<h2>An early affair</h2>
A woman looks at handcrafted earrings at <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-experts-raise-concerns-over-proposed-central-park-style-project-at-mahalakshmi-racecourse-23619681" rel="nofollow">Mahalakshmi </a>Saras Exhibition at BKC, Bandra
<h2>For the love of flying</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Map-a_e.jpg" alt="The triangular stretch completed by Rao" width="1280" height="720" /> The triangular stretch completed by Rao
I have been flying since I was 14, and in all honesty, a national record was not something I had in my mind,&rdquo; shared Sunith Rao (below, right) with us after setting a new National record with a 227.38 kilometre FAI Triangle flight at Bir Billing.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Sunith-Rao_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
While recounting the journey, he added, &ldquo;I was aiming for a 200-kilometre triangle, but when I completed the first leg, I realised I did exceptionally well.&rdquo;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Rao-air_e.jpg" alt="Sunith during a flight in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh. Pics courtesy/Sunith Rao" width="1280" height="720" /> Sunith during a flight in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh. Pics courtesy/Sunith Rao
His journey started from Bir Billing, flying towards <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-dy-patil-students-stranded-in-manali-due-to-snowfall-23338493" rel="nofollow">Manali</a>, across Solang Valley to Rohtang Pass, before heading to Mandi and further to Kareri Lake, eventually returning to Bir Billing. Reflecting on this experience, he shared that the last part of this triangular stretch was particularly beautiful, as he flew remarkably close to the Himalayas.
<h2>Fresh catch from Harnai</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Fisherwomen_e.jpg" alt="A fisherwoman waters her daily catch to keep them fresh at Harnai. Pics courtesy/Indrajit Khambe" width="1280" height="720" /> A fisherwoman waters her daily catch to keep them fresh at Harnai. Pics courtesy/Indrajit Khambe
Indrajit Khambe, a photographer from Sindhudurg, has been silently documenting the grit and resilience of fisherwomen from Harnai village in Maharashtra. He elaborated about the ongoing project with this diarist, &ldquo;Surprisingly, I have been doing this since 2018, and it&rsquo;s my love for the place which brings me back every year since then. One could call it a passion project.&rdquo;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Indrajit-Khambe_e.jpg" alt="Indrajit Khambe" width="1280" height="720" /> Indrajit Khambe
His work captures the everyday lives of these fisherwomen, highlighting their distinct personalities, sense of fashion, financial awareness, and deep-rooted humility. &ldquo;The women are extremely humble;&nbsp; I have acquainted myself with a few, and their dedication is a virtue worth imbibing,&rdquo; added Khambe.
<h2>When spitting goals are simplified</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Ezy-Spit_e.jpg" alt="Spitting bin at the Metro Station. Pic/Rumani Gabhare" width="1280" height="720" /> Spitting bin at the Metro Station. Pic/Rumani Gabhare
No more painting the town red, as commuters exiting Gundavli Metro station now have a designated spitting bin. Curious about the initiative, this diarist reached out to an <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-metro6-mmrda-launches-three-girders-completes-operation-30-minutes-ahead-of-schedule-with-western-railway-23628629" rel="nofollow">MMRDA</a> official, who said, &ldquo;Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) has introduced this on a pilot basis to enhance cleanliness. It helps minimise aerosol spread during expectoration, and the pilot will evaluate its role in improving hygiene and supporting broader public health goals.&rdquo;
<h2>Key to a quirky ride</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Auto-charms-3_e.jpg" alt="Anil Kale drives an auto" width="1280" height="720" /> Anil Kale drives an auto
For the past five to six years, Santacruz-based auto driver Anil Rohidas Kale has been turning his rickshaw into a vibrant, personal space on Mumbai&rsquo;s busy streets. Every two months, he brings back small collectibles &mdash; keychains, dolls, and quirky hangers &mdash; steadily adding to the colourful display inside his vehicle.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Auto-charms-1_e.jpg" alt="Keychains and artefacts hang from the vehicle" width="1280" height="720" /> Keychains and artefacts hang from the vehicle
From Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse to Fanta and Frooti pieces, and even a London Bridge magnet, his auto is filled with playful details. Soft toys, bells, and miniatures hang from every corner, creating a cheerful, almost festive atmosphere for passengers during their ride.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Auto-charms-2_e.jpg" alt="A view of the dashboard. Pics courtesy/Anil rohidas Kale" width="1280" height="720" /> A view of the dashboard. Pics courtesy/Anil rohidas Kale
&ldquo;I treat the auto like my child,&rdquo; he said, taking pride in its care. Despite Mumbai&rsquo;s unforgiving weather and roads, he keeps it well-maintained and spotless.

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Mumbai Diary: Tuesday Dossier

An early affair

For the love of flying

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