Chimani, Chiraiya, Chittu Kuruvi — whatever name you grew up calling the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), chances are, it has been ages since you heard it. The declining population of the once commonly seen, heard, and loved bird has led concerned Mumbaikars to devise inventive methods to bring the bird back to the city. Environmentalists Dr V Shubhalaxmi and Manish Verma share their tips. Play your part >> Feeder: Take a plastic bottle and cut a small hole on the side. Fill the bottle with jowar, bajra, wheat, or peanuts. Sparrows do not feed on whole seeds or grains like pigeons. Ensure you break the grains. Attach a hook to the bottom of the bottle and hang it in your balcony or garden. >> Dust bath: Sparrows like to immerse themselves in fine soil and shake it off to clean their bodies of parasites and other organisms. A bowl of dry and fine soil makes the ideal dust bath. >> Water bowls: Leave a shallow plate or bowl of water outside. The tiny birds will drink, and might even step in for a quick bath. >> Green island: Omnivorous in nature, sparrows love plants that attract insects like caterpillars. Plant Tulsi, lemongrass, marigold, or periwinkle in your home garden. Housing societies can plant hedges of bougainvillea on their fence walls. Why did the sparrows leave? >> Skyscrapers and redeveloped buildings lack crevices, short hedges, and shaded corners where sparrows like to nest.>> Open grain stores that attracted the birds have given way to modern gated supermarkets.>> Increased pesticide usage in public gardens has left no food for sparrows to feed their offspring. Little birdie, big impact Sparrows play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insects in crop fields. In 1955, China eliminated nearly two billion sparrows as part of Mao Zedong’s Four Pests campaign. It snowballed into a famine in 1959, killing millions.
20 March,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFounded on this day in 2019 as a not-for-profit organisation, Mumbai Storytellers Society is all set to celebrate World Storytelling Day (Marc 20) through a fun line-up of events. This will be held in collaboration with Crossword, Kemps Corner. The team is also celebrating World Puppetry Day since puppetry has been an integral part of the oral storytelling traditions in India. Usha Venkatraman “The theme this year is ‘light in the darkness’. It’s to reflect on what’s happening around the world, without getting into it deeply. Hence, the inclusion of a shadow puppet play,” shares Usha Venkatraman, a founding member of the Society. Venkatraman has been a storyteller since 1996. “I visited Sweden in 2010, and realised that there is a thriving storytelling profession across the world. It was a dream to set up something like that in India,” she adds. Inspired by it, she began charging a fee for her work, which she hadn’t done before, and took up storytelling as a profession. In 2019, she believed it was time to give back to society. The Guide’s picks Shadow puppet show Nalini Dinesh Agni Pareeksha is an experimental shadow puppet play performed by children between the ages of 10 and 15. It’s curated by Nalini Dinesh, and is about waste management. Humorous folktales Nidhi Bagaria Nidhi Bagaria, a member of Mumbai Storytellers Society and founder of The Creative World, plans to share humorous folktales. She believes stories travel far and wide; they have the ability to pass their wisdom to their listeners. Dramatic reading Zarine Jalil Menon Zarine Jalil Menon is the founder of Salad Stories, an initiative that encourages healthy eating habits in children through storytelling. She will conduct a dramatic reading of American comedian and screenwriter BJ Novak’s funny read-aloud work, The Book with No Pictures. Inspirational stories Asha Girdhar Asha Girdhar, a reputed storyteller from the city, has mentored over 15,000 children in the art of creative writing. She will narrate an inspiring story about the condor, the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. On March 21; 4.30 pm to 6 pmAt Crossword Bookstore, Kemps Corner.
