In 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 IyengarThursdayLaugh a little Attend comedian Gursimran Khamba’s (below) new quizzing-meets-comedy show that pits a secret line-up of three popular comedians in a game of quirk, wit and general knowledge. TIME 8 pmAT The Habitat, Khar West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 799 onwards FridayFeeling indie Prateek Kuhad. PIC/GETTY IMAGES Sing along to the OG voice of Indie ballads, Prateek Kuhad at an open-air concert. Come prepared for a walk down memory lane with hits like Cold Mess, Tune Kaha and 100 words.TIME 7.30 pmAT Drive-in Theatre, Jio World Drive, BKC.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2999 SaturdayLend a hand A previous donation drive. PIc courtesy/gully classes foundation It’s getting cold outside, and NGO Gully Classes Foundation is setting out on a blanket distribution drive in the suburb of Ghatkopar. Donate your pre-loved bed sheets, or join the group to spread joy.TIME 9 pm onwardsAT Ghatkopar West. (Full address revealed on request)CALL 9819088397 Listen to yourself Pic COURTESY/@ihidayahealing Cut the noise and join facilitator Upasana Makati’s (below) in immersing yourself in the sounds of gongs, chimes and singing bowls.TIME 5 pm to 6 pmAT Anaahat, Road 13, New India Society, Juhu.CALL 9920400580ENTRY Revealed on request SundayMonkey mania A Rhesus Macaque at the Mumbai Zoo. PIC COURTESY/Mumbai Zoo Learn all about monkeys at the World Monkey Day celebrations at the Mumbai Zoo. Join zoo staff in planning activities for resident monkeys, or get creative in a nature sketching exercise.TIME 10 amAT Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, Byculla East. LOG ON TO ENTRY Registration mandatory Christmas cravings A traditional East Indian thali. PIC COURTESY/IGOREYAA Grab a chair at an East Indian Christmas dinner hosted inside an 80-year-old bungalow in Vasai’s Giriz Village. Indulge in winter specials like Gaothi Kombdiche Soup, Pork Khudi, rum cakes, and wash it down with a range of festive wine.TIME 7 pm to 9.30 pmAT Jao Shiker, near Giriz Church, Vasai. LOG ON TO @igoreyaaENTRY Rs 2200 Stage for all A moment from the play. Pic Courtesy/ace productions Watch Raell Padamsee’s Alice in Paradise, a modern spin on the classic story. Padamsee brings children from underserved backgrounds to the stage in a tale of human connections.TIME 11.30 amAT Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Breach Candy. LOG ON TO @raellpadamseesaceENTRY Rs 750
11 December,2025 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleBefore it became the bane of general physicians all around, salt was the key to India’s culture and resistance. Salt Lines, the solo debut of artist duo, Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin, David Soin Tappeser) reimagines the Inland Customs Line — a 4000 km hedge from Punjab to Orissa, made of thorny plants — created by the British Empire to enforce its oppressive salt tax. Hylozoic/Desires, I and Thou, 2024, print on aluminium. Pics Courtesy/artists, Dr bhau daji lad Museum The exhibition is also presented by the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, in collaboration with the RMZ Foundation and India Art Fair, supported by Alkazi Foundation — whose archival photographs of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March are a part of the exhibition. Salt Print, The Chowki So, the multi-media works, including a video — The Hedge of Halomancy, weave archival research with speculative histories. A 20-metre textile installation titled Namak Halal/Namak Haram displayed in the Museum Plaza. It is a fragment of the larger 80 metre installation that was displayed at Somerset House, London, once the Salt Office of the British Colonial era. Similarly, the Salt Prints Series uses salt as part of the development process. (From left) Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser “We wanted to use salt not simply as a subject, but a medium. So, through all the works, including the video, salt becomes inherent and infused in the object, carrying its history and its healing potential,” shares Himali Singh Soin. TILL February 8 2026; 10 am to 5.30 pm (except on Tuesdays)AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East.ENTRY Museum tickets apply
