There's something magical about Christmas - it's inexplicable and infectious - as if stardust and joy have been sprinkled in the very air we breathe and Santa is indeed flying in a gilded sleigh through our skies on his way to us .
Growing up in cosmopolitan Mumbai and being nurtured at a convent, I find my association with Christmas is far more contextual than any other festival. Like many Mumbaikars caught in the enchanting web of yuletide spirit, I decked up my Christmas tree way before the much-celebrated eve, and I find most of my friends - Hindu, Muslim, Parsi and all - embrace the season with Christmas décor, festive soirées, and Christmas pressies making their merry way to my doorstep.
While Deepak Parekh's iconic Christmas party that commandeered most of the Taj was once legendary before it drew to a close, the torch of grand Christmas celebrations has been gracefully passed on.
Jimmi Kapur's Christmas lunch
Many friends host their signature Christmas brunch but I chose to attend Jimmi Kapur and her daughter Tina's lunch party that sparkles with traditional Christmas splendor - a feast fit for the season with prime rib, baked ham, and roast turkey accompanied by scalloped potatoes swimming in cream and that essential tang of cranberry sauce.
The Honey-Glazed Ham, green bean casserole, and Yorkshire Pudding at their do would make any British chef proud. And oh, the piece de resistance - their delectable Christmas pudding and mince pies transport you straight to a Victorian Christmas! Mumbai society turns out in their green and red Christmas finest, adding glamour to the warmth of tradition.
Anirudh & Malvika Kohli Christmas
Mumbai's beloved Dr. Anirudh Kohli, CEO of Breach Candy Hospital, and dermatologist Malavika Kohli's iconic Christmas celebration in Alibaug drew medical luminaries and close friends from the Alibaug circuit - of which I'm an honorary member thanks to my fam Pankaj and Vinny Mehra. The evening saw guests hopping onto speed boats, the sea breeze carrying promises of festive cheer.
Their verdant lawns transformed into an enchanted garden, with trees wrapped in twinkling fairy lights and red crystal baubles catching the starlight like frozen drops of Christmas magic. The outdoor buffet table embellished with crystal snowflake and miniature santas offered an inspired contrast - traditional Maharashtrian delicacies alongside charred gourmet burgers - perfectly embodying Mumbai's ability to blend traditions with contemporary flair.
Nikhil Chaganlal’s birthday art extravaganza
Speaking of treasured Christmas memories, there's only one friend who has ever visited me at 9 am and casually instructed my cook to whip up two omelettes! That impromptu breakfast meet remains my favorite memory of famed artistic Nikhil Chaganlal, whose artistic journey I've watched unfold with wonder. His passion for painting led him from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene shores of Alibaug and eventually to Goa's artistic haven. His recent exhibition and birthday celebration rolled into one at Shanti Chopra’s quaint colaba wooden cottage like gallery Art Musings, curated by Sangeeta Chopra, surpasses all his previous shows. Accompanied by a stunning coffee table book showcasing his latest works - a perfect Christmas gift for art aficionados- the show was buzzing until the wee hours.
This Christmas, I find Mumbai absolutely radiant - strings of lights on streets turning the city into a tapestry of stars. As a friend remarked, it's perhaps a reflection of the good times and political stability blessing India. May these blessed times continue for our beloved Bharat - whether we're celebrating Eid, Diwali, or Christmas. There's something profound about how our city embraces every festival with equal joy, making each celebration our own. As the carol goes, "Peace on Earth, goodwill to all" - may we forever hold onto this spirit of celebrating together as one great Indian family, our unique customs making our festivities only richer and more meaningful.
(Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com)
