Music, munchies and masti at Mumbai's Ballard Estate Festival presented by Bombay Times

It was curtains up on a bright Saturday morning at one of the most fun-filled culture fests ' Mumbai's Ballard Estate Festival presented by Bombay Times. The leafy, iconic heritage district was an apt venue for the day-long festival, which was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways of India)

Upbeat performances
Electrical performances were lined up for the evening by singers Shibani Kashyap, Anmol Malik and Arjun Kanungo.While Anmol set the tone for the night with smashing numbers like Kala Chashma, High Heels, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai, Shibani got the crowd nostalgic with her hits like Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat, Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa, Zinda Hoon Main and a medley of love and retro songs. Arjun had the young and old alike dancing to his tunes. Besides his popular album numbers, he sung other favourites like Hamma Hamma, Gandi Baat, Pungi, Bulleya and Afghan Jalebi among others.

Hands-on fun
There wasn't a single dull moment through the day as visitors had their hands full at the robotics learning workshop, getting the simulation experience of being in a rocket, enjoying robotics toys and other gadgetry. Pet lovers queued up for some 'TLC' with their furry companions, where the canines were pampered with grooming sessions and goodies. Infusing some more fun into the evening was an interactive stand-up comedy act that had the audience in splits. If you fancied the sky and stars for company on a cool night, it was just the perfect setting at the open-air silent cinema, where folks lounged around on bean bags and watched movies on a cordless headphone. Kids had a blast at the craft workshop and the huge inflatable slides.

Stall-hopping to shop
There seemed to be something for everyone to buy at the flea market here ' from jewellery and other knick-knacks to home decor, products based on sustainable living and traditional ethnic wear. Among the many stalls, what grabbed our attention was the origami corner with its Oriental design lanterns, diaries made of handmade paper and Warli art bookmarks. Taking off on the huge trend of 'upcycling' were three stalls that took recycling a stylish notch further with clothes that were printed with thermocol, wire and plastic instead of the usual wooden blocks, and quirky bags made of cassette reels. There were also traditional Lucknowi kurtas with jhumkas, chaandbalis and clutches to match, thereby adding to the festive mood.

Music, munchies and masti
The day saw some foot-tapping Bollywood numbers on speakers that kept the crowd company. Rounding off the fun, were pop-up stalls and food trucks offering mouth- watering fare ' pav bhaji rolls, desi-style hot dogs, nachos with cheese and salsa, chhole-aloo kulcha with chilled lassi, meltingly-delicious pizzas and steaming hot momos!