20 March,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaYou’ll always find your way back home by Hannah Montana As Hannah Montana marks her 20th anniversary, we’ve found ourselves returning to this classic upbeat pop number that instantly lifts the mood and gets you moving. Shallow by Lagy Gaga and Bradley Cooper It was Oscar season recently, and we couldn’t help but return to one of our favourites from the last decade. This track by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper from the film, A Star is Born, won Best Original Song in 2019. The songwriting is honest, dissecting life’s travails in all its intensity and despair. Listen to it, if you enjoy an honest ballad and appreciate a powerful performer. It’s all heart. Anisa by Zakir Hussain A throwback to the jugalbandi, playfulness and virtuosity that defined the iconic instrumentation of the late maestro’s genius. PS, the song is named after Hussain’s daughter. A memorable gift, to say the least. The Mountain by Gorillaz We’ve been hooked on this track that features Anoushka Shankar’s sitar, Aman Ali Bangash on the sarod, and just enough room for an ethereal flute line by Ajay Prasanna.
20 March,2026 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamFor Elli AvrRam, Sridevi feels like a kindred spirit. “I never met her and that makes me sad,” says the Swedish-Greek actor about our icon of choice this week. “To me, she was the perfect heroine. Elli AvrRam A combination of great acting, graceful and vibrant dancing skills, and versatile expressions. Apart from all her classic films, I absolutely loved her English Vinglish. While she left us far too soon, Sridevi will always remain the ultimate timeless beauty.” No sides, just celebrations Puran polis were on the menu for Sagarika Ghatge and hubby Zaheer Khan yesterday, as the couple and their beautiful baby boy Fateh celebrated Gudi Padwa. Adorably, the almost one-year-old was more than happy to go back for seconds at lunch — a little gourmand after my own heart. Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge An abundance of marigolds and mango leaves set the scene at Sagarika’s family home, despite renovations being underway. Silver plates and a perfectly laid table were never up for compromise, of course — and neither was getting all dolled up for the occasion. Sagarika wore a sindoori red sari from her own brand, Akutee, while both her boys — the beefy former cricketer and their baby — wore kurta pyjamas. If there’s a quiet flex here, it’s this: festivals in this family aren’t about picking sides. From Gudi Padwa to Eid, Sagarika and Zak celebrate it all — effortlessly, stylishly, and entirely on their own terms. A welcome reset in a divided world. The hills are alive After a brief hiatus from the limelight, the original Mr Bond has resurfaced — via a poignant reel — to remind us why he remains our most beloved storyteller. Ruskin Bond Currently navigating the slow road of physiotherapy following spinal surgery, Ruskin Bond confessed this Wednesday to an even more daunting hurdle: his eyesight now prevents him from reading or writing by hand. Yet, in true Bond fashion, the narrative never stops, so the nonagenarian has found a new rhythm — dictating his latest musings to his granddaughter, Shrishti. “I won’t stop writing until I’m gone, or until my mind gives way,” says the Mussoorie native — a line that truly tugs at the heartstrings. Even as his body recalibrates, Bond’s creative pulse remains as vivid and sharp as ever. With a slate of new book releases timed for his birthday in May, the Bard of the Hills is proving that his spirit is nowhere near retiring. Mumbai fans — including filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj — can’t wait. Home is where the heart is Though she is currently in the Maldives for her cousin’s wedding, Scoop star Karishma Tanna is a self-confessed homebody. From a cutesy coffee machine to framed photographs and fresh flowers galore, her home is curated with love and focused on her family — husband Varun Bangera, her mum, and their dogs included. Making it easier to manage it all is the fact that her mum lives in the same Bandra building as she does — “I live one floor up,” the actor explains. Karishma Tanna. PIC/ROHIT MENDIRATTA Splitting time between both homes, Karishma has recently wrapped up a meticulous renovation of her mother’s apartment, with hands-on assistance from designer-entrepreneur Indraja Menkar. GoodHomes India, amongst our favourite design magazines, has all the dope on this transformation, but never content with public domain data, we reached out to managing editor Avril Noel D’souza for more. “Karishma’s foremost priority was a pet-friendly home,” Avril tells us, explaining many of the actor’s design choices. “She also wanted the space to celebrate all her memories with her mum.” With thoughtful touches, clever storage solutions, and a warm, inviting palette, the revamped apartment now mirrors Karishma’s own aesthetic — resulting in a space where family, memories, and furry companions truly feel at the heart of everything.
