Visitors who step into the rotunda section of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) are bound to discover an instant imagery of life in the Harappan civilisation, thanks to the replica tableau of the model town of Dholavira ((3000 to 1500 BCE). It sufficiently piques the imagination to tread into further mystique and exploration in the main section of the Networks of the Past gallery, which teleports one to the ancient worlds of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Mediterranean, and China. This ongoing collaborative effort has ensured that over 250 objects are on display for three years, from leading museums across India and the world. Fabricators matter: Examples of complex placement of differently-shaped objects. Materials play a key role - paints, fabrics, materials used for partitions and pedestals. “All of it has to be approved internationally, and had to be stable enough to meet certain standards as set by the museums internationally,” explains Ramesh Nikhil Ramesh, Curator (Conservation), CSMVS, is relieved and excited that the pieces of the giant puzzle came together. He relives the procedural challenges, “The museum had to raise the bar with this exhibition gallery because the borrowed objects are going to live in this space. The British Museum [which lent the maximum number of objects] had created certain tests, and these exhibits had to pass it. We had to find a balance between specified parameters (see box right), and the dialogue continues until we realise that there is a safe space for these objects. This began well before the gallery was set up, and continues till these objects are here.” Parameters 1) Temperature controls: Stable values are of paramount importance for the health of every object. 2) Relative humidity: Different materials including wood, linen, sandstone, terracotta, and paper behave differently. “We have to find their sweet spot keeping in mind these parameters,” informs Ramesh. 3) Display cases: Objects from different museums have different specifications like height, weight, and material and guidelines for movement. “We have to satisfy these requirements as closely as possible; this is factored in while designing display cases and placing them in it. Sequencing the object placement into the case is also important,” he adds. Ramesh and his team had a tight turnaround time of just one month to install all the objects in this gallery. Machines like the manual stacker installed objects, where a hydraulic system was used to gently place them across varying heights in their respective display cases. Backstory Files (From left) The cat’s brain as viewed in the scan; the highlighted molars 1 CAT SCAN WONDER: This tissue and linen-shrouded exhibit (1st Century CE) from Egypt was CT scanned at the British Museum. It wasn’t originally part of this show, but Ramesh insisted that it would be a great addition. The scans reveal that part of the brain is present; the eye socket is visible; the neck is broken, highlighting how it died. The molars were still in the jaw, and hadn’t popped out. This helps gauge when it died (not more than four months). This object is bound to encourage the medical, student, and scientific community to engage with it. Display at the gallery (right) conservators realign broken pieces 2 HARAPPAN TERRACOTA POTTERY: This was from the museum’s collection. One of the pots was originally in 15 pieces. Most of the pottery had minimal interventions by CSMVS’s conservators in the past. “We’ve tried to reduce the crudeness on its surfaces. We want the visitor to see the painted surface, and its patterns. An adhesive being introduced into the cracks The challenge was its size and shape; we had to handle it carefully, and put the pieces back together. For this, the team had to test the right adhesive using the correct measures and concentration. The restoration took 2.5 months,” he shares. Before conservation, the pot was held together with metal wwires and metal clips. Pics Courtesy/Conservation Lab, CSMVS 3 KING-SIZE: This object of Gudea (ruled 2144-2124 BCE), king of the Sumerian city of Lagash, was deposited at the foundation of a temple. At 350 kgs, it is one of the heaviest exhibits. The team required a compact forklift so that it could be moved alongside other objects within a narrow radius of its pedestal. It had to be installed face-front keeping in mind the space in front and behind. 4 STELA’S COLOURS: This painted limestone panel found in Greek-ruled Alexandria dates to 2nd Century BCE. This reveals a little girl (named Stela) holding a bird, while playing with a pet dog. Scientific investigations at the British Museum revealed pigment present on the surface not entirely visible to the naked eye. “We see only the visible spectrum; but it doesn’t mean that the rays are not interacting with objects. They tapped into other spectrums during conservation and found tons of Egyptian blue made from a specific pigment,” he shares, excitedly. 