The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce
Pic/Satej Shinde
Window Wonderland
The iconic Christmas display at the Damian store on Hill Road in Bandra builds up the festive mood
Journalists on a new stage
A moment from the debut performance of the play, Nishpap. Pic/Rane Ashish
There are more ways than one for journalists to bring ideas to the fore, as witnessed with the Marathi play, Nishpap, which staged its debut performance on December 11 at Sahitya Sangh Mandir, Girgaum. A concept of the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, the production marks the organisation’s first time participating in the 64th State Drama Competition. Senior journalists Devdas Matale and Swati Ghosalkar played the lead roles. Director, Gurudatta Lad, who also plays the role of the main antagonist, told us, “The story is based on William Shakespeare’s play, Othello. It’s about an army officer who is manipulated by a friend into suspecting his wife of infidelity. It portrays the theme of deception, and how sometimes, sympathy towards others can lead them to take advantage of oneself.”
Magic in the house
Robert Owens performs in London in October 2025. Pic courtesy/@this_is_robert_owens
Often called one of the fathers of house music, American singer and producer, Robert Owens will perform at a Lower Parel venue tonight (December 13), as part of a curated event by arts and culture community, MAD Society, and music curation platforms Krunk and Hotbox. Gurleen Arora, founder, MAD Society, revealed to this diarist, “As a queer, black artiste, Owens coming to Mumbai brings a certain inclusivity and important presence to the city’s dance floors. He’s celebrating 40 years of his legacy. Artistes performing alongside him include producer Aroop Roy and 25-year-old DJ Ahmedaz, the youngest performer, among others.”
Healthy air, healthy lives
Members at a march held this year for conservation of flamingos in Mumbai. Pics courtesy/Siya Gupta
Urvari, a youth-led environmental NGO, is organising a Silent Human Chain for Clean Air on December 20 at the Mini Seashore in Vashi. The initiative is a response to the dangerously rising Air Quality Index (AQI), which is increasingly affecting children, the elderly, and everyday life. To push for urgent action, Urvari has created a four-point agenda along with a practical pollution-control plan for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). This plan focuses on dust regulation, strict penalties for waste burning, industrial checks, and expansion of green cover across the city. This year in February, Urvari also held a peaceful march for the Save the Flamingos movement at Seawoods in Navi Mumbai.
Siya Gupta (below), Urvari’s managing director, expressed her urgency about the scenario, “When I returned to India after my studies, the AQI was pathetic, to the extent that nearly everyone had breathing issues. I hope that anyone affected by bad AQI, especially runners, those with respiratory issues, children, and anyone who wants to make Navi Mumbai a better place shows up, so that we can send out a message. This march must mark an end to burning garbage at landfills, releasing pollutants from factories, and the grievances we’ve had for years.” After the peaceful protest, the petition will be submitted to the NMMC. Gupta adds that the hashtag #cleanairnow can help people share their grievances widely.
Four decades, one tradition
Participants during a previous trek at Padmavati Machi, in Rajgad Fort. Pic courtesy/The Nature Lovers
The Nature Lovers, a trekking adventure group, celebrates 50 years of outdoor exploration this year. From December 25 onwards, they will conduct their signature event, Rajgad Pradakshina. Held for the past 39 years, it offers participants a deep experience of nature and history. This 22 km circumambulation follows the base of Rajgad fort and reveals its majestic structure, including Balekilla, Sanjeevani, Suvela, and Padmavati Machi. “Historians share stories from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s era, with insights into the local flora and fauna. A highlight is witnessing visuals of real historic moments. Four decades, one path, one tradition — the king of forts will always be Rajgad,” said organiser Aditya Natekar. For more information, log on to @thenaturelovers_mumbai.
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