making sky lanterns at this campsite in Khopoli that has been customised for a comfort outing. TIME 1 pm (check-in) AT Off the Grid Glamps, Adoshi Dam, Mandad Atkargaon, Khopoli. LOG ON TO offthegridglamps.comCOST Rs 6,000 per person (includes food and accommodation)
24 December,2024 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Divyasha PandaImagine a cold, dark night with a tribe sitting around a fire waiting for Santa Claus while he is on his rounds. Two kids drop out of a hot-air balloon, and set in motion a musical narration of stories, experiences and dance that adds to the joy of the season. If it sounds ambitious, it is, says theatre maker Ulka Mayur. “It is never easy to make a production with kids, but it is always fun,” she says, describing the work going into the making of her upcoming musical, You, Me and Gubbare. The title takes off from the ‘gubbare’ or balloons used by the two children to get to this mystical land. “They arrive by accident, and it is a sweet, fun moment when they land in the midst of this group of adults waiting around on Christmas Eve,” Mayur says. Ulka Mayur rehearses the script with the children Though rehearsals only began a month ago, Mayur has been working on the concept for a few months. The play, she reveals, contains a motif that is as old as time in drama; more specifically Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Like the Chaucerian epic, Mayur’s script has the children discovering more about the individual members of the camp as they begin to narrate their story. “The use of this premise is a happy one, and common in literature. There are four key stories, with every story becoming a piece in itself,” she reveals. These short pieces offer a chance to add colour through musical interludes. The cast of 15, including seven children, are all musically inclined. “We purposefully chose the cast to ensure that the music is integrated into the performance. For instance, we have a boy who is learning Kathak, another plays the tabla and djembe, there are two guitarists and a few singers as well. It makes the performance, even the rehearsals, such fun,” she admits. The kids perform a scene with an actor playing Santa While the theatre maker had initially planned the performance around children, the season of Christmas made the stories all the more relevant. “The mini-stories offer an insight into the experiences of human nature, kindness and gentleness. One story tells of a mall-based Santa trying to retain his place against the emergence of a fitter, healthier Santa. Another speaks of a fictional reindeer who wants to fit into the crowd. These tales enable the children to understand the true spirit of the festivities, beyond the gifts and the decorations,” Mayur says. It is easy to forget the work that goes into making things fun. The director shares, “But it is so important to have fun. Children today, like adults, have such a hectic lifestyle. For this play itself, we had to find time since we could not rehearse every week. We worked in pairs, and sometimes online. But the important thing was to ensure that the children, and the grown-ups, enjoyed while they worked,” she says. It is this element of fun that she hopes to bring back to the audience. After all, there is no better way to enjoy Christmas than with childlike joy. Ulka Mayur ON December 24; 5.30 pm and 7 pm AT Veda Kunba Theatre, Four Bungalows, Andheri West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 450
23 December,2024 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe festive and wedding season is all about showing up, any place, any time and soaking in the fun and frolic. But let’s be honest, it can also mean endless commitments and the pressure to look flawless where your daily routines go awry. Amidst these challenges, it’s critical to avoid social burnout. We’ve got you covered, courtesy a mental health expert. → Festive fatigue 101“The term refers to a state of mind where we feel physically and mentally exhausted due to prolonged and intense social interaction,” explains counselling psychologist Bhaavika Vachani. Signs include emotional exhaustion, where individuals feel drained, irritated, or detached in social settings. Physical fatigue and feeling constantly tired, sluggish with headaches, or muscle tension can make mundane tasks feel daunting. Cognitive fog, including difficulty focusing or forgetting details, is another red flag. “Attending an event may evoke a sense of dread, heightened restlessness, social withdrawal and loss of enjoyment for some turning activities and interactions they once loved into unfulfilling obligations,” she explains. Bhaavika Vachani →Understanding the whysThe phenomenon has many triggers. Vachani emphasises the importance of identifying them. The