5 PILLAR TO POST: The CSMVS team went to Allahabad Museum to initially survey this sandstone fragment of a railing (1-100 CE) that resembles a pillar. Originally from Bharhut, Madhya Pradesh, it was embedded in the wooden pedestal at the museum, but they were unable to gauge its depth since officials mentioned that it had been standing in the same spot for 50 years. So, they fabricated the pedestal design at CSMVS on the assumption that it was one foot, also aware that there was a height restriction at the gallery. When the packers went to dismantle it at the museum, it turned out to be two feet! “We had to alter our pedestal here. This pillar was packed vertically. Extreme care had to be taken while handling it. Knowing that we had limited movement within the gallery, we created a structure around it to offer support,” he elaborates. 6 BUDDHA’S GRACE: This decorated statue in local buff sandstone of The Buddha (400-500 CE) was sourced from the onsite Sarnath Museum. Ramesh personally visited the site to select it, and realised that the base would have to be constructed when the object arrives at CSMVS. When a team conservator arrived to secure it, it was revealed that there was no base! As a result, the planned design had to be altered. Heavy lifting equipment was used to move it to its final spot. A security clamp supports it on the back. This fragile statue had to be mounted with care by holding it in places that didn’t have carvings or etchings. “We assembled the entire unit on the ground as it would have been risky to do this at a height,” he recalls. 7 RIVER ADVENTURE: This bejewelled and pot-bellied Padamanidhi (‘lotus-treasure’) dating to 200-400 CE travelled by boat all the way from a museum in Nagarjunakonda. A CSMVS team member had to accompany the object on its journey. It was crated; a standard method was followed to ensure there was no movement within. Luckily, the shift could happen on the same day as the waters of the river were placid for its movement to the other side of the riverbank, after which it arrived at CSMVS via road.
09 February,2026 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezBefore Kalina resident Srushti Bansode quit her job last month, she was taking on work from halfway around the world as a senior analyst at a USA-based MNC. While her night shifts were all about corporate meetings, she’d head out to paint murals and graffiti across Mumbai during the day. Talk about moonlighting in broad daylight. But that’s not the only reason she doesn’t have too many friends to call mentors in Mumbai’s graffiti scene. “Graffiti culture relies heavily on word of mouth. Unfortunately, there are not many women in these circles to talk about,” she says. That’s set to change with Bansode’s new initiative under the alias Synk. The 27-year-old will take budding artists under her wing and allow them to learn by observing her at work. “Male artists are often hesitant when a woman wants to join. Safety, public scrutiny, and flexible timings are some of the tallest hurdles,” she reveals. The artworks have started drawing in curious young visitors Will the girls succeed at the ambitious project, or are the concerns really writings on the wall? “Just last month in Navi Mumbai, two young school-going girls sat down next to a wall I was painting. I taught them the basics of holding a spray can. It was a sign I’m in the right direction,” she shares. Vritti Kotian’s graffiti artworks. PICS COURTESY/@vritti_kotian On the long journey, Bansode aims to bring onboard Vritti Kotian, another artist whose work has earlier been featured on Mumbai Metro’s Majhi Metro initiative. Safe to say, Bansode is determined to break the glass ceiling, or at least splash it with her graffiti initials, SYNK. Log on to: @synk.graffiti Graffiti gyaan Srushti Bansode reacts to commonly asked questions and stereotypes Check out pioneering female graffiti artist DIZY’s journey from Delhi to the world. Watch her give a train in Brazil a graffiti makeover Log on to: Molotow on YouTube Graffiti is risky business, women should stick to painting wall muralsThe girls say: Women have an innate sense of safety. We can tell when trouble is simmering, and remove ourselves from the situation Who’s going to protect you?The girls say: We are not liabilities. Look at us as collaborators, get the work done, and leave. You’re privileged; people are nicer to womenThe girls say: That’s not entirely true. Women have to worry not only about officials, but also passers-by who can make us uncomfortable. You can’t expect senior artists to take time out and train youThe girls say: Teach us the basics, and we’ll practise at home, on our terraces, before we take over the streets.
