18 March,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Satej Shinde
While one monkey catches a nap on a tree branch, two younger monkeys seem engaged with each other at Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The sculpture placed in the lawn of CSMVS (right) The sculpture by Sakti Burman titled Samudra Manthan. Pics courtesy/CSMVS
There's an interesting addition to the permanent collection of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) that deserves mention. Samudra Manthan is one of the latest works by celebrated painter, sculptor and lithographer Sakti Burman.
Sakti Burman
Crafted in brass in 2024, the sculpture interprets the Hindu mythology of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, where Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) sought Amrit (a sacred nectar of immortality). "This was given to us by the Art Musings gallery at Fort, and will be displayed at the museum lawn at CSMVS," said curator Nilanjana Som.
(Left) The publication launched in 2014. Pics courtesy/Arts Affairs
What began as a passing thought has grown into Art Affairs, a newspaper founded by graphic designer Akshay Bapat (below), a resident of Aundh. Launched years ago, it has now evolved into a magazine in 2024 for emerging artists focusing particularly on younger and less experienced artists from cities across Maharashtra. "I wanted artists to stay connected," Bapat shared with us, giving credit to its enthusiactic readership.
The sunflowers in full blom at Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hill. Pic courtesy/Hanging Gardens
The famous Hanging Gardens at Malabar Hill, officially known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens are sprouting stunning sunflowers. This yellow patch has been met with delight by garden regulars. Pervin Sanghvi, Malabar Hill resident told us, "Spending time in this garden takes the bummer out of a sizzling Mumbai summer. The Hanging Garden is always beautiful but this sunflower patch is truly picture-postcard." Mumbaikars, this is your Van Gogh moment, if you've a fan of artist Vincent Van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers still-life series. Sanghvi's parting piece of advice for those who see these sunflowers is to put the mobile away for that sunflower selfie, or put it on hold at least. "Take a few moments to enjoy the aesthetics through the human lens rather than that of the camera. Like they say: As you go through life, take time to smell/see the flowers," she concluded.
A seasoned rider nagivates rugged terrain during the previous festival. Pics courtesy/Anurag Chauhan
Engines will be in top form at the second edition of the Himalayan Motorrad Festival that begins on April 3 to 4, drawing riders from across India. Among the first-timers signing up is 38-year-old Mumbaikar Shruti Vaidya, who admits, "This is honestly the most spontaneous decision I have taken in a while. We're still trying to wrap our heads around the details."
Shruti Vaidya and Anurag Chauhan
Founder Anurag Chauhan let this diarist in on a pro tip: "This is much more than just a motorcycle ride⦠we try to cap our limit to 100 people for safety," advising first-timers to "think calmly and get all your riding gears right," before the ride begins. For more details, log on to @himalayanmotorradfest.
Sticky toffee pudding (right) chef Manuel Olveira and Ralph Prazeres. Pics courtesy/La Panthera
From an iconic Pastel de Nata Sourdough Pizza, to a traditional slow-roasted lamb, we've heard of an early update for Easter, as popular chef Ralph Prazeres of Goa's Praca Prazeres and Padaria Prazeres will jam with chef Manuel Olveira Seller of La Panthera for a one-day luncheon on April 5. Now, that's what we call an Easter bounty.