pressure of perfection is a key factor since these events demand adherence to unspoken social standards of appearance, behaviour, and interaction. “This can feel emotionally draining and overwhelming as it stretches one’s emotional bandwidth; some might feel inadequate and engage in comparison with others,” she explains. A packed calendar doesn’t help — especially in a city like Mumbai, where commuting and constantly juggling commitments can create a chronic sense of hurry. Financial stress stemming from expenses like gift-giving or buying new clothes can make the joy of celebrations quickly feel like a bill you’d rather not pay. → Set boundariesHealthy boundaries are essential for managing social burnout. “Time boundaries can involve politely declining or limiting time at social engagements. It can be as simple as saying, ‘I’d love to come, but I would like to leave by 9 pm. Avoid over-committing or double-booking yourself,” says Vachani. Having emotional boundaries in place can help individuals check on themselves when their surroundings or people are draining them. It’s important to step away at such times to think about it. Physical boundaries, such as choosing comfortable seating or stepping outside for fresh air, are crucial. “Overstimulation in certain social situations can be triggered by loud music, large crowds, and more. Conversational boundaries are also equally important. Be aware of your triggers and excuse yourself or change the topic of conversation when the need arises,” she notes. It is important to take time off to rejuvenate. Representation pics → Ditch the guilt Feeling guilty about saying no? Vachani suggests a mindset shift to tackle this guilt. “Try to understand where the guilt is coming from; it often stems from perceived expectations or the fear of letting someone down. Try to reframe the situation and understand that declining an invitation isn’t a rejection of that person. She says, “Instead of thinking, ‘I’m letting them down,’ shift to, ‘I’m preserving my energy to show up better in future moments with them’.” It’s important to understand that an individual’s absence doesn’t diminish their value in relationships. Consistent and quality engagement matters more than constant availability. → Balance the beamFinding a balance between social obligations and personal well-being is crucial. Balance must be intentionally created to conserve energy and nurture meaningful social interactions. Start by prioritising events based on their importance and emotional connections. “Ask yourself simple questions such as, does this event align with my values or the relationships that matter to me? This helps set things into perspective,” suggests Vachani. Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) often drives over-commitment, leading to burnout. To counter this, Vachani emphasises scheduling downtime for rest and maintaining aspects of your routine. “We don’t plan for a post-social recharge enough, but it’s essential for recovery and replenishing your emotional and mental reserve,” she advises. Recharging doesn’t need elaborate efforts like bubble baths — it can be as simple as taking a day to rest, detox, or even sticking to a routine. Vachani suggests having a rest routine in place during stressful periods. “Rest days can include spending the day on a digital or physical detox, going for a walk, engaging in creative hobbies and more.” Practices like deep breathing and mindfulness help centre individuals and recharge their social battery. Simple techniques — such as box breathing and the 54321 method — can be done in public to manage feeling overwhelmed (see box, below). These tools can make an individual feel more in control and restore a sense of stability. Anchoring oneself with positive affirmations can also be helpful. Practical self-care habits such as journaling, guided meditations, or structured calendars reduce mental clutter and support mindfulness. Reach out to family and friends for support and to help ease the load → Be a burnout buddyFamily and friends can also support those facing social burnout by recognising signs, validating feelings, and offering practical help with tasks to ease their load. “Avoid pressuring them about plans or participation. Instead, offer reassurance with statements such as ‘Your presence matters more than your perfection, show up as who you are,” she explains. If needed, encourage them to seek professional support for an effective recovery. Try this out “Box breathing can be done as per an individuals time preference where one inhales for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and holds for 4 counts before repeating the process. The 54321 technique is another immediate solution: think and name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.”
