Nisha's Mumbai: Nisha JamVwal Gives A Peek Into Her Festive Week Of Ramazan

Ramazan special

Have you noticed how a week or month tends to unfold around a theme sometimes? Like a slew of weddings that was my January which I had shared with you? Or the luminous days of Diwali, or the charged atmosphere of elections and the debates around them? This past month had the flavour of Ramadan, Roza, Iftaar, sehari and the glowing finale of Eid.

The evenings were magnificent celebrations with guests adorned in brilliant primary colours, shimmering with embellishments and jewellery that caught some rays of light. But the crowning finale was undoubtedly Zarine and Sanjay Khan's Eid dinner - a cherished tradition I've honoured every year for years - whenever I'm in Mumbai. It's become as much my ritual as it is theirs to host this splendid gathering.

B-town luminaries flowed through the spaces alongside the extensive Khan family - cousins and relatives creating a tapestry of connections. The atmosphere is always comfortingly familial and festive, a bonhomous energy spilling from the living room into the dining area, across the patio, embracing the aqua poolside and gardens. After Zarine my favourite Khan has always been Zayed - whose charm is nearly as magnetic as his talent which has still to be revealed to its full potential.

By the poolside, conversations with André Timmins, Co-Founder of the avant-garde events powerhouse Wizcraft, meandered through weight loss wisdom - enchanting not for the topic but for his infectious zest for life. Discovering more layers to him were some of the memorable moments of that evening. Fardeen Khan, as always, offered conversation that nourished the intellect - his natural grace complemented by his expansive knowledge across countless subjects. Anna Singh, whose jewellery transcends mere accessory to become wearable art, promised me earrings I'm now eagerly anticipating.

At her last show, I bought her entire collection nearly- such is her mastery. Neelam Kothari graced the entire evening, alongside Valentina Baytina who journeyed from Dubai specifically for this celebration, and Diya Saini - both friends of Farah Khan. Farah's daughter Fiza was captivating, though even she had competition in Zarine's legendary dinner table laden with Zarine’s renowned dishes. The haleem, unquestionably, was the evening's culinary triumph.

I felt specially wonderful wearing my newly acquired Czarina gown and cape by couturier Nikki and some about this in May! Watch this space.

Iftaar soiree

Equally magnificent was Aakif and Iram Habib's multi-tiered Iftaar soiree at their UNESCO-protected ancestral haven perched majestically atop Mount Mary Hill. The dinner buffet embraced the garden in an elegant U-shape, gleaming silver chafing dishes catching the moonlight, while intimate round tables dotted the emerald expanse of the multilayered lawn and cottage.

Guests arrived in continuous waves from nine until well past midnight, all drawn to the sumptuous banquet. Their warm hospitality and attentive care elevated the evening to something truly festive. What made the gathering particularly special were the annual guests who linger into the night - many whom I encounter only at this yearly reunion, making these reconnections especially meaningful.

I missed Saher and Asif Bhamla's Ramadan shamiana with Sophie Chaudhary, but the intensity of deadlines and professional commitments proved overwhelming this first quarter of 2025. This month of devotion, fasting, and prayers carries a profound intensity and dedication that resonates throughout the city.

Soul-stirring music

I concluded this month listening to my friend Kenneth Hopkins' soul-stirring rendition of 'Ave Maria,' at the Mount Mary Basilica which for me reaffirms Mumbai's extraordinary fusion of faiths and beliefs. I’m not sure Kenneth realises how very talented he is.

I found his uninhibited rendition at par with the greats Maria Callas, Celine Dione, Bochelli! We inhabit a city blessed with countless experiences, myriad Gods, Mukti hued celebrations, customs, festivals - a testament to genuine diversity and inclusion that our Mumbai stands for. May we forever nurture this cosmopolitan spirit, for it is this extraordinary quality that transforms Mumbai into the magical melting pot that captures our hearts.

(Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com)

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