The story of Christ Church School (CCS), in Byculla dates back to 1815, when Archdeacon George Barnes of the East India Company established the Bombay Education Society (BES) with just 10 students. The aim was to provide education to European children in Mumbai. By 1925, the school had grown sufficiently to warrant the creation of Christ Church School for day scholars in Byculla, and Barnes School in Deolali, Nashik for boarders. Over the years, CCS became a symbol of high-quality education, thanks to its founders. The impact of the four visionaries — Archdeacon George Barnes, Bishop Reginald Herber, Sir John Malcolm, and Major Edward Willoughby — endures even today, reflected in the names of the school’s four houses, as we found out when we stopped by for a walk back in time. Principal Graham Heiden Legacy of success As we interact with the school’s alumni who had dropped by on that day, it’s clear that they cherish their alma mater for its lasting memories and lifelong friendships. Many have gone on to achieve success in diverse fields, including medicine, law, architecture, fashion, film, sports, and business. Notable alumni include late actor Jalal Agha, Marathi film actor Mahesh Kothare, fashion designer Shane Peacock, and rugby captain Nasser Hussein. The student choir rehearses for the thanksgiving service Take Graham Heiden, the current principal, as an example. Heiden is the first ex-student to lead the school, but his relationship with the school goes beyond just being a student; it’s a family affair. His mother was also an alumna, and now, Graham is at the helm, with over 28 years of teaching under his belt. “I think it was just destiny that when we reached the centenary year, out of the twelve principals on the list, I am the only one that’s an ex-student,” shares Heiden. Parita Parmar and Amreen Khan Alumni Amreen Khan, whose father has been the boxing coach at CCS for nearly 40 years, now teaches the primary section. “This feels like a second home,” she says, noting that it was her father’s dream for her to return and teach. Similarly, Parita Parmar, a pre-primary teacher, shares, “How I speak, behave and respect those around me, is all because of my school. My batchmates share similar values.” Students rehearse for the upcoming centenary celebrations The bond among CCS students is often likened to that of a family. Former students Alfan Lakdawalaa and Vivek Metkari recall how principal Heiden remembers alumni by name, even years after their graduation. The school’s emphasis on physical education and teamwork was another highlight for the duo, who noted that while many of their peers at other schools had to travel for coaching, CCS provided excellent facilities on campus. A view of the main school building from the front gate The cornerstone The CCS campus, set on a sprawling seven-acre plot owned by Christ Church, exudes a sense of history. The school maintains a strong connection to the church, with important events such as the investiture ceremony for the prefect body held there as part of a solemn service. From its humble beginnings as a one-storey building, it has expanded into a multi-storey complex, now housing six divisions (A to G) to cater to its growing student body. Recent additions include a 12-storey staff quarters tower, which also accommodates the pre-primary section, and a new wing with state-of-the-art facilities. Giving back A core tenet here is humility, even among students from affluent backgrounds. Principal Heiden points out that the school has always been about more than just academics — its focus on humility sets CCS apart. The school fosters a strong sense of social responsibility through units like the Junior Red Cross, Guides, Scouts, and the Interact Club. “These units organise visits to orphanages, old age homes, and hospitals, encouraging students to engage with the wider community,” shares Heiden. Reflect and celebrate As the school marks its 100th anniversary, there is a palpable sense of pride. The celebrations will kick off with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church on January 29, followed by a dinner dance on the school grounds. The celebrations will culminate in a grand alumni night on February 1, where alumni from all over the world will gather to reminisce and honour the school’s remarkable journey through the last 100 years. For those who have walked the halls of CCS, these events offer a chance to reconnect with old friends, share memories, and honour the values and traditions that have stood the test of time. Make school fun On the opening day of the Paris Olympics, students were encouraged to ditch the uniform and come to school in the sportswear of their choice. The school was decorated with flags of different countries participating in the Olympics Games and over the next few days students were asked to regularly update each other on the games during classes.
31 January,2025 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheMost Mumbaikars will recognise Dahanu as a name they’ve heard in passing in local train announcements — the town is nestled at the end of the busy Western Railway Line. Few, however, would have dared to venture that far out, for that would mean pulling the emergency chain on the fast-paced hustle culture that keeps the city running. This weekend, we suggest you pull all strings to make the escape. The Dahanu Festival, an annual celebration of art, music, watersports and food organised by the Dahanu Nagar Parishad (DNP) with the help of local communities, is set to return to its shores. Moments from the events on Dahanu Beach last year Declared an ecologically fragile zone by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1991, the town has since walked the tightrope between economic ambitions and ecological preservation. “It’s a whole different world out here. The beaches are vast and clean, there are thriving local art forms, and sprawling green cover for as far as your vision stretches. The festival is a two-pronged approach to put the spotlight on the town and at the same time empower local business and artisans economically,” shares Akshay Gudadhe, chief officer, DNP. The mission seems to be on track. The previous edition in 2024 drew in more than three lakh visitors to the town of 70,000 residents. With the number expected to rise sharply to four lakh visitors this year, one may wonder where exactly the sleepy town plans to accommodate the crowd charged with enthusiasm. “It’s all on the beaches, there couldn’t have been a better venue,” Gudadhe reveals, adding that the major highlights this year are a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament, and a sea-facing stage with the setting sun shining a spotlight on local talent, including the indigenous Warli artisans from the many ‘padas’ or settlements that surround the town. A visitor paraglides above the sea at sunset The long line-up of performances, paired with over 100 stalls by local small businesses and artisans that dot the coastline will try their best to keep you hooked, but the organisers give us a heads up to keep an eye out in all directions. Not far away in the sea, those looking to dip their toes in adventure sport can sign up for activities like paragliding and jetskiing conducted by trained experts. Up in the sky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Indian Coast Guard’s helicopters demonstrating a mock rescue drill and an airshow. Participants indulge in jet-skiing at the watersports area of the open-air festival Is it not counterintuitive to bring large crowds to a seaside getaway that has managed to remain untouched by pollution, overcrowding and waste mismanagement woes, one might wonder. Bharat Rajput, the brains behind the festival, and Nimil Gohil, president of the Rotary Club of Dahanu Sea Coast, assure us the celebrations won’t leave a bad taste in the mouth for locals like this writer. Akshay Gudadhe and Nimil Gohil “The authorities carry out cleanliness drives as soon as the festival concludes, to ensure that the fragile ecosystem doesn’t take a hit. Within two days of these drives, you’ll see the beaches back in their spotless, pristine avatar, ready to host those who come seeking peace,” they sign off. ON January 31 to February 2; 7.30 am to 10.30 pmAT Dahanu Beach, Parnaka, Palghar. LOG ON TO @dahanu_festival3.0 for schedule
31 January,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe annual flower show, a long-standing tradition, has become one of Mumbai’s most anticipated events. This year the theme will be national symbols of India. The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden in Byculla will be transformed with flowers and plants artistically arranged to represent 13 of India’s most cherished symbols including the Indian National Flag. As we dropped in for a visit, potted plants with multi-coloured flowers were lined aesthetically along the garden. People hurried busily past us carrying more flowers in preparation for the show. BMC workers string together “The show is an opportunity for Mumbaikars to get closer to nature and learn about the city’s diverse plant life,” shares Jitendra Pardeshi, superintendent of gardens, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Scheduled for the first weekend of February every year, the event is planned months in advance. A calculated decision is taken to time the planting of the seeds to ensure that the flowers bloom in time for the show. Floral recreations of jalebi Jagdish Bhoir, assistant superintendent of gardens, BMC, says, “This year’s theme is particularly special as it honours the symbols that define our rich heritage. The show is put together by the BMC staff.” Bhoir explains that the show will also feature diverse flora in exotic vegetable flowers, seasonal plants, medicinal plants, avenue trees, roses, bonsai, cacti, and an artistic cut flower display. There will be stalls allotted to private nurseries that will be selling vermicompost and other fertilisers, garden materials as well as seeds, decorative plants, seasonal plants, and more. The rupee symbol adorned with white flowers As we walk around, we notice that the displays in the main landscape include colourful floral formations of Indian flora and fauna such as the tiger, peacock, lotus and dolphins, alongside one that depicts the sacred Ganges river. “From the beloved sweet, jalebi, to the national fruit mango and the timeless rupee symbol, this year’s flower show promises to be a spectacle of colour, culture, and creativity,” Bhoir explains. Women tend to colourful flowers at the garden in Byculla The base structure of these symbols is designed using floral foam which is then adorned with a variety of colourful flowers. As this writer observes, the staff begins work on the jalebi display using orange marigolds, while the National Flag — the pièce de résistance of the show — will feature orange marigolds and white and green chrysanthemums. Jagdish Bhoir and Jitendra Pardeshi ON January 31 to February 2; 8 am to 8 pmAT Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, Byculla East.