23 December,2024 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaAs will be the case with many, this writer’s last successful Goa trip feels like it happened ages ago. One sight from the sunshine state that is etched in our memory, however, is catching a glimpse of the ornate tomb of 16th Century saint and Jesuit St Francis Xavier at the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa from afar. Enshrined in an elaborate tomb carved by Italian sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini are the 470-year-old mortal remains (or relics) of the saint. All of it — except his right hand. For, in the early 1600s, the arm was severed and shipped to Rome to be preserved in the Church of Gesu. The relics are carried in the cart built by the Sequeira brothers. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; Youtube At the ongoing decennial exposition, where the casket is ceremoniously moved from the Basilica to the nearby Se Cathedral, the faithful witnessed a Christmastime miracle of sorts. A replica of the right arm, clasping a cross, stood atop an intricate recreation of the tomb on which the casket lay. When we hear that the artists behind this marvel are the Sequeira Brothers from Vasai’s quaint Giriz village, we’re hardly surprised. From rural Amravati in eastern Maharashtra to altars in Aberdeen, Scotland, there’s barely any ground their sculptures, statues and replicas haven’t covered. Artisans at the Giriz workshop. PICS/Sayyed Sameer Abedi On a sleepy afternoon in Lahaan Giriz, we navigate its narrow lanes to find Sequeira Art World. The distant, but perpetual buzzing of chainsaws cutting through wood guides us well. At the workshop, Benzoni, the elder brother, is chipping away on his newest piece. “Can you believe it?” he smiles as he hands us his reference picture. It’s an AI-generated visual of the Holy Family sent in by a Dubai family. “It’s more detailed than what we usually receive, and so it needs more attention,” he adds. A work-in-progress shot of the cart While most of the chiselling happens on the ground floor, the bigger secrets lie in the many rooms on the second floor of the workshop. Now accompanied by brother Mingleshwar and his son Mark Sequeira, we are shown the moulds that were used to create the panels that adorn the sides of the replica cart. “I visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus with permission from its parish priest Fr Adrian Furtado, who is also the brains behind the blueprint of the cart. Through our visits and reference pictures from various angles, we were able to design and prepare these moulds,” Mark reveals as he points towards the mould for a bas relief that portrays the missionary work of the saint. The bas relief depicting St Francis Xavier’s missionary work The cart is made using marine plywood for the flat panels and fibre to recreate the elaborate carvings and bas reliefs. What makes it even more special, is the record time it was built in. “It was sometime in September when Fr Furtado reached out to us. The chassis of the cart was already crafted by another electric vehicle manufacturer in Chennai, and we had a month’s time to finish the exteriors. We worked from 7 am to 12 pm every day of the week,” recalls Benzoni, rather gleefully. Do the long hours never get to them, we wonder. “It doesn’t feel like work at all. I would work longer hours if I could, but our families already think we are a tad crazy,” he laughs. The fibre and silicone mould used to craft it The Sequeiras can sit back now; the cart will speak for itself at the entrance of the Se Cathedral where it is placed till January 5, when the exposition ends. But they won’t — the brothers have a long list of projects lined up for Christmas. One that is reaching conclusion at the time of our visit is a replica of the altar at the Nandakhal Church in Virar that will find a new home in Dubai. In another room, Benzoni shows us millennium crosses of varying sizes that will make their way to various dioceses across India to mark the holy year in 2025 declared by Pope Francis. Benzoni (left) and Mark Sequeira work on a piece with an AI-generated reference picture Amidst the polished wood sculptures, we notice a rather understated piece of woodwork. “That one is a bust of our father, Renold Sequeira,” Benzoni tells us. ‘Renold Uncle’ to the neighbourhood and ‘Michelangelo of Vasai’ for the world, the veteran sculptor passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic leaving an evidently lasting legacy. “I made my first crucifix sculpture under his supervision when I was six years old. When he passed on, we expanded our workshop. An old Sivan tree stood where the extended space now lies. We sculpted the bust using wood from the same tree,” Benzoni reveals. Just how Renold Uncle would have liked to be remembered, we’re sure. At Sequeira Art World, Small Giriz, St Francis Xavier Road, Vasai West. Call 7798380913 (for queries)