09 February,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble1 Colour My Love (Niyogi Books) This diverse anthology by Shehnab Sahin is a hat-tip to historic fiction from all corners of Assam that span nearly a century. There are stories about its culture, ecology, socio-political layers and lots more to keep the reader piqued. 2 Colombo: Port of Call (Penguin) Ajay Kamalakaran’s book is a delightful hop across to this coastal city, with fascinating impressions by celebrities who visited Colombo, from Mahatma Gandhi, to Sir Don Bradman, Anton Chekhov and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 3 All The Missing Socks (Pratham Books) This charming tale by Easterine Kire with quirky art by Ogin Nayam is a beginner-reader special. It’s packed with oodles of delicate humour for young readers, who are taking their first steps with discovering picture books. Go, find your favourite, amidst all the missing socks!
09 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezAs chilling details emerge from the triple suicide in Ghaziabad and their complicated family history, we look at how such extreme steps can be avoided with help from Mumbai-based psychiatrist Dr Vani Kulhalli. Health matters: “Deterioration in mental and physical health, and personal hygiene is a sure-shot symptom,” reminds Dr Kulhalli. The activity (obsession with screen-time) becomes their most important goal, at the cost of sleep, food and other necessities. If you’re neglecting your hair, nails, exercise, and particularly, meals, it is worrisome. Dr Vani Kulhalli Withdrawal: Teens might find it challenging to engage with family, friends, or professional and educational responsibilities. Dr Kulhalli says, “There have been instances of skipping meals at night to avoid interaction. In another instance, a child spent all day standing outside in the sun, to access free Wi-fi in that spot, after his parents had restricted access at home.” It’s everything: Dr Kulhalli mentions that obsession towards screen-time is clear if a person overtly expresses that their beloved game, content consumption, or digital activity, matters the most. “It becomes the sole meaning or engagement of life, without which the person cannot live,” she notes. How to navigate it Appropriate intervention from parents can actually get to the root of the issue. Representation pics/istock For parents and friends: >> Do not be forceful or hasty to control or change; that usually takes several months. Understand that the situation is delicate and caused by emotional problems>> Stay around the person even if there is no actual interaction; the presence of a companion or family member is grounding>> Listen calmly without answering or worse, reacting forcefully to any explanations given by the person for their extreme interest>> If there is a reasonable demand, provide it without conditions; if harmful, decline gently but firmly >> Seek help from mental health professionals; be open to care and medication if advised Progressively spending more time on an online activity is a sign of poor mental health For teachers:>> Enquire about any student showing withdrawal, irritability, poor academic performance, irregular attendance or class discontinuation>> Make a record of and escalate indications of a student in difficulty to parents and administration; use your discretion to ensure the student doesn’t spiral into further trouble>> Do not shun students or speak ill of their background or family (even in justified cases, like parental neglect)>> Maintain surveillance in class and be available to listen to the student if they need support If escalation is unhelpful, reach out to Childline 1098Tele MANAS 14416
