Just 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 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 GhoshADVERTISEMENT
