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Love experimenting with your hair? Experts suggest trends to keep you stylish

New year, new me? If one of your resolutions for 2025 is to reinvent your aesthetic, you’re in the right place. We’ve decoded this year’s hottest hair trends to help you ace your hair makeover. What’s out: High fadesWhat’s in: Old classics with a new twist Chris Pine in a slicked-back look, K-pop star Rosé in a bleached blonde look, Dakota Johnson in blunt bangs and Zendaya flaunts her new brunette look. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM While male clients are still gravitating to shorter length, low-maintenance hairstyles, classic haircuts are more in demand than high fades. They’re being replaced by low fades or tapered cuts. Classic haircuts where the sides are cut short but not buzzed completely are also gaining popularity. A textured crop that has short sides and a low to medium fade, with the length concentrated around the crown area with a lot of texture is another cool way to refresh your hair. Bony Sasidharan, artistic and education ambassador, L’Oréal ProfessionnelMany clients are now growing their hair out and experimenting with different styling options, such as slicked-back hairstyles or a faux windswept look with a little condition cream to catch flyaway strands. It’s important to remember that long hair requires maintenance and periodic trims to keep it healthy. What’s out: Curtain bangs (sorry, Sabrina Carpenter fans)What’s in: Side-swept and blunt bangs Lily Collins rocks a short bob This year is all about celebrating your individuality. A short fringe (blunt bangs) is trendier than ever before and can be adapted to suit a variety of face shapes. You could pair your fringe with a short bob or a bixie (an interesting cross between a pixie and a short bob). Sleek styles work best for straight hair, while choppy layered bobs make curls look more dynamic and chic. What’s out: Bleached blonde locksWhat’s in: Warm toffee and red shades Toffee shades and softer blondes work much better with most Indian skin tones. They also prevent your strands from the stress caused by excessive bleaching. We’re also seeing warm deep burgundy hues and reds making a comeback. For those who dare, burgundy brown — a subtle, luxurious twist on red hair — has found fans in celebrities across the world. The colour combines red and chocolate tones to give a vibrant and reflective brunette shade, which makes your hair look healthier and your aesthetic more sophisticated. Drishya Bhagyanath, celebrity hair stylist Up your accessories game Heatless hairstyles are taking over social media, as beauty lovers are anxiously seeking ways to minimise heat-and-product-related damage to their strands. Unsurprisingly, low-maintenance styles such as braids and low buns are witnessing new converts, with bombshell blowouts reserved only for rare occasions. A good way to dress up your heatless hair is with accessories — hair bands will be 2025’s biggest revival. You could also switch it up with a scarf or metallic clips, for an updated twist, suggests Bhagyanath.

15 January,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
Zoe Alvares

Children can learn about animals and music at this unique session in Mumbai

Music is often called food for the soul, and Zoe Alvares, founder of the Music Tree, agrees. The Music Tree began in 2022 as a safe space for young children to learn about the wonderful world of music. Alvares is a Montessori educator who conducts innovative music classes for young children between two to six years old every Friday of the month. “At its core, it’s a fun music class that also incorporates music theory concepts through song, rhythm, movement, props, and dancing. These classes aim to promote a healthy association with musical instruments, active listening, and learning,” she shared. A moment from a previous music class led by the group (Right) A guest musician introduces participants to the trombone The sessions entail learning new songs, discovering beats and rhythms, and exploring new genres of music with guest musicians who introduce different instruments as well. They also try to create a musical instrument with the children at the end of each month. Previous months have seen themes like festivals of India, Ocean Month, Rainbow Month, and the rainy season. January has been selected as Animal Month, and the coursework of these classes entails not just animal-themed songs but also learning music through different animal sounds and movements.  For example, walk like a lion, monkey, or elephant. Loud as a parrot, and soft as a rabbit, are some other nuances they explore. “We also look into sounds that different animals make including whale singing voices and bird singing voices,” Alvares added. In February, the theme of the month will be friendship, she continued. An educator engages children in an interactive reading session In keeping with the animal theme, Alvares will be sharing half its proceeds with The Anubis-Tiger Foundation (TAFT). “I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Deepa Talib from TAFT and am in awe of all that they selflessly do for our canine friends,” summed up Alvares. This theme will allow children to connect their love for animals with their love for music, and teach them how to be kind towards all creatures.   ON Fridays, 5 pm to 6 pm AT Nautilus, Candies, Pali Hill, Bandra.CALL 7506391768LOG ON TO @musictreebyzoe COST Rs 3,000 per month

