Giragaum chowk named for painter Gaitonde gets new signboard ahead of his birth anniversary

Amid Diwali preparations, people in Borivali were seen buying rangoli colours. The market had many varieties of colours and shoppers were picking the shades they liked. The picture was taken by Satej Shinde.

In Girgaum, the signboard of Chitrakar Vasudev Gaitonde Chowk, named after the late renowned painter V. S. Gaitonde, had been in a dilapidated state for years. With a few Mumbaikars coming together, the board was put up again just before the artist's birth anniversary on 2 November.

Kamna Anand is behind the initiative. She was joined by corporator Snehal Tendulkar and her husband Gaurav Tendulkar. Kamna Anand said: "In 2019, my mother went to see an exhibition of Gaitonde's works at the Dowlat Jehangir Nicholson Art Gallery. She remembered the old board at the chowk, which had by then already worn out."

She added: "Covid pandemic made us fall behind, and then the board disappeared altogether. The artist's 102nd birth anniversary seemed the right occasion to return to the idea. The city should not forget the stalwarts who once walked its streets."

In Bandra, health consciousness spares no one, not even Poppy, the cat at Paws Cafe on Pali Mala Road. Until recently the cat was famous for happily accepting plenty of treats from customers. That is no longer so. During our visit earlier this week, a poster there carried Poppy's message: "Don't fall for my sad eyes! I am already putting on weight and a girl wants to stay fit... Your love means a lot to me. Just keep me healthy." We doubt Poppy actually said all that, but if it keeps her fit, we will take it. Pilates on Saturday, Poppy?

Dutch EDM musician Martin Garrix has revived old memories with his latest announcement. He was last seen in the city in 2023 during a Holi concert. He will now return to Mumbai as part of a 10-city show, right around Holi 2027. Garrix wrote on social media: "Finally happy to be back for these 10 shows! The fun will be crazy. I missed you all so much!"

The countdown to Mumbai's Pride now has rhythm too. The LGBTQiA+ group Yaariyan has appealed to queer people and their allies to join preparations for its annual flashmob. The plan is to fill the city with colour, movement and community spirit as it prepares for Pride month. Performers and participants above 18 can join. Rehearsals will be held on Saturdays and Sundays. For registration, log on to @yaariyan_lgbtq. Yaariyan's 2025 flashmob was held at Bandra Fort Garden.