21 December,2024 12:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is a day before her performance at the New Bombay Keraleeya Samaj Hall in Nerul when we catch Kalamandalam Sindhu for a conversation on the classical set she is bringing to the city as part of the Women’s Theatre Festival on folklore by Keli, a Mumbai-based cultural organisation. Running short on time and high in spirit she takes the initiative to explain the ancient dance form to us, “Koodiyattam is an 1,800-year-old ancient theatre from Kerala that borrows solely from Sanskrit plays for scripting. It was initially a form of dramatised dance worship but later it expanded to the realms of theatre as well. Natyashashtra’s Dasharupakam talks about the dramaturgy of Koodiyattam in detail.” Kalamandalam Sindhu enacting Sita during a performance of Sreeramacharitham Nangiarkoothu Originating in the sangam era and relying on expressions, acting and music to drive the storytelling of the play, the history of Koodiyattam has been through many interesting transitions. “Initially, Koodiyattam as a dance form was restricted to the people of the Nambiar and Chakiyar community. They would learn and practice it strictly within their families. It was only in 1965 that the Kerala Kalamandalam started teaching Koodiyattam to everyone. Now, it has spread to every nook and corner of the world. Earlier, women were also not allowed to be part of Koodiyattam. But with time, women were allowed to be part of it with changes in the choreography as well,” she tells us. Sindhu’s performance is spread over two days; the first day will see her explore the inner turmoil of Tara, Bali’s widow who gets betrothed to Sugriva, his brother, and then gets abandoned later when Sugriva retreats to the forest on failing to keep his promise with Lord Rama. “In Ramayana, nobody talks about the torment that Tara went through and none of the Koodiyattam texts also narrate her side of the story. During my research I came upon Udatta Raaghavam written by Mayuraja, which is a six-act drama of the Ramayana and I decided to build upon the fourth act, which introduces Tara to explore her reaction on being abandoned by both Bali and Sugriva,” she explains. As part of her performance, Sindhu consulted Dr CM Neelakandan, a Sanskrit scholar to write her the shlokas for the performance and scripted an acting manual especially for the act, all by herself. Ramachandran Keli Building on the same, Ramachandran Keli, the director of this festival, shares, “In Indian mythology and folklore, there is a concept of the five noble women. They are Draupadi, Ahilya, Sita, Tara and Mandodari. They are powerful because they asked questions about a patriarchal system that was unjust to them. Koodiyattam was also very patriarchal, which is why Sindhu’s innovative stance on the Ramayana and specifically, Tara’s story is relevant from a culture and gender politics perspective.” The second performance is based on a prahasanam or farce play by Bodhayanan that depicts an interesting conversation between two women. A teacher in Margi, a classical arts organisation in Kerala, Sindhu will be performing in Mumbai after almost 30 years, “I have been working on Tara’s soliloquy for a while, and I am excited for people to see the performance. It is important to tell such folk stories that aren’t usually talked about. It fuels the artiste in me. Without Koodiyattam, I cannot imagine this life,” she signs off. On December 21 and 22; 6.30 pm AT New Bombay Keraleeya Samaj, Dr D Y Patil Vidyanagar, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
21 December,2024 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaEarlier this month, one of the additions on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was the Japanese rice drink, sake. On the UNESCO website, the inscription mentioned that ‘the traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan’ was included in this prestigious list. Before this global acknowledgement of its cultural significance, the beverage had made its presence in India, particularly in the past three to four years. Tonu Bage, representative and sake expert at Rad Elan, one of the leading distributors of sake in the country, calls the Japanese spirit the middle child of the alcohol family. “It is stronger than wine and beer but too polite to party like the spirits,” she tells us. Tonu Bage Sake is of two types: Junmai and non-junmai, and is crafted across regions in the country, like Hyogo, Niigata Kobe, Nada and Fushimi. Junmai is made from rice, water, yeast and koji while non-junmai includes an addition of neutral alcohol called Jozo, or brewer’s alcohol. “Under this, there are four types that fall under premium categories: Daiginjo, made from rice that is milled to 70 per cent, and Ginjo with up to 60 per cent brewer’s alcohol. For junmai ginjo and junmai daiginjo, the milling ratio remains the same but with no additional alcohol. Other base level categories include honjozo and futsushu,” Bage informs. Best appreciated as neat shots, cocktails tend to lose the taste of the spirit. “The umami is lost,” she reveals, adding, “but it is a good way to interact with the spirit.” Sake is savoured in shot glasses called ochoko, poured into a cup from a ceramic decanter called tokkuri. “The server or host holds the bottle with two hands — right hand holds the neck, and the left holds the base. It is polite to use both hands when pouring and receiving sake,” she points out. Anil Kably of Izumi, Bandra, says Mumbai has a long way to go to improve its appetite for sake. Masumi Kuro, a junmai ginjo sake (Rs 5,700 for 300ml), is a top seller at the restaurant. “We conduct training for our staff two to three times a year, so they are able to offer it to our guests. The good thing about sake is that it has various flavours and textural notes, some being dry while others are fruity and floral. Junmai daiginjo generally has a fruitier flavour. In general, the higher the polishing