20 March,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatNavroze, the Persian New Year, is celebrated by the Parsi and Zoroastrian communities, and Iranis. It is a celebration of the spring equinox and expressing gratitude towards nature. Traditions include offering prayers at the fire temple, visiting family and setting the Haft-Sin table laid with fruits, dry fruits and sweets. This year, key products that are sourced from Iran are off the shelves, while some like dry fruits have become dearer. Confectionery including Gaz (Iranian nougat), Baklava and Soan Halwa, have run out of stock, because of the unrest in the Middle East and adjacent regions. Bibi Fatehmeh with pieces of Gaz at Cafe Colony & Stores in Dadar Dadar’s Cafe Colony & Stores has always stocked boxes of Gaz for Navroz. This year, at the 92-year-old cafe, you’ll only find a jar filled with pieces of Gaz. Owner Bibi Fatehmeh says, “I’m not selling them by the box. I have unpacked what I had in stock and am selling it by the piece so more people can have it. We have to adapt to the times.” Market research Mukesh Gala at Royal Foods at Crawford Market. PICS COURTESY/PHORUM PANDYA At Crawford Market, Mukesh Gala aka ‘Royal Takla’ owns Royal Foods for the past 26 years. “We introduced Gaz 25 years ago. This is the first year it is unavailable. Irani anjeer, Pista Halwa and Plain Halwa are available, but Soan Halwa is out of stock. The cost for Irani Mamra almonds has shot up from R2800 to R3400 per kg. We’ll have to see what happens in the coming months,” he says. Irani anjeer Zereshk berries, used on Berry Pulao, are procured from Iran in small packets of dried and compressed bricks. Most cafe owners, including Kyani & Co, say they have enough stock to last the year. On condition of anonymity, a shopkeeper in Crawford Market said that Zereshk berries are usually carried by people who visit Iran, and sold here. “You need to know which shop to visit,” he reveals. Sugar-free and vegan sweets made from chikoos Commenting on market patterns, Pratik Pawar of A-1 Dry Fruits at Crawford Market says since the pandemic business is hit by 40 per cent. “We’ve been running this store for 23 years now. Now, people source as per their needs. Khari Baoli (Old Delhi) and Crawford Market have the best produce.” Kitayun Rustom and Kurush Dalal Go local Kitayun Rustom, resident of Ness Baug is swapping with alternative, locally-sourced produce. “We are chikoo farmers in Dahanu. We make sugar-free and vegan chikoo mithai, including a fudge and millet ladoo. One can innovate and create different products from locally available ingredients,” Rustom explains. “Nature gives us fruits so we place these on our Navroze Haft sin table to express our gratitude. At such a crucial time in world history, we should create a fusion of cultures and also move to sustainable lifestyles. India is abundant in peanuts, currants, raisins, dates, pomegranates and desiccated coconuts that can be incorporated. Noghl is a traditional and famous Persian sweet and can be replaced with Nokuldana prasad found in India. The purpose is to celebrate the bounty of nature.” Adjust and adapt Archaeologist and food historian Kurush Dalal says dry fruits don’t come a few days before the festival so the current demand is met. “What will happen in the next two to three months is to be seen. We do have alternatives of California almonds and pistachios. Saffron is an important product from Iran, and this shortfall will have repercussions,” he says, adding that Iranian apple exports to India are a major component of India’s fruit imports, often accounting for around 23 per cent of its total apple imports. “These apples, mainly from regions like Urmia and West Azerbaijan, are preferred for their competitive pricing, bright colour, and high-quality, typically arriving via Bandar Abbas to ports like Nhava Sheva. The regional tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan is also likely to disrupt produce coming in from Afghanistan. “Supply of Kandhari apricots and a variety of badams will be disrupted,” informs Dalal. When we reach out to Britannia & Co, third-generation owner Afshin Kohinoor answers the call. “I have enough Zereshk berries in stock but no Gaz. I have three boxes of Baklava left, jaldi lai ja nahi toh khatam thai jase (Come buy them soon or they will be over),” he shares, underlining the sign of our times. Berry bounty Zereshk berries used for Berry pulao Zereshk berries called barberries from Iran are used in Berry Pulao. At one point, they were so scarce in India, that they were like rationed saffron. Table of tradition The Haft-sin table has seven symbolic items for Navroze to celebrate spring. Each of the seven items begin with the letter S in Persian. Sabzeh (wheat, barley), Samanu (sweet pudding), Senjed (dryfruit), Seeb (apples), Seer (garlic), Somagh (sumac berries), Serkeh (vinegar)