09 February,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshQueen’s four-octaved legend Freddie Mercury’s journey to fame was not easy. As a child, Mercury was bullied for his overbite and called names like Bucky. However, once he began singing, he never looked back. This journey of a bullied child, channelling his fears and energy into music, is what children’s author Shyamala Shanmugasundaram’s new book, Under Pressure (Perky Parrot), is all about. Freddie Mercury was bullied as a child for his teeth. Illustrations Courtesy/Pankaj Saikia When Shanmugasundaram read an article which carried the story of the bullying, she realised its impact on the singer, and wanted to reach out to children. “It made me think how much kindness and empathy matter, especially to a child. When you recall your childhood, you may forget the names of the people, but you always remember their kindness or meanness.” She reveals how Mercury was sent to a boarding school in Panchgani at the tender age of eight. “His parents lived far away, in Zanzibar. It would take a month for a ship to come from Zanzibar to India,” she tells us. What does a child turn to when home feels so distant? For Mercury, it was his passion for sports and music, the book notes. Pankaj Saikia Pankaj Saikia’s accompanying illustrations depict this accurately, capturing sombre as well as spirited moments. A spotlight always follows Mercury. When it’s not through the stage lights, it is through the sunlight. The rest of the world dims around him into shades of blue. We observe this image transform gradually — from that of a frightened child to one of a confident artiste; Mercury conquers the stage. Shyamala Shanmugasundaram The poetic form employed by the writer arrests our attention, too. Children get to count down from ten to zero as they read along. Having grown up listening to songs like The Show Must Go On, and tapping her feet to We Will Rock You, Shanmugasundaram admits that the rhythm of Queen’s music stayed with her. “It is evergreen,” she notes. It is perhaps for this reason that she uses a similar form. At the centre of it all, ultimately, is the voice that speaks to young readers. “Sometimes, we learn to shrink to fit into spaces which don’t serve us anymore. At other times, we learn to dim the light,” she says. But the author believes that we needn’t do so. She wants her readers to learn that no matter the difficulty, we can push through it; we can weather the storm. Available: At leading bookstores and e-storesCost: Rs 299
07 February,2026 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaEver witnessed a solo act in a bathroom? “Aath Sapne is a fully immersive theatre performance that plays out inside a 1-BHK apartment,” shares Karan Singh Gahlot, dramaturge, Mannghadant. The group will stage their first production of Aath Sapne, a play that delves into eight stories about desire. “In immersive theatre, the audience is as much a part of the performance as the actors. Plus, in a city like Mumbai, locating and renting out an auditorium can be expensive. Since we had stories that were individual, and even about the desire of middle-class aspiration, an apartment felt appropriate,” Gahlot reveals. From stories about love, and loss, to those of pain, trauma, and even an actor who desires to find a space in Mumbai’s world of stars, the play looks at the many facets of desire. With each story taking place in a different part of the house, audiences will move with the story. “It is a unique experience, and perhaps, a first for Mumbai theatre audiences,” he concludes. ON February 8; 12 pm to 9 pm (3 slots)AT Goregaon (venue revealed upon registration)LOG ON TO @mannghadant (to register; limited seats)
07 February,2026 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIt’s not easy to find 64-year-old Pritpal Singh’s metal works workshop in the busy industrial complex opposite Mahim’s Paradise Theatre. It doesn’t help that his gate doesn’t bear his name. ‘Temple of Bob Marley’ reads his front door; painted in a Rastafarian yellow hue as a hat tip to his icon. We’ve found our man. As the doors close behind us, the metallic rumble outside drowns out to make room for Singh’s humble speaker set-up that’s playing Marley’s hit Natural Mystic. (From left) The entrance to Temple of Bob Marley; a glass artwork depicting Marley. PICS/DEVASHISH KAMBLE “Marley didn’t care if it was 10 or 10,000 of us in his audience,” Singh recalls his first tryst with the reggae icon in 1978. The Mahim resident was in London for a wedding in the family, and decided to walk into Rainbow Theatre to catch his first-ever concert. He walked out a Rastafarian. “I took Marley’s message everywhere I went,” he says. That included a brief work stint in Kenya, where Singh had his first Rastafarian temple experience, before heading back to India. In Mumbai, young curious musicians had started flocking the workshop, by word of mouth. Rapper Jacquilin Lucas aka JQueen of rap group Wild Wild Women recalls, “We would make a beeline to this room every evening. Uncle [Singh]’s guitar would come out and we’d sing Marley hits. Redemption was a crowd favourite. It became a safe space to talk about music, peace, and unity.” While the number has shrunk over the years, they’ve left a mark. “Some young boys got paints one day, and said we want to paint the place Rastafarian,” Singh shares, standing amid flag motifs, slogans and glass art tributes around him. A motif with the Rastafarian colours and Bob Marley’s lyrics ‘Iron, Lion, Zion’ at the space Why did we not know of this musical world hidden in plain sight on Lady Jamshedji Road? The answer lies in a big misconception, and an even bigger elephant in the room: Young people equate Bob Marley with marijuana. “I found myself sitting next to a gentleman in a Bob Marley T-shirt in an autorickshaw once. I asked him if he knew the man on his shirt. He shrugged it off, he only liked the cool hair,” Singh laughs. Jacquilin chimes in, recalling a smoke shop owner in Bhandup who plays Marley’s hits to sell his products. Singh browses through vinyl records on his workdesk Singh doesn’t worry too much, though. He’s content as long as the playlist on his computer keeps looping. Once in a while, he stops to switch to his trusted vintage vinyl record player; nothing beats the warmth of vinyl, he believes. Before the last song for the day, we think out loud what Marley would have made of the world today. Singh shuffles to find just the right song in his playlist. It’s Marley’s 1976 hit Who The Cap Fit. “Man to man is so unjust, childrenYou don’t know who to trustYour worst enemy could be your best friendAnd your best friend your worst enemy” At: Temple of Bob Marley, Industrial House, Bhagoji Keer Marg, Mahim West. Call: 9892421840 (call before visiting) Pritpal Singh shares a moment with actor Ranveer Singh Gully Boy’s Rastafari adda Word of mouth goes a long way, even as far as tinsel town. In 2018, a few regular jammers from the Temple of Bob Marley auditioned for the 2019 Ranveer Singh starrer Gully Boy. “When Singh heard of such an adda, he took the keys from his driver, put our boys in the backseat, and asked them to bring him here,” the owner reveals. That day, he remembers, a large crowd gathered outside the industrial complex for the first time. “Having bouncers outside a Rastafarian hub was odd,” he admits. Donisha Prendergast (left) meets Pritpal Singh in Mahim When a Marley came visiting In 2018, Bob Marley’s granddaughter Donisha Prendergast came knocking on Singh’s doors. The musician was in Mumbai for a session with the children of Dharavi, and heard of the space. “I’ve seen your grandfather perform live,” Singh told her. A three-hour-long jamming session followed. “She dialled her brother and popular reggae musician Skip Marley’s number to show him what she had just stumbled upon. To be honest, I couldn’t make much of his thick Jamaican accent. But that was a day to remember,” Singh smiles. The ultimate reggae playlist 1) Three Little Birds2) Redemption3) Who The Cap Fit4) Natural Mystic5) Sun is Shining
06 February,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe idea of a secluded, peaceful reading space would sound like heaven to bibliophiles, who might want to check out this upcoming residential retreat in Goa, just for reading. A joint endeavour by city-based Just B Library and Goa-based non-profit organisation and library, Bookworm Trust, the event offers participants quiet reading corners and access to a diverse range of books. Participants during a previous reading session, conducted outdoors “We want people to take out the time to really immerse themselves in reading, without being distracted by their routine duties. Spots must be confirmed as early as possible because participants will be couriered a book that they must carefully read before they arrive at the retreat space, which is a 19th-century Indo-Portuguese villa by the seashore,” explains library educator, Bhavna Faizullabhoy, who runs Just B from her home in South Mumbai. Upon arrival, guests will also be provided other books. “I can’t reveal the exact titles,” Faizullabhoy replies, when we ask to name a few. “But there will be everything from graphic novels and non-fiction to beautifully illustrated children’s books; one of the main reads will be about letter writing, emphasising the importance of the written word.” A view of the Indo-Portuguese villa where the retreat will be held Guests can also enjoy outdoor activities and excursions themed around some of the books, alongside creative and reflective sessions. On that note, Sujata Noronha, founder, Bookworm Trust, describes more about the intent behind the getaway, “Though it’s an adult-only retreat, children’s literature and books will play an integral role. They are often nuanced, and even if they contain more illustrations than text, they shed light on ideas that can only be truly comprehended through a mature, adult perception.” Bhavna Faizullabhoy; (right) Sujata Noronha She adds that outdoor games support this. “Readers bring all their senses together when having fun during play, just like a child; the quality of reading post the fun improves greatly and so does concentration. That’s the aim: To regenerate relationships with reading, especially for pleasure,” she signs off. ON March 23 to 25AT Bogmalo, South Goa LOG ON TO @justb_thelibraryisopen (to register, before February 15) ENTRY Rs 40,000
06 February,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshMumbai’s calendar is blooming once again. As February sets in, the city’s most vibrant annual tradition returns with the 29th edition of the Mumbai Flower Show, turning the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan into a floral retreat. From intricately shaped installations to freshly grown vegetables, the exhibition is organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Tree Authority. Jeetendra Pardesshi Jeetendra Pardesshi, superintendent of gardens and tree officer, says, “As we bring in the 29th edition of this show, all 24 administrative wards — labelled A to T — are assigned specific responsibilities. For instance, wards P and R handle vegetables, while M ward oversees landscaping, among other tasks.” With Musical Instruments as this year’s theme, life-size representations of the tabla, harmonium, saxophone, guitar, and flute will be decorated using seasonal blossoms. Pardesshi emphasised, “Most planning takes around 45 to 60 days, but the most crucial phase is the night before the exhibition opens, when every flower and vegetable pot is personally monitored, as many require exceptional care.” Vegetable expert Dinesh Dattu Sakle says, “We’ve worked on this for months. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and my entire focus has been devoted to nurturing and taking care of these vegetables. The Guide’s fave picks Garden Pansy or Viola x Wittrockiana >> As Mumbai transitions out of winter, Garden Pansy or Viola × Wittrockiana stands out prominently. Ideal for borders, hanging baskets, and mass planting during cooler conditions, it works well in landscaped spaces. Some varieties are considered edible by florists and plant experts. Gomphrena Globosa widely recognised as Gomphrena >> For those keen on attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects that support ecological balance, Gomphrena Globosa — commonly called Gomphrena — draws attention for its unique shape. Celosia, popularly known as Cockscomb >> Look out for the Celosia, also referred to as Cockscomb. Thriving in direct sunlight, this low-maintenance plant features vivid colours ranging from red and yellow to pink and orange, sometimes blended within a single flame-shaped bloom. Sponge Gourd, or Luffa Cylindrica showcased in full bloom >> From the dedicated vegetable section observe the Sponge Gourd, or Luffa Cylindrica, primarily a kharif crop; it appears in full growth, with blossoms still attached to the vine. Bitter Gourd also identified as Momordica Charantia L >> Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia L), commonly known as karela, features alongside Cruciferae family crops such as cauliflower and broccoli. Zucchini or Cucurbita Pepo >> A closer look reveals rows of Zucchini (Cucurbita Pepo), displayed in shades of orange, green, and yellow, completing the harvest-focused spread. Till: February 8; 8 am to 8 pmAt: Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, Lalbaug Flyover, Byculla East.
