If you have been annoyed by moths in the monsoon, perhaps Dr V Shubhalaxmi could help. The entomologist is setting out on a personal project to document moths across different elevations
Pic/Satej Shinde
Sea view Residence
Residents watch as high tide waves flood the lanes between huts near the Bandstand Promenade in Bandra
Like a moth to a flame
A close-up of moths under the light
If you have been annoyed by moths in the monsoon, perhaps Dr V Shubhalaxmi could help. The entomologist is setting out on a personal project to document moths across different elevations. “The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot and home to several insect species that are endemic to India. I hope to document the species of moths, and hopefully, other insects too, across different elevated regions,” she shared.
Dr V Shubhalaxmi examines a light sheet in the outdoors
Starting at Rajmachi tonight, she will work with a light sheet — a light hanging against a white blanket to attract insects. “It works best when it is pitch dark. The light sheet also allows us to work without hurting the insects or the ecosystem on a whole,” Shubhalaxmi concluded.
Gallop towards global hurrahs
The original Kala Ghoda statue of King Edward VII on a horse at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan in Byculla. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons
There might be time yet for the big celebrations for next year, but the team of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has their reasons. The festival was accorded the Bronze award for Festival of the Year at the recently concluded Wow Awards Asia in Bandra. “The awards are for events and event management companies. The ceremony took place a week ago, but I just got confirmation of the news,” shared Brinda Miller (right), honorary festival director at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
The honour is just the latest for the iconic city festival that celebrated its silver jubilee this year. There is yet another wonderful coincidence with the timing of the news. Miller added, “The news has yet another historical connection. The day I learned of the news (June 26) is also the day the original Kala Ghoda was inaugurated at the plaza in 1879.”
Run for cover
The memorial gets a rain shield. Pic Courtesy/Hemal Ashar
Now, this is what is called playing a cover shot of a different kind. The legendary cricket coach late Ramakant Achrekar’s memorial at the iconic venue of Shivaji Park (also known as SP), is shielded because of the rains. We like how the memorial has been maintained for now. Several walkers actually keep a respectful distance from the glass, as they pass by the memorial while taking their rounds. Others stop a while, peering through, paying their respects to the stalwart, immortalised at the nursery of Indian cricket. This diarist appreciates that the installation is rain-ready, because the landmark venue ensures that when it comes to preserving stalwarts and cricket history, they have it all covered.
Memories in flamboyance
(From left) The panel rates a drag show artiste at a previous ball; a performer in their drag avatar. Pics Courtesy/antiSOCIAL
The flair will be on in full force at antiSocial in Lower Parel this weekend. The Archive of Memories, hosted by the House of Luna, will be the first drag ball of its kind in the city. “Though we have hosted drag balls before, this one is a far more expansive event with close to 10 competitions for everyone to participate in,” shared Rayyan, co-organiser from the House of Luna. The performances will range from fashion walks and runways to events that challenge self-expression, they added. “House of Luna is a chosen family structure. This year centres on the Archive of Memories. As a house, we have experienced our own evolution and grown stronger over the years. Naturally, we wanted to look back on personal memories that defined our stories,” they shared. Visitors will be able to witness performers evoking Lady Di, as the icon of femininity in the ’90s, to another participant framing themselves as Mona Lisa as part of the events. “Glorious Luna’s outfit is made of pieces taken from all of her previous outfits. My own display will be made of textiles from my past saved and redesigned into a bodysuit,” Rayyan revealed.
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