11 December,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFestive chocolate medley Pic courtesy/smoor.in Inside this box lies an indulgent assortment of coated nuts, pinwheel cookies, traditional Plum cake, a four-piece coverture box, and the rich Medley & Kunafa Bar. Tying it all together is a generous chocolate bar — a true chocolate lover’s dream.AT Shop No. 8, Chapel Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO smoor.inCOST Rs 3000 Home baked hampers Pic courtesy/@thetingeshop Thane-based artist and product designer, Roopa Panchal, is rolling out her festive-season hampers and knick-knacks, including jewellery, candles, and, most importantly, personalised handmade Christmas hampers. These include muffins, plum cake (alcoholic or non-alcoholic as per your preference) or fruit slice cake, a candle, rum or dry fruit chocolates, and a mix of white and dark Christmas-themed chocolates. CALL 9819668628LOG ON TO @thetingeshop COST Rs 500 onwards Mithai magic Pic courtesy/@parsi_dairy_farm A desi twist for the festive season, this hamper includes Mix Mithai (White Chocolate Strawberry Kaju Katli and Raspberry Khopra Pak), Chocolate Walnut Fudge, Christmas Cupcake, White Chocolate Strawberry-Centred Cookies, and White Chocolate Cranberry Chocolate Fudge. It is an absolute delight for anyone ready to joyfully overdose on white chocolate.AT Outlets across Mumbai.LOG ON TO parsidairyfarm.comCOST Rs 1675 The natural route Pic courtesy/@phool.in This curation features Christopher cocoa hot chocolate Mix, a Polar Express train model, Christmas tree soy wax candle, a Gingerbread man soy wax candle, a handmade seed paper 2026 calendar, Orange & Ginger foot soak, a winter incense stick wooden stand, and a ceramic cone holder, among other goodies.LOG ON TO phool.inCOST Rs 495 Gourmet goodies Pic courtesy/@thegourmetbox Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this luxurious hamper that includes a tealight candle stand, snowflake-shaped scented candles, vintage gold teaspoons, flavoured tea, gingerbread chocolate cookie, plum crunch cake pops, chocolate-covered pretzels, dark chocolate-covered popcorn, and truffle honey. For a personal touch, a greeting card can be added.LOG ON TO thegourmetbox.inCOST Rs 5500 Artisanal delights Pic courtesy/@_philomeneindia Philomène — an artisanal bakery by Steffi D’Souza, an alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu Paris — is dishing out beautifully crafted festive-season treats. The Christmas hamper includes the classic Plum cake, delicious Snowman and Holly macarons, Mendiants (traditional French confections of flat chocolate discs topped with nuts and dried fruits), a drunken chocolate cake, and the all-time favourite, gingerbread cookies. Make sure you grab yours for your loved ones.LOG ON TO philomene.in COST Rs 2000 Also check out >> Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with this thoughtfully designed gift box. The set features two sculpted brass reindeer, a glowing glass candle, and a crisp acrylic box filled with almonds or almond brittles — offering a delicious holiday treat.LOG ON TO thedottedi.inCOST Rs 3850 onwards >> Do not worry, vegetarians — Henal Bhutta’s Bakeemyday bakery has you covered. The menu may compromise on eggs, but it never compromises on love.LOG ON TO @bakeemydayCOST Rs 650 onwards >> Have a boozy Christmas with Glenmorangie Signet — a masterpiece 175 years in the making, with a palate of bitter mocha, dark chocolate, and butterscotch. This expression delivers a contrast of rich sweetness with an explosive crackle of sizzling spices.AT Available at select premium retail shopsCOST Rs 45,621 >> Go all out with a decadent half-kg Christmas Plum Cake paired with Chocolate Rocks, Marzipan, Milk Cream, Jujubes, Red Velvet Cookies, and Guava Cheese.AT Gaylord, Mayfair Building, VN Road, Churchgate.CALL 7045556060LOG ON TO @gaylordrestaurantmumbaiCOST Rs 3750 onwards
11 December,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareHeads up: We think you might be in for a rough patch this weekend. More on that from mid-day’s astrology expert Shirley Bose a few pages later. For now, we’re talking about the Earth passing through the rocky debris of the 3200 Phaethon asteroid on December 12 and 13. As the rocky bits enter our atmosphere at high speeds and burn bright, make sure you’re looking up to spot the famed ‘shooting stars’. Braving the dark and the dropping temperatures, a group of enthusiasts will camp in Bhandardara with the Horizon Astronomical Society to witness one of the largest meteor showers of the year. Founder Mihir Gilbile, who has a specialisation in Astronomy from Mumbai University, will helm the exploration. Geminids, he says, are often incorrectly attributed to the Gemini constellation. “The constellation only serves as a point of reference. If you’re skygazing solo, look for the famous twin stick figure shape right above your head, to observe the apparent origin point [also known as the Radiant],” he suggests. A participant looks through a telescope at a previous skygazing event If you’re up for the astronomical adventure, reach there well-rested. Meteor showers are best viewed in dark skies late into the night. “Given the Earth’s rotation and the position of the asteroid debris, the ideal time to view the streaks is closer to the break of dawn, all the way up to 4 am,” Gilbile informs. While the showers can be viewed by the naked eye, the team will bring special Newtonian telescopes with 12-inch mirrors for a closer look. Mihir Gilbile If all that science talk threw you off, don’t fret. A briefing session at the campsite will give