15 January,2025 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita Roche
Representation pic

90-hour workweek: Experts dissect its feasibility, and work-life balance

Last week, Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan inadvertently sparked a nationwide math challenge. His alarming proposal that implied a 90-hour workweek with no weekends sent Indians scrambling for their calculators to find out how short they fall of this outrageous benchmark. “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays, to be honest. How long can you stare at your wife and how long can a wife stare at her husband?” Subrahmanyan says in an undated video that has since gone viral. Short agenda-based meetings can help work seem less taxing  While we hope our readers’ calculations stopped at a safe distance from the nervous 90s, the Internet minced no words when it erupted with dissent. From Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra’s reminder that L&T’s birthplace Denmark averages a 34-hour workweek, and actor and mental health advocate, Deepika Padukone labelling the comments “shocking”, to business tycoon Anand Mahindra’s cheeky dig at the latter half of the statement, the debate seems to have just begun. Mind it Break time away from the desk is vital during long hours  Not more than 20 minutes,” says psychotherapist Binaifer Sahukar. With 32 years of personal and employee wellness work experience under her belt, Sahukar is referring to the human brain’s capability to stay focussed on a task at hand. “There is a reason our classes in school and college were restricted to 20 to 30 minutes each,” she adds. In comparison to the daunting 90 hours, Sahukar advocates for a 35-hour workweek for optimal work-life balance. “Any template beyond that and you’re doing yourself a disservice. Your sleeping patterns, eating habits, relationships and sex life, all take a hit when you work long hours,” she warns. Taking short breaks every 20 minutes can help you focus better  Sahukar also unveils the lesser explored element of guilt. “Sitting at work for 15 hours a day, you will start reeling under the guilt of not giving your loved ones enough time. On the other hand, when you’re in their company, you’ll still be thinking about work. It’s an extremely unpleasant position to find yourself in,” she explains, admitting that the prevalent work culture might have a role to play. “The culture of impressing your boss needs to go. Many employees take up such gargantuan tasks only to get noticed by their seniors, without considering their bodily limitations,” she adds. Talk of the boss SN Subrahmanyan proposes the no weekend schedule in the viral video. PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM Sanjay Shroff, chief business officer, Rent Alpha and Mizuho Leasing, chooses to call these compromises “the premium you pay for success”. He explains, “Working 90 hours a week might not be for everyone, but the ones who can, will find a way to do it. Passion, in this case, is the most important prerequisite. An average employee may rise up the ranks at their own pace with a 50-hour workweek. But if his/her colleague wishes to cover the same ground faster by putting in the extra hours, there should be nothing holding them back.” Binaifer Sahukar Shroff acknowledges the limitations of Subrahmanyan’s proposal. “Imposing a blanket rule makes little sense. After all, not everyone carries the same passion. Every individual cannot and need not be the crème de la crème in their field. There are business tycoons, surgeons, and lawyers who continue to put their head down and push through long hours because they love what they do. And if they can do it, there is no question of efficiency or whether it is humanly possible to work these long hours,” he reasons, adding that short breaks while clocking in these hours can be helpful. Counter-productive? While some might agree with Shroff’s formula for success, corporate trainer and career coach Rhea Punjabi is not one of them. “Research has shown that if you work eight hours a day, you are only productive for a cumulative two hours. Anything beyond that is pointless,” she says. Such rules might also turn employees hostile towards their own workplace, she cautions. “Appreciation for any extra work you put in is essential. When the bar is set so high, and overworking becomes the norm, employees find no incentive to continue working,” she reveals. Sanjay Shroff and Rhea Punjabi Before looking at the clock, Punjabi suggests healthier checks to ensure an employee’s productivity, especially in fields like media and creative arts where results are not quantifiable. >> Does the employee have a clear understanding of the problem statement of the project you are working on? >> Does the employee take the initiative to mentor his juniors and delegate work? >> Is the employee causing friction in the team that is subsequently slowing work down? “Time is an outdated marker of productivity. Back in the day, work was way more interactive. You would step out, talk to people, and be on the move to get work done. The concept of screen time and digital burnout were non-existent,” Punjabi reasons. Everything said and done, you might still want to dip your toes in the 90-hour concept to see what all the fuss is about. For the adventurous kind, and teams who might want to adopt the schedule for short periods, Punjabi suggests a checklist. >> Eliminate meetings. Cap them at two a day with clear agendas. >> Incorporate short healthy breaks to give your senses a break. >> Make the workplace cosier by playing soft music or games between periods of work. >> Ensure that the employees have access to a spacious walking and dining area to cut off from the desktops or laptops. Happy at work? While more than one factor contributes to the happiness ranking of countries, here’s a quick look at the top three countries with their average work hours in comparison with India.

15 January,2025 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Visitors take their pick at the bookstore. Pics/Anurag Ahire

Why you need to check out this new bookstore in Vile Parle

I come from a family of readers. Growing up, if you wanted the latest Barbie or dress, you might not get it, but if you wanted a book, it was yours. My grandfather instilled the love of reading in me. It was a big part of who I was,” says Tanmayee Thakur, who shares that love with readers visiting her bookstore and reading room called Book Garden. Nestled in a corner of Vile Parle’s Agarwal Market, it welcomes readers of all ages. Her favourite moments, she tells us, are those when non-readers tag along with their friends and end up with a book. The facade of the new store Thakur grew up in Mumbai. “Vile Parle has always had a reading culture,” she recalls. “This was one of the few areas in the city where kids would come back from school and sit down to read, instead of playing outside. Tilak Mandir Library is one of the oldest institutions here, and people still have membership cards,” she recollects. She also remembers several book depots and secondhand book-carts that would sprawl collections of books when she was younger. A multi-genre curation of rare books  Thakur believes that the words ‘book’ and ‘garden’ best describe what she intends to do with her store. “I want the readers to feel like they’re coming to a garden, and the books are like the flowers that they pick. I don’t want them to feel hurried in making a decision,” she shares. This is evident in the way she greets the readers who trickle in during our conversation: with patience and care. The joy for her seems to be in the everyday surprises, like a customer deciding to spend their birthday at the store. Tanmayee Thakur at the bookstore She handpicks all the books; the ones that qualify are those that offer quality or uniqueness to the readers. A rare find, for example, is a book called The Art of Nautical Illustration, which is about paintings of ships. “I thought this book was so bizarre, why would anyone want to read it. But if someone does, I want them to be able to come to my store and pick it up.” A major highlight of the shop is that Thakur doesn’t discriminate between new and second-hand books. There are plenty of both. She stocks multiple copies of popular new books. “When it comes to second-hand books though, what makes them special is that I won’t find another copy like this.” To add to the adventure, Thakur stays away from arranging the books in a specific manner. Therefore, there is always a chance of discovering a hidden classic, an unexpected treasure here. A reader browses through the collection AT The Book Garden, 12-D, Shyam Kamal Road, Agarwal Market, Park Road, Vile Parle East. TIME 2 pm to 7.30 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays) EMAIL [email protected] LOG ON TO @book_garden_ on Instagram THE GUIDE’S FAVE FINDS . See Inside Pirate Ships (A flap book) by Rob Lloyd Jones. An Order from the Sky and Other Stories by Imayam. Mr. Yowder, the Peripatetic Sign Painter by Glen Rounds. Night Train to the Stars by Kenji Miyazawa. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

14 January,2025 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Varma
Cards from the set

This unique board game helps you learn more about Mumbai's hip-hop culture

Tejas Mali, a 22-year-old student at the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture in Juhu has left the city’s best rapping talent at a loss of words, quite literally. We don’t blame the wordsmiths. The boardgame, created as part of Mali’s fifth year thesis, tests players’ knack for quick, impromptu rhymes based on typical Bambaiyya slang. But these aren’t empty words — Mali is taking notes from the gameplay to build bigger plans. A native of Buldhana district in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Mali moved to Mumbai in 2019 to answer his calling in design and architecture. His passion for hip-hop and rap followed him, not far behind. “I was mesmerised by Mumbai’s hip-hop scene. I spent time visiting hip-hop communities in Marol, Andheri and Dharavi to study architecture through the lens of hip-hop,” he recalls. Titled Decoding Hip-hop Architecture, the thesis is a wider exploration of spaces for artistic expression in the city. The board game comes with a handy beginner’s guide  To decode Mumbai, one must first learn the complex code that the city runs fluently on. Katta, khopcha, tapri, rada, and many more Bambaiyya slang lexicon that might leave outsiders baffled, find place in the cards of the board game. “I categorised these cards into movement, condition, language, and technique. For instance, katta is a place, while rada [scuffle] is a condition that might transpire at a katta. As a game of Cyphermania unfolds, participants pick up different combinations of these word cards. The task is to build a rhyme around these words and make progress on the board,” Mali explains. Last week, the researcher set out for a test drive of the board game, beginning with what is inarguably the epicenter of the hip-hop revolution in the city — Dharavi. “The young rappers at The Dharavi Dream Project were intrigued by the game. I was surprised by how well it worked with children as young as 10 years old. They took some warming up, but once they got a hang of it, they had a field day,” Mali laughs. Cards from the collection feature words such as basti and maja While the players rap their way to victory, Mali is watching his repository of actionable data grow. “I am keeping my ears open to understand how people in different communities think and form rhymes about their experiences given the same cards. Subconsciously, they are voicing their needs and wants. The game is essentially my research methodology,” he reveals, adding, “The second part of my thesis involves conceptualising a physical space in the city. These observations will help me chart out a blueprint.” Tejas Mali If you spot a new pop-up space splashed with graffiti near Capital Mall in Nalasopara any time soon, it means Mali’s vision has come true. “The mall is a high footfall area, and the far-off suburb is slowly becoming a new hub for hip-hop. A community space beside the mall where outsiders can catch a glimpse of what is simmering under the covers will help the community grow,” he notes.    Moments from the community board game session in Dharavi For now, Mali is juggling paperwork to patent the board game and planning visits to more communities across the city to play and learn. Community spaces and organisations interested in hosting a session can reach out to the student to slot playtime. Now that we have unveiled what the game entails, you’d better be ready for what’s on the cards. LOG ON TO @_kalasurr on Instagram

14 January,2025 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Twist developed as a dance form in the 1960s in the United States of America. Representation pic

Chubby Checker's 'The Twist' anniversary: Here's how you can master the moves

The iconic song, The Twist by Chubby Checker went on to rule the top charts worldwide for two consecutive years after its release. The hype over the twist can be credited to the release of the song. The twist has since been incorporated in various dance forms such as the salsa, rock and roll, and the jive. Tracks to groove to the twist are a common section of the playlist at Christian wedding receptions across India. A previous workshop by the dance community Later this week, a dance community called the Latin Twist will host a dance workshop followed by social dancing. The event will feature dances such as salsa, bachata, and kizomba. “We call it a pre-party workshop where participants can get a feel of the moves. They have some time to practice before we kick off the social dancing,” shared Mary Lobo, co-founder, Latin Twist. Chubby Checker The evening will segue into a social mood with the Latin-style salsa, bachata, and the African dance kizomba from Angola. Lobo went on to introduce the sibling duo that hosts these events. “My brother Caesar Lobo (DJ Cza) is the music DJ, while I’m the dance teacher,” she shares. ON January 15; 8 pm onwardsAT AntiSOCIAL, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO @latin_twistENTRY Rs 500 Where to learn >> AT Sumit’s Academy of Dance, Convent Road, YMCA, Colaba.CALL 9870215286LOG ON TO @sumitsacademyofdanceCOST Rs 4,700 (two months) >> AT Savio Dance Academy, JDS Gym, Marol. CALL 982043883 LOG ON TO @saviodanceacademyCOST Rs 3,000 (for one month) >> AT Valentino Victoria Dance Company, Malad.cALL 7021275315LOG ON TO @v.v.d.cCOST Rs 3,000 onwards (solo)

13 January,2025 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita Roche
Timothee Chalamet and Ariana Grande in a couture gown. Pics Courtesy/Instagram

Take inspiration from Golden Globe Awards 2025 with these expert style tips

The little things Statement accessories are an excellent way to let your own personal style shine through, even when attending formal ‘dos. Take, for example, Adrien Brody’s oversized pin that added some much-needed drama to an overwise simple three-piece suit. Or Ariana Grande’s opera gloves that added to her couture gown’s vintage flare. Timothée Chalamet too swapped a regular bowtie with a silk scarf, while Coleman Domingo opted for a scarf that he fashioned into an oversized bow. Jeremy Strong too opted for a bucket hat, which raised several eyebrows and instantly caught the attention of attendees and onlookers alike. Statement accessories should be chosen with care, so that they don’t overwhelm your entire look. Proportion matters as does the ease with which you wear the item — don’t overcrowd your look with too many accents and only wear those pieces that you can carry with confidence. Asang Kamble, fashion designer Monochromatic moments Andrew Scott sports a Tiffany blue suit for his monochrome look (right) Kate Winslet dons a cream hue ensemble for the red carpet This year’s red carpet proved that strong monochromatic looks can easily hold their own against old-world glamour. Ayo Edebiri’s all-grey suit, which channelled ’90s power dressing with its boxy fit, was a shining example of how less can be more. The addition of the gold feather-shaped tie necklace broke up the grey and added a focal point for added visual interest. Asang Kamble Kate Winslet also made a sophisticated style statement with her embroidered jacket and pleated slacks in an elegant cream hue. But as Andrew Scott demonstrated by dressing in head-to-toe Tiffany blue, monochromatic looks don’t have to be staid or neutral to be impactful, and they are just as striking on men. When styling monochromatic looks, it’s especially important for the garment to be well-tailored as any imperfections stand out immediately. Keeping the accessories simple to let the outfit shine through is also a good idea.   Asang Kamble, fashion designer Bold in gold Demi Moore styles it up in satin and gold Metallics will continue to dominate this year’s festivities, with gold being a popular pick for 2025. Gold works excellently with warm Indian skin tones and can be styled in clean silhouettes that let the fabric be the star of the show. Demi Moore’s satin champagne-gold dress (right) was a great example of how to wear this trend: as a fabric, satin catches the light in a gentle way, while the classic mermaid silhouette highlights your curves. Mihika Bhanot Mindy Kaling’s sequin column dress was another great example of wearing a metallic versus the metallic wearing you. When wearing a metallic piece, stick to sleeker silhouettes and cuts to keep the outfit from overwhelming you. Off-the-shoulder pieces add drama while balancing the outfit, while simple accessories such as a clutch, elegant heels, and understated jewellery accentuate the garment without overpowering it.Mihika Bhanot, personal branding expert & image consultant Reimagine the LBD Miley Cyrus gets bold in black  The little black dress [LBD] will continue to be a wardrobe [and red carpet] must-have. This year, though, celebrities demonstrated how even a classic can be reimagined and reinterpreted, to suit your personal aesthetic. Catherine O’Hara’s shimmering hand-embroidered gown was edgy but chic and was accentuated even further by the bold red lip. Miley Cyrus’s take on the LBD was with a bold black gown that featured embellished cut-outs. Instead of jewellery, Cyrus chose a pair of oversized sunglasses to channel her inner rockstar. Disha Selarka Pamela Anderson chose a classic silhouette and added a dose of glamour with diamond jewellery and black gloves. Despite its deceptive moniker, the LBD can be surprisingly versatile, and it will continue to dominate fashion events and red carpets in 2025. When picking your own, don’t be afraid to experiment with silhouettes and fabrics — black is a forgiving canvas. and works well with all skin tones and body types. Disha Selarka, fashion stylist Sustainability is sexy (From left) Viola Davis and Cate Blanchett championed sustainability by re-wearing their red carpet looks Contemporary conversations about fashion are incomplete without acknowledging the impact of the industry on the environment. In this era of social media-inspired fads and micro-trends, it was heartening to see two powerful actors Cate Blanchett and Viola Davis re-wearing their red carpet looks in quick succession. Meghna Ghodawat While Cate wore her flowing cape-style golden gown [which she had worn only a few months ago on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet] as is, Davis styled her black sequinned dress from the 2024 LACMA gala with an eye-catching rainbow cape. Both these looks made a compelling argument for investing in simple and iconic pieces that will continue to resonate with your personal style and that you will readily repeat, again and again. Meghna Ghodawat, luxury stylist

13 January,2025 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
Puran poli is a staple Makar Sankranti dish in Maharashtra

Makar Sankranti 2025: Follow this guide for last-minute festive preparations

Sankranti essentials The old warhorseA Familiar presence in the working-class neighbourhood of Girgaon, the 103-year-old brand serves everything from kharwas to gul poli and the all-time favourite puran poli.AT Panshikar Aahar, shop 52, Mohan Building, JSS Road, Girgaon.CALL 223855723COST Rs 65 (Puran poli, pack of 2); R120 (Karwas, 250gm) Heart of DadarThis family-run store has become a mainstay for its typical a food items from batashe (small sugar balls), puran polis and til gul.AT Godbole Stores, Samruddhi Heights, DL Vaidya Road, Dadar West. CALL 8591727207 All decked upWalk down the lane past Chhabildas Mansion, and you won’t miss the decorations for every occasion, including Sankranti.AT Hardev Art Gallery, Vanmali Hall, Dadar West. CALL 8169616561 Traditions all the wayFor over four decades, Thanekars have flocked to this familiar hub for traditional delicacies like narali paak and gulkand wadi.AT Goras Gruh, Gokhale Road, Naupada, Thane West.CALL 225888677COST Rs 130 (narali paak); Rs 130 (gulkand wadi) For diversityIf you are looking to take the off-beat path, head to this Kalwa outlet that serves a variety of delicacies, including fare from CKP (Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu) kitchens.AT Marudhan Stores, Kharkar House, Kalwa Naka, Thane West.WHATSAPP 9324492722 (for advance orders) For kite enthusiasts Colourful riot in the skyShop from a vast collection of simple and minimalistic paper kites to colourful and vibrant plastic kites.AT RS Kites Centre, Chhitabhai Patel Road, Govind Dalvi Nagar, Kandivli East. CALL 9969848002COST Rs 5 (for paper kites)   Lohri on song A plate of gur rewari  Munch awayDig into a Makar Sankranti special spread of crunchy gajaks, rajgira chikkis and fusion til ladoos at this Borivli hub.AT Madhuram Sweets and Farsan, LT Road, Gyan Nagar, Mhatre Wadi, Borivli West.CALL 9372392627COST Rs 360 (Jaggery and rose dry fruit til ladoo, 250 gm) Mithai havenThis suburban shop has everything from til laddoos, rewari and gajak to regional specialities like Bathinda chikki and pugga laddoo in a pure ghee preparation.AT Gulati’s Sweets and Snacks, Mahakali Caves Road, Subhash Nagar, Andheri East.CALL 9136077666COST Rs 350 (Gud rewari, 1 kg) Sweets for allFrom sugar-free mawa pedas to sweet gajaks (below) and dry fruit laden til laddoos, this 109-year-old shop has something for everyone.AT Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai, G Ghasitaram Estate, Jasmine Mill Road, Mahim East. CALL 7400020888 Pongal ready People shop for their Pongal supplies at the Matunga store. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Matunga callingFrom stocking up on the humble rasam powder to veshtis and golu items, since the 1960s this has been the go-to-hub for many Tamils in the city.AT Giri Trading Agency, Modi Niwas, opposite Post Office, Matunga East.CALL 7506975667 One-stop shopWith Dombivli emerging as a hub for South Indians, this humble store is a treasure trove for everything from Tamil calendars to akkaravadisal and sugarcanes for Pongal.AT Varma Stores, 3, Shiv Mandir Road, opposite Dombivli Railway station, Dombivli East.CALL 9820472331 Last-minute findsHead here for everything from dasangam (incense) to your prep for Sakkara Pongal (Sweet Pongal) at this little supermart in this central suburb.AT Aadhiganesh Stores, near Mulund Post Office, Nehru Road, Mulund West.CALL 9321668830 Akkaravadisal delightsIf you are looking for some special Pongal delicacies from puliyogare mixes to appams and akkaravadisals, head over to Mulund to dive into this store’s fresh stock.AT Ratna Supermarket, PK Road, Mulund West.CALL 9326600409 Dharavi reloadedWith the neighbourhood of Dharavi decking up for pongal, this outlet stocks up on traditional Tamil decorative items to get your Pongal celebrations on the way.AT D Selvan Bros, near Kamaraj Memorial School, 90 Feet Road, Dharavi. CALL 9136025528

