South Mumbai Dig in with gusto Prep for a large dinner from choice savouries ranging from a full-blown Christmas Turkey to Christmas Pudding (below), Honey Glazed Ham and Lobster Thermidor for your seasonal binge.TILL January 4; 12 pm to 11.45 pmAT Gallops Restaurant, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mahalaxmi.CALL 8591093010 Brunch it up Pic Courtesy/Hotel Marine Plaza Indulgent, fun, and filling, this Christmas Eve brunch might entice you to break your festive season diet records. Forget calorie counting for once.ON December 24; 12.30 pm (brunch), 7.30 pm (dinner)AT Hotel Marine Plaza, Marine Drive, Marine Lines. CALL 9152076421 Swish it with style Pic Courtesy/8ish If you are looking to up your ante this season, try out the aptly titled, Hotter Than Your Xmas cognac (below), or the mischievous Mrs Claus’ Secret (above) from this new favourite haunt.TILL December 31; 5.30 pm to 1.30 am AT 8ish, Ground Floor, Express Towers, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point.CALL 9457118888COST Rs 3500 (for two, with alcohol) Dessert hunt The season is incomplete without something sweet to savour. Head over to Colaba for a taste of Galette de Rois, and wash it down with some mulled wine simmered with cinnamon and star anise.TILL December 31AT The Table, Kalapesi Trust Building, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.CALL 7045111880 Eastern suburbs For a cosy bite You might get a little warm with nostalgia as this brunch comes with the delight of cosy, familiar flavours like the slow-braised Lamb Chilli (above) or Ratatouille Crepes to remind you of home.ON December 24 and 25AT Le Café, near Natraj Cinema, Chembur East. CALL 67099988 Carve it up Sharpen your knives as this brunch and dinner comes with a complete Carving Turkey and a Seabass Kabayaki Carving Station. Make sure your knife skills are top-notch enough for the task.ON December 25; 12.30 pm to 4 pmAT Lake View Café, The Westin, Powai. CALL 8657956990 COST Rs 4250 onwards (inclusive of buffet) Lift your spirits Say cheers with this seasonal round-up that comes with five specially curated seasonal drinks that end the year on a high.FROM December 17 to 31; 12 pm to 1.30 amAT Foo, Delphi Building, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai; also at BKC, Andheri.CALL 9323333315 Fusion festivities You cannot go wrong with this festive special menu, featuring Blue Pea Rice Cheese Balls, Barbecue Chicken Pops, Red Wine Grilled Chicken, and fusion desserts including Berry Muffins and a rich Gajar Halwa Cheesecake (below).TILL December 30AT 24K Kraft Brewzz, R City Mall, Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West (also at Seawoods Mall, Nerul).CALL 9152612424 Also check out Syrian Christian specials Pic Courtesy/Nair on Fire This is a rare chance to tuck into authentic Syrian Christian fare from Kerala including Varkala Squid Fry, Whole Stuffed Chicken Roast, as well as Angamaly Pork Fry.FROM December 20 to 28AT Nair On FireCALL 9324059522 Traditional tastes This old haunt has served up traditional Christmas fare for generations. Hurry up before they run out of their usual special roasts.TILL December 25AT Glamour Building, Colaba Causeway, Colaba.CALL 9224269773 (pre-orders only) Navi Mumbai and outskirts Sail into Christmas Pic courtesy/@sailorscafebelapur Soak in the Christmas spirit with the epic Roast Chicken (above) for a wholesome feast. Make sure you pre-order as this might sell quickly.FROM December 17 to 31; 11 am onwards AT Sailors’ Cafe, Sector 15, CBD Belapur. LOG ON TO @sailorscafebelapur CALL 9137686834 COST Rs 1499 Season to shop From Christmas Bazaars, to a children’s fair as well as dinner and brunch to keep you happy, this Karjat venue offers a range of celebrations.FROM December 25 to 28; 11 am to 8 pmAT Saltt Restaurant and Bar, Oleander Farms, Karjat.CALL 8591700195 Christmas pit-stop Make this Christmas unforgettable with this buffet spread at a quick Lonavala getaway. ON December 24 and 25; 11.30 am and 7 pm onwardsAT The Orchid, Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Valvan, Lonavala. CALL 8766631291COST Rs 1499 (for adults); Rs 699 (for kids) Cocktails in the hills Pic courtesy/@angloindiancafe Sip on holiday cocktails and roasted delicacies at this scenic café whose menu offers some inspiration from the Anglo Indian community.TILL January 15; 10.30 am onwardsAT Anglo Indian Cafe, Della Enclave, Kune Village, Khandala, Lonavala. LOG ON TO @angloindiancafe CALL 9359820179 COST Rs 650 onwards Central Mumbai Delish feast Pic Courtesy/Milagro From artisanal bread and cheese, to a slow-braised lamb leg and lamb pie, this restaurant is upping its buffet game for the season.ON December 24, 25 and 31; 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm onwards AT Milagro, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road, Prabhadevi.LOG ON TO @milagromumbaiCALL 9167779102COST Rs 1799 onwards Grannies’ special Pic Courtesy/Brunch and Cake If you tire of the grand celebrations, take the nostalgia route with this special menu that comes straight from grandma’s kitchen. Savour from hearty egg dishes to delicious blueberry cheese cake and strawberry tart (below); and take home an advent calendar.TILL December 31; 7.30 am to 11 pmAT Brunch and Cake, G4 Raheja Altimus, Lower Parel.CALL 8657500061COST Rs 1500 (for two) Western suburbs Slow-cooked fervour Pic Courtesy/Olive bar and Kitchen Nothing says Christmas like taking time to prepare dishes. This Bandra favourite offers a special seasonal Three-Day Lamb cooked slowly over three days, and served with a rich 48-hour lamb jus.TIll December 31; 12 pm to 1.30 amAT Olive Bar and Kitchen, Union Park, Bandra West.CALL 7208478228COST Rs 2500 onwards Sweet delights Pic courtesy/Veronica’s Step into a wonderland of sweet treats with this limited-edition menu, featuring Rudolph’s Chocolate Mousse Roll (right), a Matcha Cheesecake Cookie, and crunchy Salted Caramel Tim Tams. Drinks include options from Mulled Wine to a Gingerbread Cookie Latte.TILL December 25AT Veronica’s, Waroda Road, Ranwar, Bandra West.CALL 9372981697COST R250 onwards (Christmas bakes); Rs 320 onwards (beverages) European delights Pic Courtesy/Que Sera Sera Try a European brunch this festive season with an offering that includes the delicious Holly Jolly Pork Chops to a Snowfall Berry Pavlova Trifle or Mrs Santa’s Blushing Welcome (left) for your palate.ON December 24, 25 and December 31 (till January 10); 9 am to 1 amAT Que Sera Sera, Vastu Lane, Shastri Nagar, Andheri West.CALL 7700004322 Humble spread Pic courtesy/Aurea Cafe Don’t miss the simplicity of this café offering a special sandwich spread for Christmas, and beverages such as Pumpkin Spiced Latte and a Mixberry Smoothie.TILL January 10AT Aurea Cafe, Kalpataru Avenue, Akurli Industry Estate, Kandivli East.CALL 8655721926 Sober Christmas Enjoy the season’s best dishes and drinks but with a PG13 twist offering mocktails like Dark Santa Melt and mouth melting desserts including a Christmas-themed Strawberry Tiramisu. TILL December 31; 10.30 am to 11.45 pmAT Cafe Pibatie, Shop number 1, Shimpoli Road, Borivli West. LOG ON TO @cafepibatieCALL 7977181838COST Rs 310 onwards COST Rs 175 (sandwiches) Celebrations on a plate Pick from a decadent selection of menus from the crispy Butter Garlic Crab Croquettes, to the slow-cooked Confit Duck Leg Caramelle Pasta (left) to top your neighbour’s Christmas Eve lunch.ON December 24, 25, 31 and January 1AT La Panthera, Ground Floor, G Block, BKC.CALL 8000909056 Yuletide fun Sip on the Winter Warming Wine (below), or dig into the carefully crafted Chef’s Yule Log to make your seasonal brunch more entertaining.TILL December 31; 11 am to 1.30 am AT Tattva Bar and Cafe, Redpine, Peninsula Hotel, Marol, Andheri West. CALL 6359182279 COST Rs 2000 (for two) Pack of truffles Pic courtesy/La Loca Maria This Bandra favourite offers a winter menu that highlights the exotic La Trufa Negra or Black Winter Truffle with main courses, and desserts too.FROM December 16 onwards; 12 pm to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 1 amAT La Loca Maria, Fatima Villa, Pali Hill, Bandra West.CALL 9324404335 Feast time Christmas specials at this outlet include the special Snow Man Mocktail, Roast Turkey, and vegetarian and non-vegetarian sizzlers, among other specials.TILL January 2; 12 pm to 12.30 am AT Jugheads: The Unrestaurant/Northern Tadka Next, 6th Floor, Thakur Cinema Mall, Thakur Village, Kandivli East. CALL 8356829522
16 December,2025 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Trisha GhoshIf you are a fan of Western Classical music, you might want to begin 2026 not with a bang, but with soulful harmonies. Iconic conductor Zubin Mehta turns 90 on April 29, 2026, and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation (MMMF) will host two concerts in his honour for Mumbai’s Western Classical music aficionados, in honour of this milestone. Lang Lang. Pics courtesy/@langlangpiano, patric leo, @pinkyzukerman Israeli-American violinist and violist Pinchas Zukerman will take centre stage with his fiddle on the first evening. Renowned for his musical craftsmanship, Zukerman is a special guest, with years of collaborations with Mehta. Performing the night after Zukerman, is Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who was mentored by the expressive conductor. Both musicians will be joined by the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, in their Mumbai debut. Considered a leading orchestra in Europe, the group is a crucial part of Mehta’s journey, having been part of one of Mehta’s first few professional performances in 1958. “We feel very privileged to celebrate [Zubin’s] 90th birthday with the orchestra and two extraordinary soloists — it can’t get better than this!” remarks Mehroo Jeejeebhoy, founder, MMMF. Pinchas Zukerman The programme on the first night comprises Romanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok, performed by students of the foundation, Violin Concerto No. 5 by Mozart, and Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” by Beethoven. The second night features Lang Lang executing Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, along with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” and Symphony No. 7. ON January 15 and 16; 6.30 pmAT NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com (Box Office opens today)ENTRY Rs 2000 onwards
15 December,2025 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshThe Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic: SOPHIE Kinsella is best known for her first novel in the Shopaholic series, later adapted into a film, Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Darcy. The protagonist Rebecca (Becky) Bloomwood is a journalist and advises her readers on financial matters. Ironically, she has trouble managing her own shopping addiction. Her parents advise her to save money, or try to earn more, but she fails at both miserably. When her bank manager tries to get in touch with her, she ignores his calls. Can Becky learn her lesson and recover from her addiction? A scene from the film, Confessions of a Shopaholic The Burnout: Sasha Worth experiences burnout as the director of special promotions at a young company. She is ready to consider becoming a nun, if that’s what it takes to get away from answering emails with exclamations that mark urgency. To recuperate from stress, her mum suggests that she take a break and stay at a hotel along the Rilston Bay, a place she fondly remembers frequenting during her childhood. She packs her bags, desperate to feel the sea air. When she arrives at the beach, she finds out she’s not alone, but in the presence of a stranger, Finn. A series of mysterious messages brings them closer. Twenties Girl: The ghost of Lara Linton’s great aunt Sadie comes visiting, urging the 27-year-old to find her missing necklace for her. The great niece sets on an adventure to fulfil her late great aunt’s request. She unearths some family secrets, learns about a forgotten love story, and develops a close bond with Sadie, who grew up in the 1920s. Together, they hatch impish plans, like bugging Lara’s ex-boyfriend’s table and finding out what goes on in meeting rooms. Sophie Kinsella The Undomestic Goddess: Samantha Sweeting works as an attorney in London. She has made a huge mistake at work, and is suffering from a breakdown. Embarrassed, she walks out of her workplace to the Paddington station and boards a train to an unfamiliar destination. When she stops by a manor to ask for directions, she is mistaken for a housekeeper who was scheduled to interview for employment. Having no experience at the role, she tries to make the best of the situation, and begins learning the necessary housekeeping skills. In the process, she also finds love. Available All titles at leading bookstores and e-stores
15 December,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThe day before a child’s chemotherapy is difficult for a parent. Your world shrinks, and you can only think about tomorrow,” says Shyama Kaviratane. In a city where every square foot comes with a premium, that waiting often plays out on the streets for parents of children with cancer. Co-founder of St Jude ChildCare Centres alongside Nihal Kaviratane, Shyama has seen it up close. Nearly two decades and 68 centres after the duo first saw families camping outside Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, a new centre opened in Wadala late last month. Shyama Kaviratane (in pink) inaugurates the new Wadala centre According to the Tata Memorial Hospital’s 2024 report, there was a 12 per cent increase in diagnostic investigations, leading to a total of 26,000 admissions. “With no safe and clean place to call home, families sometimes abandon treatment prematurely,” reveals Kaviratane, who is now based in Singapore. Feels like home The centres host compact rooms or ‘units’ that are designed to replicate community living and foster a sense of equality among its temporary residents. “We have stuck by the original layout of the units ever since we opened our first centre in Parel in 2006. The rooms offer basic accommodation, sans fancy installations. The only change, if any, is that we now have charging points for mobile phones. Children seem to love their screens,” Kaviratane chuckles. The centres host identical compact units to promote a sense of equality With a common kitchen and an activity area in place, the families naturally bond over their shared emotions, we learn. “Our cooking hours are limited, lest mothers fall back into the habit of practically spending the day in the kitchen. We actively encourage the fathers to take up kitchen duties as well. Over time, we noticed families sharing meals with each other. Testing times can be a great reminder of human values,” Kaviratane adds. Season of giving A resident with his art canvas. PICS COURTESY/ST JUDE CHILDCARE CENTRE With centres across 13 cities now, there’s always room for kindness, the co-founder reminds us. This Christmas, the centres offer packages such as Snowflake Wishes, Support Stocking, Candy Cane Ride and Santa’s Pantry to lend a helping hand. Kaviratane points out that as a blanket policy, the centres do not accept donations in physical cash. Those keen, can choose from the packages that provide well balanced meals, transport to the hospital, and educational support. A family attends a counselling session at the centre Many, like ‘Judian’ Sanika Jadhav will be looking back at their journey this season of giving. A leukaemia patient who walked through the doors of the Parel centre in 2012, Jadhav is now pursuing a Masters in Analytical Chemistry and hopes to enrol into a PhD programme soon. Many Judians who have accomplished their dreams often return to take young residents under their wing, Kaviratane reveals. Outside the box Children pore over a storybook Each centre is home to families of children under the age of 15. Between trips to the hospital, the families spend at least an hour in counselling, or practising some form of art. “Art is an inseparable part of every child’s life. We cannot let a cancer diagnosis steal that joy from them. Our music, art and craft sessions keep children and their families engaged and distracted from the harsh realities of life,” the co-founder explains. The day before a child’s chemotherapy is tough. “The key is to keep them engaged today, and leave as little time as possible to worry about tomorrow,” Kaviratane signs off. AT St Jude ChildCare Centre, RJ Gaikwad Road, Wadala East.LOG ON TO stjudechild.org (to learn more or donate)
15 December,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAimed at young learners aged six to 14, the workshop encourages children to build functional electronic Christmas models while gaining a strong foundation in science and engineering concepts. Reetu Jain, managing director and founder, OMOTEC (On My Own Technology), reveals that the workshop has been carefully structured to ensure that children of all skill levels feel confident and included. “Our Christmas STEM workshop is designed to be beginner-friendly, and every activity follows an age-appropriate, make-and-take-home format, allowing children to build their projects entirely from scratch using safe, child-friendly components.” Children assemble a NeoPixel-based lantern at a previous workshop The workshop focuses on learning by doing. Mentors offer step-by-step guidance to children, breaking down complex ideas into simple, easy instructions. While younger participants focus on assembling and understanding basic elements, older or more experienced children are encouraged to explore deeper concepts such as circuit logic and light patterns, allowing the workshop to be equally enriching for all. Each two-hour session is balanced between conceptual understanding and creative expression. The workshop begins with an interactive introduction, where children learn how lights, circuits, switches, and batteries work together. This is followed by a hands-on making phase, during which participants assemble wooden components, connect LEDs or NeoPixels, and test their circuits under mentor supervision. The second half of the session is dedicated to personalisation, allowing children to decorate and experiment with colours and lighting, giving it a more personal touch. “The goal is not just to teach theory, but to help children understand how things work by actually building them, and by the end of the workshop, every child takes home a fully functioning Christmas creation they have built with their own hands,” emphasises Jain. Mentors assist participants in building the miniature tree. Pics courtesy/Reetu Jain Participants create three handcrafted working models — an LED Christmas tree, a lit-up Santa sledge, and a NeoPixel-based Christmas lantern. This is important as the attendees are introduced to the building blocks of robotics and electronics, such as circuits, sensors (optional, in advanced versions), batteries, current flow, light control, and creative engineering. “More importantly, children experience the complete process of testing, troubleshooting, and improving their work, which lies at the heart of STEM education,” explains Jain. Reetu Jain Safety and engagement remain central to the workshop’s design. Since the workshop focuses on children, all materials are non-toxic, smooth, and age-appropriate, and activities are supervised throughout. Beyond technical knowledge, children develop creativity, problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, and, importantly, a sense of ownership. Jain sums it up, “As children move from imagination to execution, they realise they are capable of creating something meaningful, and this workshop helps children discover the joy of making with their own hands, which has a longer shelf life than receiving a store-bought item.” ON December 13 to 31; 2 pm onwardsAT OMOTEC, Shop 50 Shree Laxmi Plaza, New Link Road, Andheri West. LOG ON TO district.inCALL 9324593173ENTRY Rs 699
15 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareJust a short walk from the Gorai Creek jetty that transports Mumbaikars to Essel World every day, lies a world of unexplored flora and fauna. “Most people think of Navi Mumbai when they think of mangroves. The wetlands in Gorai are home to a wide range of unique plants and wildlife,” says naturalist Sachin Rane. While that will soon (hopefully) change with the upcoming Gorai Mangrove Park, Rane’s group Naturalist Explorers are playing early bird and setting out on a walk focusing on the history of mangroves in Mumbai, and its evergreen and seasonal inhabitants. ON December 20; 7.30 amMEETING POINT Revealed on registrationCALL 8976451433ENTRY Revealed on request Spot these at the walk Painted Stork Miswak and Desert Hyacinth When will the flamingos arrive? Don’t fall for viral posts depicting Mumbai’s wetlands turning pink just yet. Navi Mumbai resident and naturalist Sachin Rane says: “While stray sightings have been reported, the full migration of flamingos is delayed this year owing to extended monsoon in Kutch, where the birds camp before flying to Mumbai. Expect the winged visitors to arrive by December 25.”
13 December,2025 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleWhen we approach the Rotunda on the ground floor of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), the worker bee-like activity is hard to miss. It’s the final thrust before Networks of the Past: A Study Gallery of India and the Ancient World — the new educational initiative supported through Getty’s Sharing Collections Program, opens to the public. The mammoth collaborative project brings together CSMVS with the British Museum, the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, the Museum Rietberg (Zurich), the Al-Sabah Collection (Kuwait), the Benaki Museum (Athens), and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, Ministry of Culture, Greece. The undeciphered Harappan script Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, it also features antiquities from leading Indian institutions, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the National Museum, New Delhi, the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and major museums in Maharashtra, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Mathura, and Patna. We are immediately drawn in by the massive replica of Dholavira (3000 to 1500 BCE) created, where we meet Joyoti Roy, assistant director (Projects and Public Relations) who gives us ‘the tour’ of this model Harappan site; the intricate tile and brickwork is recreated to represent the ancient township, enough to teleport us to the well-planned habitat. Above us, an etched recreation of the undeciphered script adds to the wow factor. The Harappan Dancing Girl and A replica of the famed Priest King bust “India had not mounted a major exposition on the Harappan Civilisation even after 78 years of Independence. The CSMVS Rotunda now transports visitors into an imagined Harappan metropolis, inspired by Dholavira in Kutch, Gujarat. It introduces this extraordinary culture to all visitors, and Generation Z in particular, reminding them that systematic city planning, multi-storied buildings, wide streets, rainwater harvesting, covered drainage systems, and a strong emphasis on hygiene are over 5000 years old. Life in Dholavira was healthier, and more thoughtfully organised than in many modern cities today,” reveals Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director general, CSMVS about the opening section, which Roy informs, was called ‘Meluhha’ during the walkthrough. Soon, we spot references of it in the glass displays, and join the dots. Roy reveals that this section will greet visitors before they proceed towards the redesigned Coomaraswamy Hall that houses other ancient world civilisations. The display of Stone Beads: A Continuing Tradition Mukherjee elaborates that apart from architecture, the section will also display abundant evidence of everyday objects used by Harappan society — pottery, semi-precious bead jewellery, metalwork, stone sculptures, and textile motifs. These traditions form the foundation of India’s long-continuing craft heritage. He credits a veteran archaeologist for the present (and envious) Harappan collection at CSMVS which will be showcased here. “RD Banerji, Superintendent of Archaeology, ASI, discovered the site of Mohenjo-daro in 1922-23. He also served as the first Honorary Indian Curator of this museum (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India). He had arranged for some of the earliest objects from the site to be brought to CSMVS (then Prince of Wales Museum). Later, the ASI shared additional material from Harappa with our museum. These collections are now being displayed — more elegantly and prominently than ever before.” A close-up of the jewellery pieces Visitors are in for a visual and educational treat as they witness moments that shaped human society — from the first organised communities, to the earliest expressions of governance, law, and culture through 250-plus rare and stunning archaeological objects from Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, to the Mediterranean Civilisations, and Persia, apart from the Harappan treasures. The journey aptly culminates at Alexandria and Nalanda, two radiant centres of learning. A replica of a woman adorned with Harappan jewellery AT Ground floor, CSMVS, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort. TIME 10.15 am to 6 pm LOG ON TO booking.csmvs.in Cattle figurines and tools (right) from the section, How The Cities Were Fed Gallery Gyaan Sabyasachi Mukherjee reveals more about the new gallery. Excerpts from the interview How did the idea for Networks of the Past originate?The idea for this project first emerged in April 2020 during a conversation between Dr Jim Cuno, former President of the Getty Trust, and me. After the India and the World exhibition, I was increasingly convinced that India’s role in the ancient world needed to be more prominently highlighted. The map of The Early Civilisations I began framing a series of questions — Did the Harappans initiate urbanisation before Mesopotamia? Why did the Egyptians use massive stone blocks to build their pyramids? What were their modes of transportation? How did people and societies connect across vast geographies? How did the Harappans, Mesopotamians, and Egyptians develop unique scripts to record their social and cultural histories? How did agricultural production, in the absence of large industries, shape their societies? And how do we discover our ancestors’ creativity, challenges, and remarkable achievements? A display of seashell artefacts from the curated section These questions, along with my curiosity about their scientific temper, understanding of climate, and exchange of ideas, formed the conceptual foundation. The project took meaningful shape through the insights of our dear friends, Neil MacGregor and Mahrukh Tarapore. It was both Neil and Mahrukh who helped transform this vision into a robust and thoughtful experiment. Importantly, the entire initiative has been developed from our perspective. What are some of its biggest milestones?A key innovation of the project is Global Co-Curation: For the first time, curators at CSMVS have collaboratively worked with their counterparts at the British Museum, Berlin, Rietberg (Zurich), and the Al-Sabah Collection. Through immersive displays and cutting-edge scholarship, the study gallery repositions India at the heart of interconnected world civilisations, highlighting the depth, continuity, and enduring influence of its ancient past. The project offers a compelling journey that inspires pride and curiosity. Sabyasachi Mukherjee Tell us about the educational impact of this new gallery.The exhibition has been conceived as a reference gallery for students and scholars and as a rich visual archive for all visitors. This initiative brings the ancient world vividly into our present. It encourages us to view history not as something distant but as a continuum that shapes our shared future. It will offer a robust university-level academic programme. We are expecting 25 educational institutions to collaborate with us on this project. 1922-23 The timeline in which the site of Mohenjo-daro was discovered by RD Banerji
13 December,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezIn an age when the speed of modern life often distances us from the origins of the things we use — and the rhythms that once shaped them — a quiet movement is leading us back to the essentials. ARTISANS’ Kala Ghoda takes this a step further with mindful living in the form of Episode 01 of the gallery’s collaboration with The Humane Collective, an exhibition that reimagines the home through sustainability, material intelligence, and India’s living craft traditions. Dipendra Baoni Founder of The Humane Collective, Dipendra Baoni, brings to this showcase a decade spent travelling through farms, forests, and craft clusters across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Kutch, and Kerala. Drawing from these journeys, he describes the exhibition as “an ode to return to the essentials, and this is inspired by two simple yet profound principles from Indian value philosophy: Sahaj (simple) and Mahaj (easy)”. The exhibition gathers artisans, designers, growers, and culinary practitioners to explore how nature shapes the objects and experiences that anchor daily life. Its focus remains on the fundamentals of life — the living, the wearing, and the eating. Organic tastes In the culinary chapter, the focus will be on hemp-based nutrition, indigenous botanicals, and regional staples that carry memory and seasonality. “There will be indigenous grains, to teas, coffees, and plant-based cheeses. Millie Crafts by Millie Mitra, will be offering her range of artisanal vegan cheese focusing on nut-based, plant-forward cheeses made with clean ingredients,” said Parekh. (Left) Moments from Project Otenga hosted by Kabya Shree Borgohain in Ahmedabad, 2023. Pics courtesy/The Humane Collective A highlight would be an exclusive dining experience curated by food designer Kabyashree Borgohain of Project Otenga, scheduled to be held on December 19, and 20. This will be shaped by her ongoing inquiry into food, culture, and community. Jars of Millie’s Vegan Cheese by Millie Mitra Her practice blends research, storytelling, and sensory experience, and has since grown into a living studio and café, curating meals, workshops, and experimental dining experiences that honour heritage and revive indigenous food practices. Parekh sums it up nicely, “The idea of this partnership is to discover the future of indigenous traditions across India with 18 established, and first-to-market creators over 11 days.” The wearing and the living Radhi Parekh Makaan and Kapda presents furniture crafted from bamboo and hardwood, hand-beaten brass and copperware, black-clay pottery, and terracotta, each offering a grounding in a world increasingly shaped by mass-made modernity. In textiles, the show highlights slow-made apparel in hemp, nettle, kala cotton, wool, and other organic fibres, honouring traditional weaving and dyeing while presenting contemporary, effortless silhouettes. The intention is to avoid cutting and creating by destroying what already exists. Northeastern high Bogwood Table by Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer of Tribolt, Nagaland Radhi Parekh, founder of ARTISANS’, explains that the project highlights artists from the Himalayan foothills and the Northeast who are sustaining traditional craft with natural materials. Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer. Pics courtesy/Ajung Yaden, Atem Longkumer She elaborates this through three distinct practices that will be exhibited: “La Sikkim, where designer Sonam Tashi Gyaltsen aims to strengthen the ecology of Sikkim through design as they turn local hemp, cane, and bamboo into future-forward forms that hold a long-term responsibility for the Himalayan region; Dakti Craft from Meghalaya, rooted in the Khasi philosophy of Dakti (imprint of the hand) — known for wood-fired clay pottery encased in cane that balances tradition and modern relevance; and from Nagaland, duo Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer of Tribolt, who craft furniture, and tableware from salvaged local wood. Leaving each grain, crack, and mark visible, they honour the raw honesty of Naga woodworking while adapting it for contemporary, grounded living”. Dakti’s Clay Pottery from Meghalaya ON December 11 to 21; 6 pm onwardsAT 52 - 56, Dr Forbes Street, Kala Ghoda, Fort. LOG ON TO @artisanscentre
12 December,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThe highly different, but intricate arts of sewing and music are set to unite in this upcoming curated event, The hab Atelier & Arts ft. Sanchi, organised by The hab by Usha, a city-based store offering experiential workshops and sewing supplies. Their session this weekend places the craft of sewing within the context of musical artistry. Sanchi Mannotra performs on stage. Pic courtesy/@sanchhhii “We have hosted plenty of such sewing sessions in the past, but this is the first time we are bringing music as an element into it,” Amaara Sangam, brand head, mentions to us. “Participants will be guided through a themed sewing session, which will be followed by a soulful, live indie music performance by artiste Sanchi Mannotra.” The art of sewing is curated by the platform, while the music community Little Sounds has curated the live performance. A participant focuses on her sewing work The session does not require a background in sewing, and is designed around crafting embroidery that matches Mannotra’s style. Sangam explains, “Basically, attendees will be guided through the process of creating a cushion embroidered with a guitar.” The idea, she says, is to help them make something that they will cherish long after the performance is over. “Usually, when people attend a concert, they end up purchasing merchandise like t-shirts as a memento; but here, they will make something beautiful, customised, and unique themselves,” she says. Mannotra, who is a tattoo artist as well, and has experience in the field of fashion design, will create an intimate, relaxing atmosphere, while interacting with the audience as well. A sample of a cushion made with themed embroidery for the upcoming session As sewing is often viewed as a utilitarian, skill-based activity, such events highlight its therapeutic effects. Sangam emphasises that the event’s concept also involves fostering enjoyment through the senses, which is always likely to make any experience more memorable. Amaara Sangam “The aim is to create a confluence of hands-on crafts and music. Mumbai is beginning to see an increasing interest in such events that centre the community, from concerts to curated live experiences. We intend this to be an immersive experience with elements of synaesthesia, to celebrate both the art and the artiste through sewing. Guests can expect to develop their knowledge about and interest in sewing as an art form,” she signs off. On December 14; 5 pm to 7.30 pmAt The hab by Usha, Corporate Lounge Road, Linking Road Khar West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 999