31 January,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheAmerican rapper and singer Lizzo is no stranger to making headlines. This time around, however, the spotlight isn’t on her music but on her inspirational weight loss journey. In a recent Instagram post, the rapper shared that she had reached her goal weight — lowered her body fat by 16 per cent and her Body Mass Index (BMI) by 10.5. But what makes her achievement truly remarkable in an era otherwise marked by seemingly miraculously shrinking bodies (Ozempic, anyone?) is that the 36-year-old took nearly a decade to achieve these impressive results. Lizzo performs her hits at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Pic Courtesy/Youtube “A longer term, slow-burn approach to weight loss is typically far more sustainable as it involves lifestyle changes over short-term quick fixes. The biggest challenge for most individuals is to stay motivated, since the progress is gradual and not visually dramatic. This can be further exacerbated by social expectations for rapid results, which can undermine self-esteem. Further, when the results aren’t immediate, many people begin to question the effectiveness of their plan and find it easier to give up,” says Jeff Bathija, personal coach at Mid-life Lifting Club. The singer announced her weightloss milestone through an Instagram post Slow but steady Setting the right targets is the first and most important step towards building a sustainable weight loss routine, notes exercise scientist Benafsha Gazdar. “Having unrealistic milestones, such as losing 5kg a week is impractical. I recommend targeting no more than 500g a week so that you can keep the weight off,” she explains. Healthy sleep cycles help regulate hunger. Representation pics Bathija recommends shifting focus to non-scale victories such as improved stamina, better sleep or reduced stress levels. At the same time, he suggests celebrating process-oriented goals that highlight a consistency in your workouts or meal prep. To stay motivated, use holistic tracking methods to measure your progress, such as photos, tape measurements, and improvements in your energy levels rather than focusing squarely on the numbers on the scale. Simple activities like walking your pet can help burn extra calories “Once you achieve a milestone, aim for new challenges. For instance, work towards improving your endurance or lifting heavier weights. A good hack to avoid monotony is to experiment with new workouts, recipes or activities. Regularly revisit your starting point and celebrate how far you’ve come; reflect on the consequences of reverting to stay mindful of how slipping back might impact your health,” adds Bathija. He clarifies that changing your mindset to focus on habits, and not outcomes, is pivotal. Your routine must be a natural part of your life, not something you ‘complete’. The building blocks Jeff Bathija “While weight loss and fat loss are often used interchangeably, weight loss refers to a reduction in total body weight, including water, muscle and fat. Fat loss, on the other hand, specifically targets the reduction of body fat. Preserving or building lean muscle while reducing fat is crucial for sustainable fat loss as it supports a healthier body composition and better long-term results,” notes Jashan Vij, a health and fat loss coach. He, Gazdar and Bathija highlight the following elements for a balanced weight loss routine. Benafsha Gazdar 1 Balanced nutrition: Very restrictive diets are, by their very nature, designed to fail. Instead, focus on including whole foods, portion control and consistency. 2 Regular physical activity: Your exercise routine should include elements of strength training and cardio. While cardio will help you lose weight, building lean muscle mass will help you burn fat even when you are not exercising. Additionally, increasing the amount of energy you expend on NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) which involves activities such as walking, standing and fidgeting, can help with weight management and improve your cardiovascular health. Easy ways to increase NEAT are to walk while running errands, engage in household chores, play with pets or children, or simply to stand up more often. Jashan Vij 3 Manage sleep and stress: Poor sleep negatively impacts your hunger hormones and recovery, while chronic stress can lead to emotional eating or hormonal imbalances. Reach out to support communities or a coach who understands your journey to stay motivated, especially if and when you encounter setbacks. Gazdar also emphasises showing up at all times, and tracking progress only once every 15 days. Getting back on track When building a long-term fitness routine, it’s crucial to acknowledge and anticipate occasional setbacks. “These are part of the process, not the end. Analyse what is wrong, without judgment — identify what triggered the lapse, and strategise accordingly to prevent a recurrence. When restarting your process, after a holiday or a bout of illness for instance, focus on rebuilding habits one step at a time rather than an immediate overhaul,” says Bathija. At the same time, Gazdar recommends getting back to your routine as soon as possible. An accountability partner can be the push you need to get back, she concludes.