the more refined the sake,” he elaborates. Sake in the city Ichigo sour >> Ichigo sour (Rs 827) is a delightful blend of strawberry, balsamic, and sake, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s sweet yet sour. Coming up on the menu is kira kira (Rs 850), a sparkling sake with fresh grapes. It’s a take on Bellini or a mimosa. Avantika Malik AT Mizu Izakaya, ground floor, Ganga Jamuna Building, 14th Road, Khar West. CALL 9372023641 Sakuraaaa >> We assure you the spellings are not incorrect. Co-founder of Donmai, Sameer Uttamsingh, has named the cocktails with an extra punch. “In Matchaaaa (R875), we make a matcha concoction with gin and sake, which is then clarified by milk washing. Sameer Uttamsingh It is stirred over ice. It is garnished with a drop of shiso oil and served with a matcha flavoured pocky. Sakuraaaa (Rs 945), has gin, cranberry juice and cherry extract mixed over ice with edible glitter. This is topped with sparkling sake.AT Donmai, G-03, Altimus, opposite Doordarshan Towers, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli. CALL 9730659776 >> The sake menu at this Bandra space is designed to provide guests with an authentic and curated experience of Japan’s most iconic beverage. They are handpicked from many regions of Japan to give a diverse selection, ranging from Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Honjozo styles. “We serve our sake in hand-crafted ceramic cups [ochoko] or cedar masu boxes for a traditional touch,” explains Syesha Kapoor, its co-founder. Tokachi ice (Rs 1,200) is an aromatic effervescent drink with umami from shitake rum and vanilla infused sake and topped with sparkling wine.AT Akina, Turner Road, Bandra West. CALL 8976452911 >> Masako (Rs 1,250) is spiked with herbal tea blend with chamomile, jasmine, rose and lavender, citrus, mushroom infusion and fresh lychee juice, and is named after the Empress of Japan.AT Dashanzi, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. CALL 66933344 >> At Mirai, the mojito gets a refreshing Japanese twist in the form of the Asian sake lemonade (R800). This is prepared with Honjozo sake, aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, Thai basil leaves and fresh muskmelon.AT Suburbia Building, between Linking Road and Swami Vivekananda Road, Bandra West. CALL 9004618228 >> Masumi kaya sake and Good day soju are muddled with refreshingly fruity flavours with a garnish of a berry smoke bubble to create a Geisha-style concoction (R870).AT Amaru, KC Marg, General Arunkumar Vaidya Nagar, Bandra West. CALL 9833450040 >> The residents of Koliwada brew their ferments in-house, which taste very similar to sake, and are very fruity and uplifting. The folks at Slink & Bardot took inspiration and put together a Koli echoes (R1,200), a cocktail with sake, vodka, Umeshu, lychee, cucumber and fresh lemon.AT Slink & Bardot, Thadani House 329/A, opposite Indian Coast Guard, Worli Village. CALL 9326965643 Did You Know? Originally, sake was made only by women. As demand increased, men became involved in the process. Today, people of all genders can master the knowledge and skills. Sake-making is transmitted through apprenticeships. Information: courtesy: UNESCO/ inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Top sakes in Mumbai Sake can be differentiated in daiginjo ( 70 per cent); ginjo (60 per cent); honjozo and genshu (base alcohol) brews. >> Gekkeikan (Junmai Daiginjo)>> Hakushika Yamadanishiki (Junmai genshu)>> Borngold (Junmai daiginjo)>> Hakutsuru Awayuki (sparkling)>> Hakushika Tokubetsu Yamadanishiki (Honjozo)
20 December,2024 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaOn the week that the new Superman trailer comes out, there is another saga of heroes being readied at the familiar Bandra hub of St Andrews’ Auditorium. Ashaita Mahajan, co-founder Cafe Arpan and trustee, Yash Charitable Trust (YCT), is busy with the planning for the annual showcase of the trust’s members, Saarang Sandhya, when she answers our call. “The whole idea of Saarang Sandhya was to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities [on December 3],” she shares. Better late than never, as the programme will seek to break down the barriers between the differently-abled and others on stage. “The performance is primarily a way to show that the world is a better place when people with, and without disabilities, come together on a common platform. There aren’t that many differences between us,” Mahajan adds. Titled Guardians of the Unlikely, the performance showcase will include eight skits featuring musical performances, drama and dance routines rolled into one 90-minute long performance. Interspersed with intervals, the show is being managed by a team of 50 individuals. “The showcase is not just a moment for members of the YCT community to shine, but also the larger support groups that we often work and collaborate with,” the trustee points out. The troupe rehearses a song on stage Among those working closely with the performers is co-trustee Sia Mirchandani. Revealing that the preparation began almost four months ago, she says, “The performance revolves around unsung heroes. Everyone is a hero in their own way, but there are some who underplay their role. They are the ones we hope to bring attention to.” The platforming of such talent is one of the key reasons the trust pays such attention to the showcase, Mahajan notes. The audition process was a long, but a fun experience. “We try