20 March,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaSilver lining There is a quiet power in authenticity. With a simple wave and silver-flecked hair, Manisha Koirala turned a Wednesday salon run into a celebration of the natural self — proving that grace doesn’t really need a filter Fandom Fallacy For a man expected to be articulate, author Chetan Bhagat sometimes struggles to make sense. A podcast and column from last year, now going viral post India’s T20 World Cup win, suggest that Indians are “obsessed with cricket” and that the “countless productive hours… our youth spend glued to screens” could cost an entire generation dearly. Chetan Bhagat “Why are you watching other men achieve excellence and not trying to achieve it yourself?” he asks. But does fandom inherently ruin productivity? Reducing millions of passionate cricket fans to brain‑dead spectators ignores the cultural, communal, and motivational value sports bring. Blaming “obsession” for societal issues oversimplifies complex problems, turning entertainment into moral panic. Bhagat’s argument, at its core, reads less like insight and more like condescension. While I rant out loud, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this. Are die-hard cricket fans like Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, and even Daniel Radcliffe not productive? It’s a false dichotomy to say that you are either a producer of excellence or a consumer of it, with no room for both. To suggest otherwise is to ignore that the inspiration we find in others’ greatness is often what fuels our own. After-hours art ritual Not nearly enough people are talking about Art Night Thursday — arguably one of the coolest things to do in Mumbai — which unfolds on the second Thursday of every month. Orchestrated by the Mumbai Gallery Association, this free-for-all experience throws open the doors of select galleries after hours, giving the public a rare chance to mingle with artists, engage with the exhibitions, and chat up the gallerists themselves. Aahana Miller And then there are the regulars, who’ve turned it into something of an art-world ritual. Case in point: Aahana Miller. The daughter of artist Brinda Chudasama and architect Alfaz Miller, Aahana treats Art Night Thursday like a well-planned marathon — clocking anywhere between three and ten shows in a single evening, usually with an entourage in tow. Her mother often joins, alongside a rotating cast of art-world friends. By the end of the night, Aahana distils it all into a single verdict — her top pick — posted to Instagram. Tarq and Chemould often claim the crown. And while her following may be modest, don’t be fooled: her stamp of approval is quietly becoming currency in the city’s art circles. As for how she chooses? It’s sixth sense over science. “I can’t explain it,” she shrugs. “It’s just a reflection of how I feel.” And does her mother — also the curator of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival — agree with her calls? Not always. “The decision isn’t democratic,” Aahana laughs. Whatever it is, it’s clearly working. Money Talks So here’s some backroom chatter that’s quietly rattling the foundations of a legacy construction company. For a while now, insiders have been whispering about a fallout between two brothers — a rift that, by all accounts, has everything to do with their wives. One has long been the public face of the company, while the other, in a manner of speaking, holds the purse strings. What began as hushed speculation has now escalated enough to land on my desk. The tipping point? A recent family-hosted soirée that drew Mumbai’s high and mighty — conspicuously excluding one brother and his wife. Are the parents taking sides? It certainly appears so. And if the chatter is to be believed, they’re siding with the money. Kidney-touching milestone Mirroring his lethal precision on the pitch, pacer Jasprit Bumrah kept his anniversary Instagram tribute short and sharp on Sunday, posting a simple ‘Happy anniversary’ caption alongside a few candid photos. However, it was his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, who stole the digital show. Playfully trolling his brevity, she dubbed it a “kidney touching caption” — a hilarious nod to the heart-touching cliché. Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan Beyond the banter, this couple remains a masterclass in the public conduct of power pairings. Celebrating five years of marriage alongside the glow of a recent T20 World Cup victory, they prove that while the world gets loud, a “hug that feels like home” is the ultimate victory.