12 December,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshRevelers making a beeline to Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra for the annual Christmas carol nights will find themselves greeted by not one, but two surprises this year. For one, after more than a year of restorations, the instantly recognisable blue doors and walls have made way for shades of Burma teak and cream by architects Ainsley Lewis and David Cardoz. The other kind of Blues, we’ve just learnt, have been traded in for rock. Classic rock. “Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see, he’s just a poor boy foretold by prophecy,” go the lyrics to what choir conductor Rohan Rodrigues from Vakola calls the Bethlehemian Rhapsody, a Christmastime twist on Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. If there’s a neighbourhood that rewards a little creative mischief, it’s Bandra. “I hope people enjoy it. It’s a cheerful swerve away from the carols we usually hear,” he says. The Conchords choir from Vakola in performance A group of singers, from ninth graders to full-time professionals in their 30s, has been meeting in Vakola to nail this ambitious twist. “Holding together a choir this diverse is not simple, but Mount Mary is every Catholic Mumbaikar’s second home. When you finally get the chance to sing here, you give it your all,” Rodrigues says. The choristers, who call themselves the Conchords, will also perform classics like Hark, The Herald Angels Sing and Carol of the Bells. Spread across two nights, the Basilica will also host choir groups Carmel Chants from Bandra, Symphony Voices from IC Colony in Borivli, Mistletoe Melodies from Chembur, IBM Choir from Kanjurmarg, and Crompton’s Choir from Kalina. (Left, right) The newly-restored Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra will be the venue of the choral weekend concerts. File pics Not everything will feel unfamiliar at the Basilica, thanks to 79-year-old Crompton Texeira. The veteran East Indian musician and composer remembers carolling through the lanes of Bandra, Kalina and Irla as a 19-year-old boy. “That was in the 1960s. Back in the day, a composer had offered me a song and I was over the moon, until it was taken away from me soon after. That day, I decided I’d compose my own music and make a name for myself,” reveals Texeira, who went on to compose the widely popular East Indian classic, Paskin. For the weekend, Texeira has programmed a mix of English and Marathi songs, although we get the sense he’d happily venture further. The Kalina resident can sing in English, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati and Bhojpuri. The composition San Aaila Naatal will be followed by Chameli, a carol likening Mother Mary to a flower. “I begin and end my day with music, you know?” he laughs, revealing that he is often up before the sun every day, and breaks into one of his compositions almost instinctively. A fitting sequel to a Silent Night, if you ask us. ON December 13 and 14; 7 pm onwardsAT Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra West. LOG ON TO Mount Mary Basilica Official on YouTube (for livestream)
12 December,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleA city is made of many things; the quiet buildings, eternally parked vehicles collecting dust, or people on a street corner. For artist and illustrator Zainab Tambawalla, they are the few constants in a rapidly changing Mumbai. “It is a race against time,” she admits. It is these ignored facets of the city that make it into her exhibition, Seen Unseen that opens tomorrow. Bhajiwala. Pics Courtesy/Zainab Tambawalla Tambawalla’s journey as an artist has been enriched by her regular urban sketching walks. “I love the old heritage structures, but when I observe the city, certain elements find their way into its visuals through repetition,” she points out. One of them is the water tanker. “For a layman, it gives the idea of a thirsty city. But when you look closer, you notice an ecosystem,” she says. Zainab Tambawalla And so, elements like the vegetable vendors, people, and electric boxes — art installations on their own with graffiti and posters, Tambawalla points out — are part of a collection of over 65 watercolour canvases. “I wanted them to have a strong voice, and hope to make people think about the nature of our city,” the artist concludes. FROM December 12 till January 4 2026; 11 am to 7 pm (except Mondays)AT 47-A, Khotachi Wadi, GirgaonEntry Free
11 December,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