to pick up the nuances of their personality and assign characters accordingly,” Mirchandani reveals. A moment from a previous performance Yet, does the challenge of performing on a public stage result in any cold feet, we ask. No, says Mirchandani. The exuberance is shared by the performers as well. She says, “They want to do so much more than we can plan. We sometimes tone it down. They are all very excited. For the participants, to get a platform to perform, and display their talents is what makes it such an exciting opportunity.” Ashaita Mahajan and Sia Mirchandani The showcase also marks a decade of the NGO’s operations in the city. “We started 10 years ago, and have some big things coming up in 2025. Hopefully, there are many more to come,” shares Mahajan. ON Today; 7 pmAT St Andrews’ Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO insider.inCOST R300 (Seating on first come-first served basis)
20 December,2024 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThere is a treat in store for bibliophiles and fans of natural history at Premchand Roychand Gallery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). The venue is currently displaying books from the late 18th century to 1947 as part of the 10th Rare Books Exhibition: Hidden Hands in Colonial Natural Histories. The finds include records left behind by the colonial artists as well as preserved documents that highlight the cultural, architectural and geographical makeup of India at the time. “We’ve been holding these exhibitions since 1993,” shares Dr Ashok Kothari, chairman at the Library Committee of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Dr Pheroza Godrej takes a tour of the exhibition with Dr Kothari While on the tour with Kothari, we spot editions of National Geographic magazines from 1926, and the 1940s editions of the Illustrated Weekly of India. “At the time, the British and the Maharajas managed these [collections].” In one of the photographs, we spot a creek ferry boat, linking islands to the mainland. Next, we are shown the dinner menu of the Taj Mahal Hotel from 1952 and those from the steamers. We also find a copy of Modern Bombay and her Patriotic Citizens, opened to a black-and-white photograph of the Bhatia Baug. A collection of Bombay Courier editions at the exhibition Mounted on the walls are prints of the artworks studied by researchers under the McGill University project. “This project’s effort is one-third of the exhibition. One-third is by the BNHS and one-third is Dr Kothari’s collection,” explains Mrinal Kapadia, founder of India Visual Art Archive and one of the contributors to the project. The project was initiated by the McGill University, Montreal, with the purpose of uncovering unacknowledged hands that contributed to the natural history artwork generated from this era. “At times, the labour to provide information and material was supplied by indigenous people, servants and local guides.The university received a three-year grant to study this.” The McGill exhibition features historical artworks of native flora and fauna from across the city Among the artwork, the most prominent one in the gallery is of James Forbes, the British artist. “He’s important because he was one of the earliest to visually document the flora and fauna of India, particularly Western India, and Bombay’s first resident artist,” shares Kapadia. Keeping with the theme of natural history, the BNHS team invited Dr Pheroza Godrej, environmentalist, art historian and founder of Cymroza Art Gallery, for the inauguration. Visitor reccos >> Oriental Memoirs by James Forbes: I love natural history and prints and James Forbes, it’s a combination. I think that’s why they invited me; they know my special interests. I’m impressed by the research; some of them are even Indians like Vikram Bhatt, who chose the print with the palankeen (palanquin).Dr Pheroza Godrej, art historian and guest of honour Dr Ashok Kothari >> Bombay Gazette and Bombay Courier: What I liked most were the archives of the previous articles from the Bombay newspapers, Bombay Gazette and Bombay Courier. It’s from the time before Independence. I also liked the books from Dr Kothari’s collection.Anwesha Sirvee, student >> 18th Century maps: These books are very nostalgic; they take you in the past. Some of these are hand-painted. I was looking at the collection of maps of India on display; people usually don’t know what India looked like in the 18th century. When you look at these, you learn about the real India at the time.Deenanath Kamath, advocate >> Indian birds and ducks (by John Gould and EC Stuart Baker): We liked the maps because they were created before India’s Independence. I also liked the collection of rare birds that we weren’t aware of; we particularly liked their colours. The vintage collection of books is also special.Tejal Chaudhari, software engineer >> Bombay’s Mazagaon mango and the purple-eyed butterfly: It is tough to pinpoint a favourite piece [from the exhibition]. If I had to highlight one, it would be the print of the Mazagaon mango of Bombay accompanied with a distinct butterfly. Now, if only I could taste that mango!Nabilah Ladhabhoy, former student of McGill University Till: December 22; 10.30 am to 5.30 pmAt: Premchand Roychand Gallery, CSMVS, 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.Entry: Rs 150 (Museum entry ticket)
20 December,2024 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaADVERTISEMENT
