Happy Streets shows the power of community spaces: Rithvik Dhanjani

Happy Streets, held on Sunday, January 25, transformed St Sebastian School Road near Chandak Highscape City in Chembur into a vibrant, vehicle-free public space. The initiative by The Times of India aims to reclaim streets for fitness, art and community interaction, encouraging people to step outdoors and connect beyond their daily routines.Actor Rithvik Dhanjani, who was the celeb guest, interacted with participants and appreciated the spirit of the initiative. Rithvik said, “Such initiatives should be organised more frequently, with one Sunday a month dedicated as a no-vehicle day. Happy Streets is a breath of fresh air and demonstrates the value of shared public spaces in strengthening community bonds.Happy Streets is a lovely initiative and shows the power of community spaces. I’m so happy to see people come out in large numbers and make the best of their Sundays.”A lively morning atmosphereThe event drew participants across age groups, creating a lively morning atmosphere. Residents and visitors engaged in activities such as Zumba, XOXO games, snake and ladders, traditional lezim performances by children, hand painting, pottery, chalk drawings on the streets, basketball and live singing.Swati Kolekar (39), who attended the event with her friends for the first time, said, “It’s such a fun vibe. Doing something like this in the morning is refreshing. I would love to come again. We really need streets like these — full of energy. We had a great time doing Zumba.”Puja Mehta, a 16-year-old from the area, said.“I came here with my friends, but I also made new friends. I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities, especially pottery.”