19 March,2026 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatMixed doubles Bandra just witnessed a serious power-pairing crossover! Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia keep it effortlessly cool as they flank TV’s current ‘it’ couple, Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra, for a sunny Tuesday outing. Double the dates, double the peace signs. Date night Ever since he held his own (and then some) opposite Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra in The White Tiger, I’ve had my eye firmly on Adarsh Gourav. Powerhouse performer? Obviously. But he’s also a legit singer, ridiculously sharp, and annoyingly well-rounded — arty, intellectual, and still somehow fun. When he’s not working, Adarsh seems to live for the outdoors: holidaying in the hills, leaping off cliffs into murky ponds, and adopting strays along the way. Of course, it’s been a while since he’s had a proper vacation — these days, he’s making the most of Mumbai’s rhythm. Adarsh Gourav On Monday, the actor stepped out for a night at Soho House with his striking ladylove Radhika Kolgaonkar, accompanied by elder brother Vasishth Bhagavatula — playing either the third wheel or chief guest, depending on your perspective. The venue delivered beachy vibes and the perfect backdrop for a casual evening away from the spotlight (though we definitely noticed). Having wrapped up pandemonious promotions for Tu Yaa Main last month, a little downtime is overdue for Adarsh. His last ‘trip’ was hosting a Hotstar docuseries on the disappearing tribes of Northeast India, which is hardly a holiday. “No vacation yet,” he laughs when we ask, “but soon.” If you’re taking notes, Adarsh, a serene hill retreat in Kasol or Manali might be the perfect escape — trekking, riverside cafes, and complete unplug vibes. Closer to home and safer too. Exotic escapes for all, except Sanju Samson With war raging in West Asia, the well-heeled are looking east for their escapes. Last week, Parineeti Chopra and her Rajya Sabha MP hubby Raghav Chadha were bingeing on mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream in Thailand, while attending a family wedding. Closer still was Hardik Pandya, who headed to Alibag briefly, with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma in tow. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Rhea Kapoor had a post-birthday break at the ultra-luxe Amanpuri on a private peninsula in Phuket, and while her azure ocean images were inviting, filmmaker Farah Khan’s Goan getaway had us salivating — between a fish thali at Avo’s Kitchen in Assagoa, and apéritifs at Anjuna’s Jolene by the Sea. Incidentally, both Farah’s fabulous food choices were dictated by the Arora sisters: Avo’s was recommended by Malaika, while Jolene is actually owned by Amrita Arora Ladak. But back to our boys in blue. I’ve already dished out the deets on Rohit Sharma making merry in the Maldives with wife Ritika Sajdeh recently, yet it is Sanju Samson’s holiday — or lack thereof — that merits final mention. When asked why he was chilling in a roadside chai shop in Kerala while so many of his T20 World Cup-winning teammates were holidaying in exotic parts of the world, Sanju was quick to clarify this wasn’t quintessential Samson. “The reality is I also tried for exotic locations, but nothing was available.” Who’d have thought scoring an exotic escape is harder than hitting eighties and nineties in World Cup cricket? Go east when the opportunity arises, Sanju, you’ve certainly earned it! Party Politics Shaina NC and Supriya Sule may represent different ends of the political spectrum — Shaina as a firebrand voice in the Shinde faction’s Shiv Sena, and Supriya as a seasoned parliamentarian with the NCP (SP) — but that doesn’t stop them from sharing professional respect and personal warmth. Shaina NC (seated) with Supriya Sule (behind her) It was heartwarming to see both enjoying an evening out at a wedding in Pune over the weekend, sharing a light‑hearted moment with Aksha Kamboj of Aspect Global and Anamika Gautam. Welcome proof that even politics can pause for a laugh. Nurturing new talent Not that we needed another reason to be wowed by Vir Das, but he’s given us one anyway. Days ago, the Emmy-award-winning comedian offered an open invitation to emerging South Asian designers to dress him for his upcoming UK show. Vir Das “You gotta be a new label, nothing too fancy,” the stand-up star stipulated, in a ‘casting call’ for desi designers in London. Not only will Vir wear their togs for his performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 1, but also credit them, pay them, and return their clothes once his curtain call is complete. This isn’t a one-off gesture — it’s a pattern. When Vir became the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards in 2024, he skipped the big fashion houses and spotlighted a young Delhi-based designer instead, handing Shubhangi Bajpai a global moment. Now, he’s passing that spotlight forward again. In consistently using his platform to lift others, Vir proves that generosity can be as compelling as talent — if not more.
19 March,2026 03:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatRoyal welcome The decision to build a gateway was to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay and India in December 1911. Following the news that the royal couple and their delegation had to disembark via steamship in Bombay en route for the Delhi Durbar, a temporary structure was created of Plaster of Paris (PoP) after dismantling the iron shed that stood at the pier. George Wittet PoP culture The structure was made from Plaster of Paris with a central dome. This was surrounded by a specially constructed amphitheatre where Bombay’s powerful and famous citizens and the ruling British rulers greeted the King and Queen of England after they set foot in the port city The real gateway After the royal couple’s departure to England, it was decided to build a permanent structure to record this historic visit. Philanthropic citizens as well as the Bombay Government contributed towards its funding. Grand beginnings The foundation stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay province, George Sydenham Clarke in March 1913. George Wittet’s design was approved in August 1914. The structure was completed in 1924. A dated photograph of Apollo Pier on the spot where Indo-Saracenic wonder The Gateway was modelled by Scottish architect George Wittet as a cross between the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a Moorish mansion and 16th century Guajarati architecture. One of the most respected architects for the Bombay Government at the time; he had also monitored the plan for the temporary structure. Its main arch reaches a maximum height of 83 feet to its apex. Vocal for local Yellow basalt stone from Kharodi in Thane and pierced stone panels from Gwalior were used to build the Gateway. Goodbye from Gateway When India gained Independence the last British troops, belonging to the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry left the nation’s shores in February 1948 from the Gateway. The city’s residents lined the Apollo Bunder pier as they bid goodbye to the last reminder of colonialism. The Gateway of India was built later. Pics courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Stamp on the city Apart from the Gateway, Wittet was architect for several prominent landmarks including Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS), Institute of Science, Small Causes Court at Dhobi Talao, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Wadia Maternity Hospital.
19 March,2026 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamBefore cameras became omnipresent, and selfies became de rigeur, the experience of taking a photograph was a rare one. “You would not have had your photo taken every day. It was a moment of celebration, waited, and planned for,” shares Manu Trivedi, co-owner, The Revolver Club. An avid photographer, Trivedi belongs the few who prefer the slow chore of analogue photography to the quick-fire digital options. This weekend, he will join others of his ilk at the newly minted The Revolver Photography Club. Mamiya C220 twin-lens reflex camera. Pics Courtesy/The Revolver Club “Analogue photography is more than just about the camera. It is about careful planning of each frame, understanding, and learning the process. This is an initiative to bring together people who share this passion,” Trivedi reveals. The Yashica a analogue camera The club has collaborated with the city based The Panchrome Project, which offers analogue film stock, processing services, and darkroom processing for niche practitioners. The club will offer access to these artistic practices for the beginners, Trivedi points out. The first session will be helmed Trivedi alongside photographer Vishal Kullarwar. Patrons at the club in Mahim during an event “In the coming weeks, we will also host workshops about film handling, processing and developing. Of course, we will also offer them workshops on the nature of the analogue cameras and their handling,” he adds. Manu Trivedi ON March 21; 6.30 pm onwardsAT The Revolver Club, Lady Jamshedji Road, Mahim West. LOG ON TO @therevolverclub (for registration) ENTRY RSVP mandatory)
