Runners in action at a previous Mumbai-Goa run. PIC COURTESY/BOMBAY RUNNING
For runners in Mumbai, it’s that time of the year (or next year, to be precise) coming up again. Bombay Running has announced the eighth edition of the BombayGoaChase, slated for July 28, 2026. Co-founder Priyanca Walanju revealed to this diarist, “It’s a non-stop relay where participants run along a designated route to Goa. They will be split into teams, and provided with a 12-week training course.” Co-founder Deepak Oberoi described the event as one characterised by struggle, with no room for luxury, saying, “The real test is for runners to look out for each other’s wellbeing during this feat, and the reward is when you end the marathon at the beach.” Interested folk can write to @bombayrunning.
Rahul Pachupate
Mumbaikars from all walks of life made a beeline to Dadar’s Shivaji Park for the city’s strays last Sunday. Nearly 400 concerned citizens joined in protest of the recent Supreme Court order on relocating strays. Co-organiser and pet ambulance owner, Rahul Pachupate told us, “Mumbai is severely underequipped to shelter its strays. We have already started hearing of strays being displaced by public institutions across the city. We hope our pleas can bring a stay on the ruling.”
A worker at the ice factory. PIC COURTESY/Sarthak Chand
Malad-based documentary photographer-filmmaker Sarthak Chand (below) and Versova resident Sharvin Jangle recently joined hands to shed light on the untold stories of the Koli community through the Mumbai Koli Project. The project is spearheaded by the platform, The Locavore, which aims to organise social initiatives and enable media storytelling around food and its importance in communities. Chand spoke to this diarist about his recent visit to the Versova Ice Factory, one of the oldest and largest ice factories in Mumbai. “Due to competition from larger fleets and technology, Versova Koliwada has seen a decline in fishing since 2005. Subsequently, ice factories providing storage have suffered, with workers losing their jobs,” he revealed. Those keen to learn more, can log on to thelocavore.in.
Bonsai plants on display at a previous edition. PIC COURTESY/Sujata Bhat
Beauties from two worlds will merge as plant and paper artistry converge at the first Bonsai and Origami Show, to be held from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo. The showcase will highlight a cultural bridge between India and Japan, anchored by a special bonsai exhibition titled Yokoso Japan in Mumbai.
Sujata Bhat (below), president, Bonsai Study Group and vice-president, Indo-Japanese Association, underscored the scale and significance of the collaboration, “It’s the first time we’re hosting the a three-day showcase in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation & Tree Authority, as well as the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai. There will also be a display with a selfie stand.” Visitors can expect nearly 200 bonsai specimens, including Shohins and Mame bonsais.
A panel discussion from the 2024 edition
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Abhishek Bachchan and Vijay Verma are set to make a grand entrance at the India Film Project Festival’s 15th edition on November 29 and 30. The cultural convention to be held at Mehboob Studios in Bandra West, will also bring together father-son duo music maestro Hariharan and Akshay Hariharan for a familial jugalbandi.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Hariharan and Ranveer Brar. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM
Foodies can do a little jig; we’ve learnt that celebrity chef Ranveer Brar will join funnyman and seasoned foodie Kunal Vijayakar for a discussion on reviving age-old recipes. We were delighted to see Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, the Hyderabad-based paediatrician who recently made headlines for her fight against illicit ORS, on the line-up. Sounds like a power-packed affair.