31 January,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThursday Mindful movementsHealth: Re-energise with a traditional Hatha yoga class by yoga trainer Tanvi Mehra that uses a combination of meditation, asanas and mudras to relax your body and mind.TIME 8.30 am to 10 amAT Tangerine Arts Studio, Wilfred Apartments, St Leo Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO www.tangerineartsstudio.com COST Rs 1,200 FRIDAY An evening of Marathi gloryTheatre: Attend Marathi Bana, a theatrical performance by a troupe of 125 artistes celebrating Marathi culture and tradition through music, dance and drama.TIME 8.30 pm onwards AT Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium, Chamunda Circle, Sodawala Lane, Borivli West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST RS 200 onwards Saturday Late Ustad Zakir Hussain in performance in 2015. File pic Ustadji, foreverEvent: Attend one of the concluding events of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) with a tribute performance to late Ustad Zakir Hussain followed by the launch KGAF anthem by Shantanu Moitra and a concert by Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya.TIME 6 pm onwardsAT The Asiatic Society, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort.FREE Sunday Dharavi’s Tamil heritageWalk: Discover the culture and tradition of the Tamil community in Dharavi on this guided walk by researcher Pooja Ashokkumar (in pic).TIME 4 pm to 6 pm MEETING POINT Kamraj High School, 90 feet road, Dharavi.LOG ON TO @gohalluhallu on Instagram COST Rs 1,250 (per person) Pic Courtesy/Treks and Trails Trip to the topTrek: Embark on an exhilarating trek of the Sondai Fort and also visit the beautiful Morbe dam along with a view of the ranges near Matheran from atop the fort. TIME 8 am MEETING POINT Karjat Railway Station. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 599 onwards
30 January,2025 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIt's the late 1990s in Oman. At the Times of Oman Quiz Contest, quizmaster Derek O’Brien flashes an image on the screen, challenging his young contestants to identify the figure. There’s chatter among the participants — it’s a tough one. To be fair, the image on the screen is merely a shadow outline, and behind it is Kolkata-based hand shadow artiste Amar Sen painstakingly forming the silhouette. “My hands were trembling, and no one seemed to have an answer,” he recalls. A contestant hesitantly cuts through the chatter: “Is it... Sourav Ganguly?” The accurate guess is enough to make O’Brien, Sen and the audience burst into cheer. Nearly three decades and countless shows across India, Europe and North America later, Sen makes his way to Mumbai this Saturday. At 75 years old, his hands don’t tremble now, and he has many more stories to tell. From animals like dogs, tigers and deer, to human figures donning hats, smoking pipes and sporting funky hairdos, Sen has it all in the palm of his hands. These characters will come alive in a 30-minute show organised by city-based Gems Kids Club to spread awareness about ecological conservation, road safety, and animal welfare at a SoBo venue. Hand shadows depicting (from left) a man smoking; a man riding a horse; a bird drinking from a pot Sen’s career in shadowgraphy, interestingly, didn’t have a bright start. “At my Kolkata residence in 1972, I found myself in a room lit by a single candle — it was one of those untimely power cuts. I formed a simple duck-shaped shadow using my hands, and my old friend late Sabyasachi Sen instinctively mimicked the quack of a duck, and there we had our first show,” he reveals. The duo would go on to spend the next 16 years visiting museums and Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo to study the skeletons and movements of tigers, swans and deer. “I remember we once left the Zoo authorities baffled by observing a swan for two hours at a stretch,” he laughs. All those hours studying animal anatomy and mastering dexterity served the duo well. If you remember the catchy ‘MP Ajab Hai’ TV commercial featuring shadow art depictions of Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife, monuments and culture from 2010, the duo had a hand — two pairs to be precise — in popularising the tune. “By 2010, technological advancements had grown by leaps and bounds. What looks like multiple hands in the TVC, is in fact just layers of shadows superimposed using digital tools,” he reveals. But Sen swears by the novelty of live shows. “It’s when I perform with a single 55-watt light, a screen and my own hands, that the audience seems to cheer the loudest,” he shares. Amar Sen practises the art form in 1989 in Kolkata When the curtain falls on Sen’s show this weekend, amidst all the applause, a concern will remain at the back of his mind. He explains, “The art form is not dying, but it is not exactly thriving either. We’re at a crossroads from where the future of shadowgraphy will be decided. I can attest that the charm of watching shadows talk in front of you will never die. When I peek out to catch a glimpse of the audience, they’re always in awe. Almost as if they’re saying to themselves ‘This can be done with just hands?’” ON February 1; 4 pm and 7 pmAT Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 499
30 January,2025 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleMy phone case has become an unlikely conversation starter. It’s a faux sticker case featuring symbols from iconic TV shows like Friends, Money Heist, and Game of Thrones that I happened upon while scrolling through a site that a friend had mentioned. I’ve had people refer to me as, “the girl with the TV show phone case,” when they spoke about me because of this acquisition. It’s amazing how a small element can spark connections and conversations over shared fandoms. The case is now part of my identity, and is a fun way to showcase my personality and interests. LOG ON TO dailyobjects.com
30 January,2025 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheFOOD Puri vasool: For over a century, this eatery in the bylanes near Mumbai GPO, has been serving delicious Indian snacks and thaalis, keeping things simple but ever-satisfying. Whether it’s the puris or dahi puri, the flavours here hit the right notes, making it an easy stop for a tasty and affordable meal.AT Pancham Puriwala, Perin Nariman Street, Fort. TIME 9 am to 11 pm COST R60 onwards South Indian sojourn: A Fort favourite continues to uphold its reputation for serving excellent South Indian vegetarian fare. From dosas to vadas and idlis, each dish is prepared with care and consistency. The variety of snacks makes it an ideal spot for any time of day, be it for breakfast, lunch, or a quick evening snack. Some bestsellers include the masala dosa, and medu vada served with sambar and chutney.AT Poornima Restaurant, Muddanna Shetty Marg, Fort.TIME Monday to Saturday, 7.30 am to 8 pm; Sundays, 7.30 am to 5 pm COST R100 onwards Thaalis at the popular puri haunt in Fort. Pics courtesy/Instagram Late-night snack haven: In a back alley near the bustle of the festival, this gem offers a no-frills experience with a focus on late-night comfort food. The mutton baida roti and the chicken tikka roll are crowd-pleasers, giving you the energy needed to dive back into the festivities. AT Ayub’s restaurant, Sassoon Building 43, Forbes Street, Kala Ghoda. TIME 4.30 pm to 1.30 am COST R200 onwards EXPERIENCE Walk in the Estate: Stroll through quaint and well-planned, tree-lined streets that offer an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the Fort. A perfect spot for photography and an Irani meal at Britannia and Company. AT Ballard Estate. A couple enjoys an E-Victoria ride at Nariman Point. File pic Green getaway: Unwind while enjoying a stunning view of the Rajabai Clock Tower, Bombay High Court and adjacent buildings, as well as the grand Art Deco apartments that line the opposite edge.AT Oval Maidan, Churchgate. Ride into nostalgia: Hop on an eco-friendly E-Victoria for a breezy ride along the sea-facing promenades for a scenic and nostalgic way to see South Mumbai. AT Near Gateway of India and Marine Drive. LOG ON TO @uboridez_india COST R500 (for short trips) DRINK Sugarcane juice in paper cups Sweet simplicity: After you move away from the main hub of the festival, stop by a refreshing sugarcane juice stall. You can enjoy a freshly pressed cup of sugarcane juice — a sweet and energising way to beat the Mumbai heat while soaking in the art and culture.AT Outside the National Gallery of Modern Art, opposite the main gate of CSMVS Museum. COST R25 The fresh fruit juice kiosk A fresh burst: Located just opposite the Colaba Causeway, this tiny juice kiosk serves up a variety of refreshing juices and milkshakes. After a busy day of festival fun, treat yourself to tangy fruit blends and creamy shakes.AT New Poornima Juice Centre, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. TIME 9 am to 11.30 pm COST R50 onwards Colaba staple: For most Mumbaikars, a visit to this bar is almost a rite of passage. Located behind the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, this casual spot offers an extensive selection of beers starting at an affordable price. It’s perfect for a chilled drink with friends after a day of festival fun.AT Gokul Bar and Restaurant, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.TIME 11 am to 1.30 am COST R110 onwards SHOP A wide range of jewellery on display at Colaba Causeway SoBo’s horizontal mall: This is a shopper’s paradise, blending high-end brands with affordable alternatives. For a mix of both, explore a variety of jewellery, quirky phone covers and all things denim at stalls behind Cafe Mondegar, which is a five-minute walk from the main venue of the festival. If you’re in the mood for a thrift store find, Cotton Colour, near BEST Electric House, offers a variety of pre-loved items. Whether you’re window-shopping or on a budget, you’ll find treasures at every turn. AT Colaba Causeway. TIME 10.30 am to 9 pm (all days) Paper sanctuary: Fort has a hidden haven for paper lovers. Choose from eco-friendly greeting cards made with dried leaves, to intricate gift tags and DIY boxes. AT Chimanlals, Wallace Street, off DN Road, Fort. TIME 9.30 am to 5.30 pm COST R36 per sheet (handmade paper) Readers’ paradise: For book enthusiasts, the second-hand booksellers near Flora Fountain are a must-visit. The rare finds and classic novels at these stalls offer a delightful treasure hunt for readers. If you’re willing to haggle, you might just walk away with a bulk of literary treasures for a steal. AT Flora Fountain, opposite HSBC Bank, Fort. TIME 10 am to 8.30 pm (all days) WATCH Old-world cine charm: In a city where single-screen theatres are becoming increasingly rare, Regal Cinema stands as a 92-year-old gem. Offering affordable tickets and movie time snacks, it’s the perfect spot to catch the latest releases.AT Regal Cinema, Colaba. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST R100 onwards
30 January,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheHistory as we all know, is an ever-evolving and dynamic entity. Nothing is ever in the past as long as a connection can be traced and monuments often serve as the gateway for such reflections. Embarking on a similar voyage to the era of ancient Indian history through models and exhibits are the young scholars of Ramnarain Ruia College (Autonomous) in Matunga. An exhibition by the second-year History students of the college will explore the ancient Indian knowledge system and the art and architecture of temples from 300 BCE to 1000 CE. An exhibit on the shipbuilding techniques of the Mauryan Period “This is the third edition of the annual exhibition conducted by the students of the History department. It is one of the ways through which we want to ensure experiential learning for the students so that they understand the heritage aspects of Indian history in a nuanced manner,” Pradeep Waghmare, head of the History department of the college, tells us. A 3D map highlights the maritime route of the Mauryan empire With models inspired from the culture and architecture of ancient history — starting from the maritime routes of the Mauryan empire to the Dravidian construct of Chola and Pallava temples, and the post-classical artefacts of the early medieval period — the exhibition is a deeply researched study of the intellectual and cultural temper that laid the foundation of some of the earliest dynasties in India. “We have been working on the project for over a month now and consulted various academic resources including UNESCO archives for the research. The process was arduous but also extremely enriching,” Jiya Dagliya, a History student shares, adding that the exhibits are made from eco-friendly materials as a way to uphold sustainable practices in academic projects. “We are excited to showcase our models to visitors. All of us have worked hard on our topic, and although the models are a part of the curriculum, it was an extremely fun experience for the batch as well,” Dagliya tells us before signing off. ON February 2; 10 am to 12 pm AT Senior College Reading Hall, Ramnarain Ruia (Autonomous) College, 3rd Floor, Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga (Central Railway).FREE
29 January,2025 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaNupur Yi Shetty has prepared only 1.5 kilograms of funchowza, a traditional Chinese sweet made for Chinese New Year for this year’s celebrations — a stark contrast from two decades ago, when her family would prepare nearly eight kilograms of this sweet item. The Mumbaikar, who is of Chinese-Maharashtrian descent, is one of the last few in the city to continue the annual tradition. Even though her husband hails from the Shetty community, she takes great pride in continuing such traditions, “Earlier, everybody including my aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews, nearly eight to twelve of us, would come together. A lot of hands are needed because it is a delicate sweet and took six to seven hours to make; we would prepare five to eight kilograms. Now, there are only four of us because almost 50 per cent of the family has moved overseas; so I make it only in my house.” (From left to right) Batches of funchowza laid out on plates for Chinese New Year celebrations; a portion of the traditional Chinese sweet after it is fried. pics courtesy/Nupur Yi Shetty The Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, as it is more popularly known, is one of the only festivals that Mumbai’s Chinese community celebrates. While last year was the Year of the Dragon, this year is the Year of the Wood Snake, and will be celebrated from today till February 12. The community here is dwindling in numbers, with only 4,000 people reportedly being of Chinese-origin. However, every year the close-knit community comes to usher in the new year at the only known Chinese temple, Kwan Tai Kung in Mazgaon’s Dockyard Road. Nupur and her extended family of more than 38 people come together to celebrate