19 March,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayMovie night Catch Shape of Momo (2025), Tribeny Rai’s Nepali indie feature, alongside Renuka Shahane’s short film titled, Loop Line (2024), as part of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival’s curated showcase.TIME 7 pm onwardsAT PVR Lido Cinema, opposite SNDT Women’s University, Juhu. LOG ON TO fillum.in (first-come-first-served basis) FridayGolfing around Pic courtesy/MUSO Step into MuSo’s immersive nine-hole mini golf course inspired by global landmarks, where creatively designed obstacles make each round both playful and engaging.Time 10 am to 6.45 pmAT Field area, Museum of Solutions, Victoria Mills, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO museumofsolutions.inENTRY Rs 249 Tune into music The R&B duo RANJ X CLIFR. Pic courtesy/g5a Experience Curtain Blue’s atmospheric electronica soundtrack layered with live elements, followed by RANJ X CLIFR’s smooth, genre-fluid R&B set. Time 8.30 pm onwards AT G-5/A, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West. LOG ON TO @g5afoundation.orgENTRY Rs 759 onwards SaturdaySummer break Pic courtesy/Outdoorsy Lonavala Beat the heat with a refreshing early-morning escape to the Sahyadris that lets you dive into water-led away from the city rush for a fresh start of the week.Time 4 amPICK UP Outside Imagica, Pali-Khopoli Road, off Mumbai-Pune Expressway. LOG ON TO @outdoorsylonavalaENTRY Rs 2000 SundaySelf-care moment A glimpse from the previous session. Pic courtesy/Idhaya Stillness series Pause and reset with a guided gong immersion, where resonant sound vibrations help calm the mind and restore a sense of balance.TIME 10.15 amAT Nahar’s Nectrefield, Nahar Amrit Shakti, Chandivali, Powai. LOG ON TO district.inENTRY Rs 3000
19 March,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareEvery winter, it is not only the gulls, plovers, and sandpipers that migrate to Vasai’s wetlands. Tribes from the surrounding areas, including Warlis and Mahadev Kolis of Talasari and Charoti flock to the saltpans to find seasonal employment from November to March. These are the last remaining workers who make salt the traditional way in the coastal town. A walk near the Gokhivare village saltpans will introduce you to them before they return home. Mahatma Gandhi at Dandi Beach during the Satyagraha.PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS “The five months are a cultural spectacle. Tribes bring colour to the already culturally-rich town,” says Atul Katdare, a Vasai local who will lead the exploration through his group, Bhovara. “Although I am a local, I learnt of the traditions only recently. There couldn’t have been a better time than the Dandi March anniversary to invite people to see how salt is made,” he adds. Meet the communities Agris: The original owners of the saltpans, they are one of the oldest inhabitants of Vasai. The walk halts at the age-old Mithagar Chimney (below) that once processed salt by-products. It now lies in ruins. Warli: With time, the Agris delegated work to the tribals while retaining ownership of the pans. The Warlis bring glimpses of Warli art and typical tribal huts to the saltpans. Expect to see these on your walkthrough. East Indian Christians: In 1914, the Gokhivare village was struck by cholera. It is believed that the St Roque’s Church was built as a promise made to St Roque (patron saint for cholera) during this period. Stop by to marvel at this historic structure. Kharvi: Originally from Gujarat, the community migrated to Vasai to learn the ways of making salt. The Kharvis built a temple called dedicated to Mahadeva in the area, where the walk makes a pitstop. Atul Katdare Bhandari: Traditionally toddy makers, the community also practises fishing and farming. A local Bhandari family will pour fresh toddy for brunch during the exploration. Salt talk Atul Katdare reveals how salt pans once dotted the coastline of Vasai, Naigaon, all the way northward to Virar. Today, most of these saltpans have faded into memory for two reasons. 1 While younger generations of fisherfolk communities embrace the profession, educated children of salt makers don’t wish to carry the legacy ahead 2 Rampant development in the coastal area will erode the quality and efficiency of the saltpans ON March 22; 7.30 am to 11 am AT Gokhivare Village, Vasai East. (Exact location shared on registration)MESSAGE 9969285045ENTRY Revealed on enquiry
18 March,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