participants a quick refresher in cosmology, astronomy and space science before the big display. “Participants are then advised to lie down in a supine position to view the showers. If you live in the far suburbs of Mumbai like Kalyan, you have a better chance of seeing the shower. Ensure you pick a spot that is away from man-made artificial lighting emitted from buildings,” the expert reveals. This stardust obsession is slowly pushing astronomers like Gilbile further away from the city, we learn. “The AQI woes are not recent. I can remember smog becoming a cause for concern as early as 2018. Any rise above 150 AQI diminishes our chances for a successful sighting,” he reveals. We know what we’re wishing for when we see a shooting star this weekend. ON December 12 and 13MEETING POINT Pick-up from Kasara railway station and spots across Mumbai on request LOG ON TO @horizonastrosocietyENTRY Rs 1,999 onwards (includes tent, telescope, and dinner) What’s the hype? Most meteor showers, including the recent Leonids last November, originate from comets (dust and ice). The Geminids originate from the rocky asteroid: 3200 Phaethon. NASA reports state that the debris that breaks off to form the Geminids meteoroids are many times denser than cometary dust flakes. Dibs? Not yet Ever wondered what happens if you get your hands on a meteorite? In rare cases, small stray pieces survive the Earth’s atmosphere, and may land in remote areas. While it remains a legal grey area because of the slim chances, the Geological Survey of India is the sole custodian of all meteorites on Indian soil, and advises citizens to report and hand over any finds. Sky on your fingertips Use apps like Stellarium or Sky Map that help you decide where to look in the night sky on your first exploration. LOG ON TO Playstore or App Store
10 December,2025 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFinding yourself again after an upheaval is a daunting task. The recent, very public cancellation of Smriti Mandhana’s wedding to Palash Muchhal has brought this idea to the fore. We reached out to two psychologists for guidance on how to return to focusing on your own mental wellbeing, with the support of counsellors and loved ones, and how to move ahead after any massive, life-changing moment. First steps Meghna Karia, a Mumbai-based senior psychologist and psychotherapist, reminds us, “Self-esteem will not be rebuilt overnight. Viewing yourself from a different lens and walking through the transition takes time.” She advises first acknowledging one’s feelings and validating emotions, from grief to anger. Secondly, identify those who provide safe space. Mandhana and Palash Muchhal. Pics courtesy/Female cricket, Palash muchhal on Instagram “Talking to like-minded people, and focusing on strengths and values which have served you earlier, foster better self-esteem,” she says, adding the necessity of an emotional outlet like journalling, or a daily ‘brain dump’, like taking a stroll, following a self-care routine, and eating healthfully. Recent visuals of Mandhana resuming training before the series with Sri Lanka, are indicative of healthy first steps in the right direction. Make small habits Karia emphasises the importance of carving out an identity for oneself again, which can easily go for a toss after a break-up, the loss of a close one, or an obstruction in one’s career. Finding joy in everyday activities and connecting with loved ones helps you rebuild a sense of self. Representation pics/istock “Continue engaging with things and people that are important to you. It shows you are worthy enough to live well, despite the adversity. Set intentions about what you want; change your dressing styles to boost your confidence, or come back to something simpler that you haven’t worn in a while; further, you may join a new community, like a reading club, to connect with new people. Also, consider trying out a new skill or recreational activity,” she recommends. Set boundaries This is especially applicable to those with a significant social media identity, which comes with its own expectations. Swati Khanolkar, clinical psychologist and director of In Vivo-Mumbai Centre for REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) points out, “Disengage if you can. If you want to engage, know the distinction between facts and opinions; social media mostly contains biased opinions and unsound assumptions.” Keep an eye out for harmful coping mechanisms like stress-eating and overconsumption Meanwhile, Karia suggests limiting social media use: “Re-curate feeds, un-follow accounts with draining content, and remind yourself of why you started [your online page or portfolio].” Beyond the Internet, set clear boundaries in person too. Both professionals caution against giving others the ‘story’ they want, especially at the cost of your own mental health. Reframe your mindset Feeling shame or self-blame is common after upheavals such as a break-up, or