it with a large feast that is usually a potluck at a cousin’s place. The 100-year old noodle-making machine is a family heirloom Finding funchowza Of the many dishes, the funchowza is always present, and has been a dish that she has been enjoying on the menu for over 40 years ever since she was a child. Nupur likes to call it the “Chinese version of an Indian shankarpali,” to help Indians get the connection. Funchowza is a sweet made from flour, sugar and sesame seeds, and traditionally given as an offering to the ancestors, Nupur says, as the community doesn’t believe in idol worship. After it is prepared, they relish it and distribute it among their family. Preparing it isn’t simple, as it requires technique, one that the Mumbaikar, who grew up in Kalyan, has nurtured for 20 years now. She reminisces, “My mother did not know how to make it. So, my dad’s sister would come home to make it, and that’s how we learned the process.” Nupur has now made it a family affair where her close family and friends get together to make it. “We use a 100-year-old noodle making machine to make the funchowza. It was handed by my eldest uncle to my mother who passed it down to me,” she reveals. A moment from last year’s Chinese New Year celebrations Traditional talk The Thane-based doctor has passed on the technique and recipe to her daughter and hopes she continues it in the future. “She is keen on making it but not in large quantities.” She also distributes the sweet to neighbours and friends around her. It may have to do with the Indian factor, she says, as people like this tradition. Nupur says while restaurants serve a version of it called honey noodles, it isn’t authentic because honey is used instead of sugar. Nupur Yi Shetty Nupur remains the flag bearer of funchowza in Mumbai as she tries to convince more people to make it. Unfortunately, she says juggling people’s timings doesn’t make it easy to spread the tradition. Besides funchowza, Nupur says moon cakes are among the handful of other sweet treats, particularly in Mumbai, as compared to China. She explains, “There are a few desserts in Chinese cuisine because we don’t eat many sweets, and dairy doesn’t exist in our cuisine.” It is in stark contrast compared to the Indian sweets but that doesn’t stop her from continuing this tradition not without the family celebration, which will be in Karjat this year.
29 January,2025 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoIn honour of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on his death anniversary, the students of St Xavier’s Empowered Autonomous College, Dhobi Talao, will be hosting an exhibition on January 30 and 31. This immersive event, organised in collaboration with the Museum Society of Mumbai, promises to offer visitors an in-depth understanding of the Father of the Nation’s life and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. The exhibition will showcase rare relics, and artefacts that provide insight into Gandhi’s journey from the Dandi March, to his tragic assassination. Among the highlights is Mahatma Gandhi’s personal relic, his ashes which will be displayed alongside coins, locks, original paper cuttings and printed posters, including some lesser-known prints from Rajasthan. These rare items have been sourced directly from archives and personal collections, ensuring a unique experience for all attendees. Notably, Gandhi’s handwritten letters, displayed in both open and cased formats, will offer a personal glimpse into the leader’s thoughts and beliefs. A copy of the Illustrated London Weekly dated March 14, 1931 Dr Anita Rane Kothare, head of the department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology, shared her vision for the exhibition, stating, “This exhibition goes beyond the textbook — it’s about experiencing the journey of Mahatma Gandhi through original documents and artefacts that are seldom displayed.” Additionally, there will be a live band performance and a gramophone playing original records of Gandhi’s speeches. A commemorative bookmark of Mahatma Gandhi’s spectacles will also be available at R30 each. ON January 30 to 31; 10 am onwardsAT XIMR Hall, St Xavier’s Empowered Autonomous College, Dhobi Talao.FREE Rethinking museums Dr Aaron Bryant, US-based distinguished museum curator and expert in museum studies, will present a public lecture on museumology. He will explore the concepts of museumisation and de-museumisation, offering insights into the evolving role of museums in the 21st century. This lecture promises to be a thought-provoking examination of how museums collect, preserve, and present cultural and historical artefacts in a rapidly changing world. Dr Bryant’s expertise will provide a unique perspective on the future of museums and their impact on society.ON January 29; 4 pm onwardsAT XIMR Hall, St Xavier’s Empowered Autonomous College, Dhobi Talao.FREE
29 January,2025 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheADVERTISEMENT
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