06 February,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareImagine being a graduate in Chemistry in the late 1970s, and opting to pursue a career in design? Risky? Perhaps, but Pinakin Patel’s decision started a journey that has deeply impacted the way contemporary design evolved in India. Takht sofa Calling it a turning point in his life, Patel reasons the move, saying, “I had not found my ‘swadharma’ [duty to self]. Only when a person finds that is the path aligned for a successful future.” Aptly titled, The Turning Point — the ongoing retrospective at Nilaya Anthology — offers a holistic view of this journey through the lens of his designs. Bramhaputra dining table The seeds were sown growing up in the lanes of erstwhile South Bombay. The displays by street vendors, hawkers, and shops taught him the innate nature of aesthetics ‘against all odds of climate, money, legality’, he says. The Turning Point is the first-of-its-kind deep dive into the architect-designer’s life works. The retrospective features 11 works of furniture that capture Patel’s distinct creative signature; ‘a cultural restatement’, as he puts it. Contour sofa Like his approach, it also offers a holistic view of design and art. A total of 19 decorative artworks and objects from the designer’s personal collection, to be auctioned by Pundole’s, will also be on display. The Ramp at Anthology will also showcase a curated selection of works by the designer’s mentor, Padma Shri Awardee, the late Professor Dashrath Patel. These will be paired with a short film that poetically interprets Pinakin Patel’s ideas of essentialism. Burl chair “Across 50 years of his practice, there is an absolute richness of cultural context and understanding that reveals itself across various materials, disciplines and stories,” shares curator Pavithra Rajaram, creative director, Nilaya Anthology. Deco chairs Now, based in Alibaug, amidst his sustainable, green practice, Patel’s return is a reminder of the vibrant and desi innovation in a city consumed by its own modernity. A close-up of Baroque dining table TILL March 31; 11 am to 7.30 pmAT Nilaya Anthology, Peninsula Corporate Park, Lower Parel West
05 February,2026 10:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayBold flavours Catch this Chinese New Year festive menu, themed around the Year of the Flaming Horse. Savour dishes from Jackfruit and Cheese Golden Blossom to the Golden Stallion dessert.TIME 12 pm to 4 pm; 7 pm to 12 amAT Hakkasan, Bandra West. CALL 8355877777 COST Rs 5000 (for two) FridayRaw reality on stage A moment from a previous rendition of the play. Pic courtesy/@curtainhazeproduction Catch a seat at this new age play, The Guardian Angel, incorporating audio-visual elements, and movement choreography to illustrate a complex tale of mental health struggles.Time 6.30 pm and 9 pmAt Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar Part 1, Andheri West. Log on To altshows.comENTRY Rs 350 SaturdayTales of resilience A still from the film. Pic courtesy/PSBT India on YouTube Dive into the on-ground realities of the Agaria community, traditional salt farmers from western India, with a film screening of The Wounded Souls of the Rann and a conversation with director, Dinesh Lakhanpal. TIME 4 pm to 6 pmAT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Rani Baug, Byculla East. LOG ON TO urbanaut.appENTRY Rs 118 onwards Tracing the city Children during a similar session at the venue; (right) an illustration from the book. Pics courtesy/Shivam Choudhary, Kahani Tree Let your children learn about the journey of the City of Dreams, from a cluster of seven islands into a cosmopolitan city, through author Veena Rao’s book, Bombay Is Mumbai, followed by a drawing session.TIME 11 am to 12 pmAT Kahani Tree, Industry Manor, Prabhadevi. REGISTER events@kahanitree.com ENTRY Rs 500 SundayEye on Japan A Sayonara dance performance. Pic courtesy/Fujiwara Japanese Consultant If you’re a fan of all things Japanese, check out the Banzai Japan Event 2026, featuring cultural performances, a tea ceremony, traditional calligraphy, and a wellness programme.TIME 11 am to 2.30 pmAT The Oriental Club, Girgaon Chowpatty.CALL 7666152391 (to register, by February 6) ENTRY Rs 800 (per person; with lunch) Soulful Sufi notes Salman Ali on stage. Pic courtesy/@officialsalman.ali Don’t miss the grand finale of Sama’a: Festival of Sufi Music, with musician Salman Ali’s Sufi compositions.TIME 6.30 pmAT National Centre for the Performing Arts, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 500 onwards
05 February,2026 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshADVERTISEMENT
