06 August,2026 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Ashish Raje
The pillion rider's umbrella offers little cover on a windy, rainy day at Marine Drive
The Independence Day spread. PIC COURTESY/BOMBAY CANTEEN
If food is the way to a greener Mumbai, we are all for seconds. At least that's been the case with the annual Independence Day Daawat at Bombay Canteen for the last 11 years. For this year's edition on August 15, they've teamed up with World Resources Institute and Nature:re to help citizens understand the roadmap to a green Mumbai.
Over the years, 8038 guests, team members, and well-wishers from across the globe have come together through the daawat, raising over Rs 1.6 crore for selected charities, Hunger Inc. co-founders Yash Bhanage and Sameer Seth shared with us. As long as there is enough Tiranga Barfi for everyone, we are happy to lend a hand.
A young egret had no r-egrets after landing on the terrace of actor Jim Sarbh's Andheri residence earlier this week. Blown away by strong winds, the bird had sustained a minor injury to its wing. Sarbh was quick on his feet, we learnt. Wildlife rescue NGOs Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare and Riwild Sanctuary received a call from the actor through an SOS helpline (1926), and a rescue mission was set in motion while Sarbh kept a close eye on the winged visitor.
The rescued egret drinks water in recovery
"The monsoon comes with risks for young birds. They are often displaced, injured, or dehydrated. Thankfully the egret wasn't gravely injured and was taken to veterinarian Dr Rina Dev for treatment. Later, we safely released it in the wild," RAWW founder Pawan Sharma told this diarist. Citizens can reach out to the helpline 1926 to report and request assistance in cases of injured wildlife sightings. You tell them, Jim!
An artiste plays the tarpa while revellers dance during the celebration in 2024. PICs COURTESY/PRAKASH BHOIR
If you've only ever seen Aarey in its lush green avatar, you might want to head there this Sunday (August 9) for a reality check. The tarpa and dhol will welcome you to the sight of residents of the 27 padas dancing, singing, and celebrating International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with great fervour.
"Every year, residents set aside their work commitments to join the day-long celebrations. It is one of the biggest shows of solidarity between the padas," a participating artiste shared. This year, the theme Jal, Jungle, Zameen (Water, Jungle, Land) will encourage dialogue about the three basic rights of the Maximum City's indigenous people.
Volunteers raise awareness about nuclear disarmament. PIC COURTESY/MKGANDHI.ORG
Nearly 600 young volunteers marching from Azad Maidan to Hutatma Chowk in Fort today will hope to open the world's eyes to the perils of nuclear war. Organised by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal (BSM), in association with the NSS Units of SNDT Women's University and the University of Mumbai to mark Hiroshima Day, the rally will aim to "join hands with peace-loving people around the world and promote the values of non-violence," BSM president TRK Somaiya, shared with this diarist.
