From piping recipes to a status check on Mumbai’s pollution levels, we have rounded up our top stories for your Sunday reading
Representative Image. Pic/iStock
Come December and many of us start craving some steamy goodness. We asked Mumbai’s hottest chefs to share their favourite Asian steamed recipes for you to test your culinary skills at home. This week, we also introduce Mumbai’s masterful guitar makers who spell out the poetic effort that goes into creating the instrument. The city’s pollution levels are examined, alongside inspired illustrations of Mumbai in our city focussed features. Our story for World Techno Day—observed on December 9—explores the evolution of techno music as artists, industry experts, and enthusiasts weigh in on the changes that have happened during the pandemic. Our coverage also delves into one of the most common issues impacting women’s health, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) as experts share insights on how to manage it.
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1. Making melodies
Thane’s Auddie D’souza and Mira Road's Sunil Shinde have been painstakingly shaping panels of solid wood into slick, custom guitars for over two decades now. Luckily for both, the pandemic hasn’t really affected their guitar-making process. They have been able to continue their work in the quiet of their homes, like they have been doing for the last few decades, while making sure the music from the instruments they make rings in streets not only in the city but also around the world. The luthiers tell us about their accidental yet poetic beginnings and all the time and care that go into producing the sound of music. Pic/Sunil Shinde and Auddie D'souza
Read more: Strings attached: Why wood is like wine for Mumbai's trusty custom guitar makers
2. Mumbai’s pollution status
Of the world’s 30 most polluted cities, 22 are in India. Delhi, whose Air Quality Index regularly falls in the “poor” or “very poor” categories, ranks as the most polluted capital city worldwide. Although Mumbai did not figure in that list, released by the Swiss Organisation IQAir in March this year, there have been instances when South Mumbai has recorded similarly alarming AQI levels. As air pollution becomes a pressing concern in Delhi, Mumbai and other metropolitan cities, an expert shares insights on the Air Quality Index, particulate matter and other factors affecting the important pollution indicators. Pic/mid-day photographers
Read more: Explained: What does AQI mean and just how bad are Mumbai’s pollution levels?
3. Understanding PMS
Around 80 per cent of Indian women respondents experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, as per a study published in the IJCMPH. According to the research, about 80 per cent of women respondents reported mild degree of distress, 20-40 per cent reported a moderate degree of distress and in 10 per cent of women, distress was severe enough to impact the quality of life. With discussion about menstrual health and period leave gaining momentum in recent years, experts share insights on PMS and ways in which one can manage it. Pic/iStock
Read more: Explained: ‘Mood swings’ before periods? Here’s what you need to know about PMS
4. Illustrated Mumbai
From the vendors at the Dadar flower market, the gola seller and other nostalgic cityscapes, illustrators Rahul Patil and Rachita Vora are bringing alive scenes from Mumbai on Instagram. While Patil launched his series after noticing the colourful personalities of Koli women, Vora put a ‘Mumbaikar’ take on the iconic New Yorker cover. Pic/Rahul Patil and Rachita Vora
Read more: Maximum City, in sketches: These city scenes by two Mumbai artists will fill you with nostalgia
5. The techno evolution
The outdoorsy, dance-driven genre of electronic music suffered a blow when the pandemic halted in-person gigs. Mid-Day.com spoke to techno artists, enthusiasts, and industry folk to understand what changed and how they kept the show going. Pic/DJ Mubeen
Read More: Rave on: How techno music evolved during the pandemic
6. Steamy goodness
December brings with it a dip in temperature and a cool breeze. If you find yourself craving steamed foods, we’ve got city-based chefs sharing their favourite recipes. Pic/Yazu
Read More: Dumplings, wontons, and dim sums: Asian steamed foods for the winter
Also Read: They want to break free: Why and how ‘revenge travel’ swept the country
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