13 January,2025 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Divyasha Panda
Mount Carmel Church

This workshop will teach you more about how to manage your health

Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) Mt Carmel’s Parish Unit is organising a workshop, Do’s and Don’ts of Diabetes Mellitus and the Prevention of Osteoporosis that offers free testing of random blood sugar test and HbA1c. There will also be an interactive session with Dr Vaishali Naik. Freddie Vaz, BCS, Mt Carmel’s Parish Unit said, “These camps are our way to offer a service with spirituality. This is open to members of all communities.” ON January 12, 10.30 am AT Mount Carmel Parish Annexe, Chapel Road, Bandra West. FREE

11 January,2025 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team
An Arctic polar bear.  Pic courtesy/X

Listen to this podcast to know more about polar bears and global warming

We all know that the repercussions of global warming are complex and multifarious. Take for instance, the turbulent cyclones that lash India’s coastline every year, or the unbearable temperatures during the summer months, or the gradual disappearance of certain animal species. While we in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world are struggling to mould our lives around this constantly changing climate, creatures in the frigid environs of the Arctic Circle, like the polar bear, are facing far more challenging issues. (From left) Marshall Escamilla and Lindsay Patterson. Pic Courtesy/Instagram In the most recent episode of Tumble, a science podcast for kids hosted by science journalist Lindsay Patterson and music teacher Marshall Escamilla, the conversation deep-dives into the life of the polar bear with the guest of the episode, Dr Andrew Edward Derocher, a polar bear scientist and professor of biological sciences at University of Alberta talking about his experiences with the furry animal. Right from busting myths, to learning about the bear’s habitat and eating patterns, the podcast breaks down complex concepts into nuggets of information for kids. Andrew Derocher With an introduction to the anatomy of the bear (they are not as cute and cuddly as is common perception), Derocher uses anecdotes to discuss his expeditions to the North Pole, and the impact of rising temperatures on the polar bear’s habitat. He explains how the formation of sea ice is integral for its survival and sustenance — a process that is disrupted by global warming. The hosts also detail how it is difficult for scientists and researchers to predict the animal’s reaction to climate change, given the scale at which the phenomenon is unfolding. The best option, they reveal, is to be mindful of consumption patterns along with a scientific monitoring of these animals to be fully aware of the situation. Imbued with humour, the hosts share crucial insights with a simple approach to resonate with children. There is a bonus interview episode in the Patreon page of the channel where Derocher talks about what happens to polar bears when they move to human towns. Log on to Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts

11 January,2025 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
An installation at the first edition of the Butterfly Meet in 2023

Love butterflies? Attend this two-day festival in Chembur to celebrate them

Dadar-based Dr Sanjeev Shevade struggles to pinpoint the exact moment his orthodontics practice gave way to his passion for nature conservation. A classic case of the butterfly effect, we assume. But what he does remember vividly, is growing up in a starkly different Mumbai. “We didn’t only have more open spaces, but the citizens respected and took responsibility for the protection of these spaces,” he recalls. These spaces were home to Shevade’s favourite visitors, butterflies. Amidst shrinking green cover in the city, the second edition of the Butterfly Meet in Chembur organised by Shevade’s Vivant Untamed Earth Foundation and the BMC’s (West) M Ward, will be equal parts nostalgia and future planning. “There are nearly 233 species of butterflies from diverse families in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone. This year, all our activities are centred on conservation of urban habitats for these butterflies. One of the highlights is our first-ever butterfly rally, where groups of children representing these families will educate visitors at Diamond Garden in Chembur,” he reveals.   Blue Mormon, the official state butterfly of Maharashtra. Pic Courtesy/Sanjeev Shevade The orthodontist is not alone in this endeavour. Enthusiasts from in and around the city like civil engineer-turned-artist Kishor Thakur, microbiologist Leena Pandharpurkar and architect Apurva Malgaonkar who has crafted an ode to the winged insects using nails and threads, will converge at the event. Young enthusiasts who have a knack for the crafts might want to sign up for the origami workshop by city-based collective Origami Mitra. “Taking the exhibition outdoors this year was a conscious decision taken in pursuit of reaching a wider audience beyond the usual naturalists and enthusiasts,” Shevade remarks. While the fun and games continue, those with a newfound passion for the insects can follow the team to the Alamu Hall near the garden where experts and scientists will dive deeper into timely discussions. Sometimes, the easiest questions are the most difficult to answer. A discussion that caught our eye answers one such question — why talk about butterflies in the first place? Shevade explains, “You might begin by studying butterflies. But they’ll lead you to the flowers they pollinate. Then, you’ll be drawn to the plants that host these flowers, and subsequently the trees. Studying butterflies is never merely about the butterflies.” Sanjeev Shevade Is there hope for young Mumbaikars to see the butterfly population thrive in the city once again, we ask Shevade. “Absolutely. Conservation efforts can be as simple as planting a curry leaf, marigold, or lemon sapling in your backyard. We encourage people to build such micro-habitats across the city, essentially creating a butterfly corridor. Whether butterflies arrive or not also depends on how efficiently we curb climate change. But in any case, having the red carpet rolled out is a good start,” he signs off.    Exhibition and activities  ON Today and tomorrow; 8.30 am to 5 pm (exhibition); 3.30 pm to 5 pm (activities) AT Diamond Garden, VN Purav Marg, Chembur. CALL 9372956558 ENTRY RSVP mandatory LecturesON Tomorrow; 9 am onwardsAT Alamu Hall, Shree Ahobila Mutt Road, Chembur. CALL 9372956558 ENTRY RSVP mandatory Spot me if you can Keep an eye out for these common species of butterflies in the city and its suburbs Great Orange Tip butterfly. Pic/Nimesh Dave Common Tiger butterfly. Pics/Anurag Ahire Blue Tiger butterfly Common Grass Yellow butterfly

11 January,2025 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
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