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Festive glow

As the period of Ramadan begins, the Nawab Ayaz Masjid in Pydhonie lights up in stunning shades of green and red. 

Setting a scene on the streets

(From left) Actors Danish Husain, Shivang Rajpal, and Molshri in a still from the film, Nukkad Naatak. Pic courtesy/Ihjaz Aziz

Many people would still be nostalgic recalling the times before cinema halls, when performances were staged on streets. Mumbaikars had a taste of this experience yesterday (February 22) during a ‘No Permission Yatra’ by actor Molshri and filmmaker Tanmaya Shekhar. The duo walked from Versova to Marine Drive as a unique method of sparking conversation about their upcoming independent film, Nukkad Naatak, scheduled to release on the big screen on February 27.

“It is a way of showcasing the title of the film itself — we have planned to stop and perform at a few designated spots along our route, just like how ‘nukkad naataks’ would take place earlier,” Shekhar, writer-director of the film, had shared with this diarist in a conversation earlier. “The message, in a way, is that artistes can start the conversation however they want.” As for the film itself, the director added, “The focus is on the education of underprivileged children, and how two youngsters get involved in it.” 

Purpose through play

Children play football in Govandi. Pics courtesy/The Next Page

Govandi-based non-governmental organisation, Next Page Community Foundation has an on-going initiative of increasing potential for sports in the neighbourhood.

Founder Anoop Parik (left) told this diarist, “Two of our members recently attended a training programme in Delhi, helping mentor youth there in sports, including football. We intend to replicate it here, at home as well, especially to improve mental health.”

Celebrations aren’t over

A moment from the Mumbai Queer Pride March. Pic courtesy/@mumbaiqueerpride

While the Mumbai Queer Pride March of 2026 at August Kranti Maidan in South Mumbai on February 20 provided a splash of colour to the city, celebrations carried on. Community platform, Gaysi Family, hosted a separate after-party the same night in Bandra.

“Part of the session’s proceeds will go to Mumbai Queer Pride. The Pride March is usually a time when members of the LGBTQiA+ community have one amazing day to themselves, and then it’s back to daily struggles. This party was dedicated to negating that,” shared Saksshie Juneja (left), founder, Gaysi Family. 

Clues of history

Mumbai’s streets will double as a map of history with a citywide treasure hunt by social justice platform, One Future Collective on February 28 between Colaba and Bandra. Founder Vandita Morarka (above) said, “Routes will highlight the city’s resistance movements.”