What could be more fitting than a confluence of six photographers at the Maha-Kumbh mela. In April 1998, A Srinivas, Manoj Patil -- star photographers' from The Indian Express -- Fawzan Husain, Prashant Nakwe, Vikas Khot and Abhijit Bhatlekar took their cameras and captured, forever, cameos of this gigantic manifestation of faith. The story behind this mela goes like this: Once, the devas and apsaras were fighting over a pitcher of nectar. In the struggle, four drops fell onto the earth four drops of nectar and a quest was born. Nine million people visit the banks of the Ganges every 12 years with a faith that stuns with its intensity. And a quest that ranges from the mundane to a desire for the immortal. But words are not good enough to explain the snapshots on display. After all, a picture is worth a 1,000 words.

At CPA's Piramal Gallery, NCPA. July 2 to July 22, 1998.

Kick off

For those stricken by football fever, there's so much happening in the city that youcan play ball anywhere, anytime! There is a Heineken contest at Lancers' Bar at the Oberoi Hotel. On till July 10, 1998, free beer is on offer simply for being there -- well, almost. Apart from the prizes that are up for grabs, there are also other incentives to keep soccer fans glued to their bar stools. That is until they fall off in a drunken stupor.

For more call the Oberoi Hotel at: 2024343.

Ball game

If the rarefied air of the Oberoi is not your scene, then get into the groove with Coca Cola's World Cup promos. Adopting the football theme, Coke has kick-started various events in pubs, coffee shops and video game parlours. These venues have been transformed into a literal football field with flags, footballs and field markings. And sections have also been rechristened. The bar is referred as `half-time', the seating area as the `bench', and the dance floor as the `penalty area'. Football games, balancing tricks and assorted party games have been organised to whip up the footballfrenzy. A lucky dip and a cheerleader squad are added incentives. Finally, drinks have also been renamed to fit the theme and instead of asking for a rum & coke, if you say, "An offside, please." You get a complimentary snack!

Today, the following bars kick-off the ballgame. So check out the venues at the following times:

Tavern, Hotel Fariyas -- 10:00 to 10:30 pm.

Leopold Cafe -- 10:45 to 11:15 pm.

Earthquake -- 11:30 to 11:45 pm.

Public aid

To commemorate World Anti Drug Day (June 26, 1998), HELP -- a modern public library -- has stepped up its activities. A centre for reliable and comprehensive material on health education, HELP has a rich reservoir of information on drugs, rehabilitation etc.

HELP also hopes that with free access to information patients, doctors and media will be able to interact better. One of their goals listed in their brochure states: "We hope that well informed patients will demand the best treatment available internationally and that thiswill act as an incentive for doctors to update their skills and for hospitals to improve their facilities."

For more details: Health Education Library for People at Om Chambers, 5th Flr, Kemp's Corner. Ph Nos: 368 3334 / 368 1014Or email at: helplib@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in / helplib@bigfoot.com.(Free entry for patients and doctors).

Travel quiz

Australia's Qantas Airways, in association with the Australian Tourism Commission, has organised a special travel quiz for travel agents.

Boomerang'98 will be held between 1.00 pm and 7.30 pm on Saturday, June 27, 1998, at the C K Naidu Hall at the Cricket Club of India.

The quiz which was started last year, pitches travel agencies against each other in an attempt to inform them about Australia's travel treasures. And the bait is a range of prizes, including a fully-paid trip down under to Sydney and Cairns, and the Boomerang Shield, awarded to the winning team.

Editorial ace

If you haven't heard his name before, then make a note ofit. Vidyadhar Pathare, a well-known television editor, enters the Limca Book Of Records for editing more than 1,000 episodes. Editing for over 19 years, his name features in the title credits of serials like Dastaan, Raja Aur Rancho, Humrahi, Lifeline and Chattan. He has also edited ad films, corporate films and popular Marathi serials like Aakar and Vedh.

The record book states that Pathare has completed this monumental task in eight years over 60 different serials. Just 37 years old, Pathare is presently editing serials like Dawn and Sangharsh.

Watch his name the next time the credits scroll on your TV set.

Fit for life

In direct co-relation to fitter bodies seen on Mumbai streets, gyms are springing up like mushrooms in all blocks and corners. With the New Age name of Fitness Gurus, this gym is all set to shape Versova residents. Run by Shivi Graham, the gym claims that each machine is bio-mechanically designed for a safer and more-effective workout. Graham is apparently triple certified bythe American Council of Fitness in all areas of fitness. The team of instructors will provide general advice as well as personal training to members. But weight training is not all that you will get here. Fitness Gurus have taken a holistic approach, and nutritional advice from dieticians is also a part of the package. Situated behind the Versova Telephone Exchange, the interiors of the gym are also designer in their look.

For more information, call 6338199.