a missed career or educational opportunity. Khanolkar prompts us to define [relations and opportunities] as valuable to oneself, and not the other way around. Take a social media break, especially if you are often under scrutiny of the public eye “Your personal worth can’t be diminished if a relationship [or opportunity] ceases to exist.” Karia strongly suggests exercises, including writing a self-compassion letter, and using grounding techniques. “Breathing exercises, meditation, or guided imagery will bring you back to the present, so your thoughts don’t spiral.” Note unhealthy signs Often, people spiral into unhealthy coping patterns. Khanolkar lists a few signs to watch out for, “People operate at extremes; either they go into denial-mode and distract themselves by being busy, or they let it consume themselves and stop engaging in regular life.” Engaging with your passions is crucial, as it helps rediscover meaning and purpose Karia adds that someone experiencing intense loss or a shock can turn to substance abuse, saying, “This also includes excess caffeine consumption and using junk food as a go-to space, which in turn leads to weight gain and unhealthy relationships with food.” It may be time to seek professional help if you experience bouts of anxiety, loneliness, prolonged emotional suppression, or breakdowns, hampering daily living. Both recommend CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), especially REBT. Give it time Meghna Karia and Swati Khanolkar Above all, there is no specific duration for healing. Khanolkar reveals, “Healthy recovery is not defined by time but by functionality. Ask yourself: Can you still engage with other parts of life and experience satisfaction despite the pain of your adversity?” Likewise, Karia assures us that, if you regulate your emotions well, you will likely have greater insight into yourself, and know what will serve you best.
10 December,2025 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshDespite Mumbai’s December temperatures soaring into the 30s, the green acres of the Godrej Compound in Vikhroli feels cooler. The third edition of the annual Godrej Conscious Collective will feature a diverse range of experts, designers, architects, and artists collaborating on the central theme — Reclaiming Cool–Beating the Heat, Together. Henry Skupniewicz, head, Godrej Design Lab, shares, “Conscious Collective has evolved significantly over the past editions, shifting from a primarily design-focused showcase to a dynamic platform that integrates climate science, culture, community action, and creativity. This year’s theme was chosen deliberately to address the critical issue of heat resilience, emphasising how thoughtful design can foster cooler, healthier, and more inclusive urban futures.” Ahead of its opening, we pick out the best discussions, workshops and events to catch this year. FROM December 12 to 14; 9 am onwardsAT Plant 13, Gate 8, Godrej and Boyce, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli East. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com (to register) Workshops Ayaz Basrai Speculative fiction: Designer Ayaz Basrai teams up with textile designer Juhi Pandey and living roots architect and environmentalist Morningstar Khongthaw to explore future realities through fictional design.On December 12; 4 pm Biodiversity trail for children: WWF India experts lead a walk down the Gazebo Colony to the Godrej Nursery. ON December 13 and 14; 4 pm to 5 pm Experiences Participants at a biodiversity trail The Living Shore: This 360-degree interactive seascape by Lake Heckaman captures the effect of the changing thermal seascape on the city coastline of the city.ON December 11 to 14; 11 am to 7.30 pm A moment from a session. Pic Courtesy/TheStrangersChoir Sing with Us by The Stranger’s Choir: Led by Medha Sahi, this three-hour pop-up chorus will remind visitors why music does not need training, just sheer enthusiasmON December 13; 6.30 pm to 9 pm Film Screenings A still from Cat City. Pic Courtesy/Deafcrocodile on YouTube Cat City: This Hungarian spy-comedy centres on a neo-noir underworld gang of felines and rats planning to eliminate mice from the planet. This one is a must for cat fans all around.ON December 13; 8.40 pm Showcases Parag Tandel’s installation. Pic Courtesy/PARAG TANDEL, Tarq The Koli way: Artist Parag Tandel brings to the floor his inquiry into the Koli community and their fading traditional ecology through his works, How to Cook The Bombay Duck in Various Ways (right) and Vitamin Sea.ON December 11 to 14 Ladakh memories: Eight sā artists from Ladakh bring their collective series of textile works, Memories From the Land (above), rooted in indigenous art.ON December 11 to 14 A view of the artwork Memories From The Land Art in tradition: Designed by Sustaina fellows Debasmita Ghosh and Poludas Nagendra Satish, the works, Living with the land/Reweaving the Ecosystem, tap into architecture, cultural continuity and climate change.ON December 11 to 14 Conversations Building with bamboo: Drawing from their learnings at the Green School in Bali (right), IBUKU and Bamboo Village Trust table ideas that can offer India solutions to climate adaptation.ON December 12; 2 pm to 3.15 pm A session at the sustainable Green School in Bali. Pic Courtesy/@GreenschoolBali Designing desirable futures through circular innovation: French architect and designer Arthur Momou-Mani explores ideas for the future using technology and the creativity of parametric design.ON December 13; 11 am onwards THK Tower in Bali by (above, inset) Arthur Mamou Mani. Pic Courtesy/parametric architecture Cooling for all: Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman and MD, Godrej Enterprises Group, talks with Dr Harish Hande of the Selco Foundation to debate solutions for the rising heat.ON December 13; 12.15 pm onwards Diana Kellogg Reclaiming Shade: Heat resilient design and the built environment: What does it mean to build structures that offer shade as a fundamental task? Architect Diana Kellogg opens up on the contextual lessons from past projects to answer.ON December 13; 2 pm to 3 pm
10 December,2025 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThree decades is a long time in any industry, let alone one as ephemeral as music. Since 1992, The Keli Cultural Festival has become a staple of the city’s December tradition. “When we began, the Classical tradition was limited to the institutions of its practice,” shares Ramachandran K, artistic director and project coordinator. Over the years, it has witnessed names such as the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Peruvanam Kuttan Marar among others encourage the idea. This weekend, the 33rd edition of the cultural organisation will witness the Pranathi Women’s Music & Dance Festival take stage in Navi Mumbai. The biennial event was begun as part of an ongoing effort to highlight the work of female artistes. “This year, we have opted to focus on the two senior and acclaimed practitioners of Rudraveena and Mohiniyattam, who have used the form to further conversation on social contexts.” Over two days, the festival will see performances by Mohiniyattam scholar Dr Neena Prasad, and rudraveena exponent, Vidushi Jyoti Hegde, accompanied by other performers.Ramachandran KDr Neena Prasad has been one of the foremost practitioners of these ideas. To be presented with the Pranathi Pratibha Puraskar this year, the scholar and danseuse shares, “I believe that any traditional form, known for its classical values, will only speak to its society when it has relevance in its modern times. If we do not move forward with the times, our classicism will b reduced to being a showpiece.” The founder of the Bharathanjali School of Dances explains that her effort has been to ‘break the form, and extend its expression.’ The choice of embracing feminist literature, works by Pratibha Ray, performances that explored the dilemmas of Sita, stories of Kuriyedath Thathri allow for that. The other dimension was her focus on erasing gender divisions within the form — at the heart of her PhD thesis on the Lasya and Tandava traditions in the classical dances of South India. “As a feminine form [Mohiniyattam], there was emphasis on grace. I felt that it was limiting the expression. Every individual has both feminine and masculine attributes, and working towards a gender equal society, an art form has to take this into account,” she states.Vidushi Jyoti Hegde performs on the rudraveena The other honoree of the festival, Vidushi Jyoti Hegde, is familiar with the inequity, although she does not let it impede her art. To be presented the Pranathi Acharya Puraskar, Hegde is the first Indian woman who took up the rudra veena in her teenage years. Having learnt the sitar under Dr Bindu Madhav Pathak, she was drawn to the veena and rudra veena, and later learnt under the late Ustad Asad Ali Khan. “I was told immediately that women do not play the rudraveena. It is difficult, and particularly challenging,” she admits. However, the 62-year-old emphasises that her choices were artistic, rather than revolutionary. “I was not aware that it was a revolutionary act. For me, it was the sound of the rudraveena that drew me to it,” she says, adding, “Like any other instrument, it needs two hands, an ear for music and discipline. That does not change, be it a man or a woman.” However, unknowingly, she has set a path for many female musicians now learning the instrument. “I keep telling them [students], even today, do not choose an instrument or art because you think it is challenging or to make a name. Choose it because you have a deep calling. Everything else comes from it,” she concludes. ON December 13 and 14; 6.30 pm onwardsAT Terna Auditorium, sector 22, near Nerul Railway Station, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
09 December,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
