Walking Around Matunga

Long Walk Home

Just to let you into a simple perspective a good place to live ones life is a place where you have great  community support and a secure & harmonious atmosphere. Matunga is well ranked in both of this.

Live example being the NGO’s operating in Matunga . If you walk towards King Circle in one of its by lanes near Bhaudaji road is the Shradhanand Mahila Ashram. A NGO with vision of “To help Create a world free of  destitute women and children”

This Hindu Women's Welfare Society was started in the year 1927 in memory of Swami Shraddhanandji(Munshiram).He was disciple of Maharshi Dayanand,the founder of Arya Samaj in 1875.    Swami Shraddhanand felt the need to have shelter for Hindu women who faced problems due to social,cultural circumstances prevailing at that time and he expressed this to his contemporaries, Shri B.G. Kher, Barrister Jaykar, Shri R.D.Birla and Shri V.L.Napoo,etc. They established the Ashram & within 2 years many women sought shelter in this.Currently it is working with 180 orphans of aged 0-18 in balgruha and also run a shelter for women.

The Ashram is a Home for needy children including court committed ones. It Provides education, training in home making, tailoring and embroidery. The organization runs a Special Care Center for abandoned babies and children are given in adoption. Girls stay till they are self supportive or married. The organization also arranges marriages at the Ashram. What donation it collects from the donors they spend on Sponsorship  to the needy students from rural areas. They also run an Orphanage for boys aged between 0-5 years.

The boys are referred to other Ashram after attaining 6 years of age if not sent in adoption.

The Ashramkanyas from 6-18 years attend different schools in the neighborhood. They are also coached in many co-curricular activities such as music,dance and sports.They are taken for educational tours.In house competition are organized for them.Workshops in handicrafts,ceramic painting and mehandi are organized for them.

The Ashramkanyas are grouped in houses and housekeepers are there to supervise them.There are qualified social workers who nurture them and look after their educational & emotional needs.

The shelter and Balgruha are registered with the Commissioner of Women & Child Welfare Office,Pune,Maharashtra State.Grant-in-aid(Non-salary) is received from them. The Ashramkanyas above 18 years attend college,vocational courses.They are also married through the Ashram on receiving suitable proposals.Some of them undertake vocational courses and work outside.

The Ashram also run a women's hostel for the working women. And gives them a safe environment to live and work in Mumbai till they find an alternate accommodation on their own.

Just ahead is the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy home for the children . The Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home for Children was founded by late Sir Rustom P. Masani and late Sir John Wardlaw-Milne in the year 1916. It is the oldest institution in the city of Mumbai devoted to the work of protection and care of destitute children, irrespective of caste, colour or creed. It started its work in 1917 with a small shelter at Grant Road. It was felt necessary to form a Society for the purpose of solving the problems of destitute children satisfactorily and thus The Society for the Protection of Children in Western India was founded.

Later it was shifted to its present premises at King's Circle, Matunga, Bombay in the year 1921. The Home was named after the late Hon'ble Mr Byramjee Jeejeebhoy, C.S.I, in 1916, after a donation of Rs. 50,000 was received from his grandson, late Rustomjee Byramjee Jeejeebhoy.

Most of the children admitted in the Home face a common problem: they are either parent less, unwanted in their own family, from broken families, lack care and protection or have irresponsible guardians. These factors cause them to take to street life which results in them either associating with bad elements or falling victims to adult criminals.

The home provides facilities for physical fitness, sports and games, recreational activities, outings, library, etc. Our children are encouraged to observe National days on all important religious festivals to foster a spirit of brotherhood, love and tolerance among children of different communities.

The main activities of this Home are to work for the overall welfare of children and  protest against exploitation of children. To provide home for the destitute children and to impart formal education in an ambient atmosphere.

One of its objectives is to take action for the enforcement of the existing laws for the protection of the children, and if necessary, to suggest new laws or amendment in the home. The society proposed legislation towards protection of children and as a result, the Bombay Children Act 1924 came in to being.

A true home for the marginalized children in the society, nurturing them and giving them wings to fly and rise up in the society.

As I walk back home , I am engulfed by the memories of the year gone by. A year back I started a walk around the neighborhood of Matunga , that quaint place between Dadar and Sion with its small town culture still intact . Clinging to the core values of inter –community peace and harmony. But also having a liberal outlook and the adaptability required to change with the times. I have been fortunate enough to stay in this magical place and grow up here enjoying all it has to offer. From the foodie joints in every nook and corner to the community centers , sports clubs to the chaotic market area , beautifully landscaped gardens to the secluded yet quiet by lanes . The night hot spots for those mid night hunger pangs to the highly regarded educational institutions. All crammed in this small yet magical place.

Over the last 1 year I have been reliving my childhood memories be it watching children play Lagori or Andhali Koshimbir (blind mans bluff) , visited the numerous restaurants famous for South Indian , Chinese and , Italian. Hogged on the lip smacking fast food on its streets. Enjoyed finding out newer joints that have spring up and spicing up the mundane life.

Hope you enjoyed the journey with me through my blogs….

Happy Reading……

Zindagi Ek Safar hai Suhana ……Yahan kal kya ho kisne janaa

Chand Taron se chal na hai aage ….Aasmano se badhna hai aage

Pichhe reh jayega ye zamana….. Yahan kal kya ho kisne janaa

Haste gate jahan se guzar …. Duniya ki tu parwa na kar

Muskurate hue din bitanaa… Yahan kal kya ho kisne janaa

Maut aani hai aayegi ek din.. Jaan jani hai jayegi ek din

Aesi baton se kya ghabarana … Yahan kal kya ho kisne janaa

Zindagi Ek Safar hai Suhana ……Yahan kal kya ho kisne janaa

Par is zindagi me ik baar Matunga zaroor aana…..

Walking Around Matunga

Big Fat Indian Weddings…

They say the knots are tied in heaven. And if you are the crazy mushy type like me you will also believe in the fact “For each person on this Earth there is a soulmate sent by the creator himself“. You need to find her / him and when you find that special person you will want to settle down in life and be with her / him for the rest of your life.

But before you can settle down in life you need to go through that biggest event called Marriage to start your new life. As Indians we like everything large so how can the weddings be not humongous and bigger than the biggest affair. After all for the guys its the end of their Singledom , end of the care free life and time to take on the responsibility of his sweet heart , his bride …the family. And enter the Grihastashram….For the ladies its about leaving ones safe heaven (her maika) and entering a new household which will be her home hence forth. To Party to banti hai na yaar….

Getting hitched is easy but getting married is tough . Ask the bride , the groom and the immediate family . So much preparations , functions and the food everything has to be just right. It all starts with the hunt for that exclusive wedding hall or banquet hall where the marriage is to be solemnized.

In that regard Matungaites are blessed with many options . For the affluent types you have the King George School Grounds or the Dadar Parsi Gymkhana. For the upper middle class you have the newly renovated Napoo Hall – Ramwadi ,The Gujrati Samaj Hall or the Bhagini Samaj Grounds and for the middle class you have the Palamkot Hall , the Andra School hall and the Wadala GSB Hall.

As they say “To each his own”. At the Dadar Parsi Gymkhana grounds the weddings are like big glamorous events. Orchid lined entrance gate and red carpet entry. Soft Music played over professional music system over huge speakers placed in the corners. Huge LED Displays showing live action on the stage or reeling away events leading up to the wedding like the mehndi or the Sangeets. You could catch the bride , groom and the whole family dancing away on the screens much to the amusement of the visitors. But the bride , groom and their family are enjoying and no one complaining.

The one complaint that everyone dreads is the complaint of the food being served in these weddings. Because after all the taam-jham all you remember about the wedding is the food you ate and the wide variety of options is the talking point years to come. To this regard the caterer you choose becomes the ultimate decision which make or mars the occasion.

At the Dadar Parsi Gymkhana this is managed by one of the specialist in this field M.D Caterers. On the big day the food court area is filled with live counters for Delhi and Indori chaats , Italian wood fired pizza’s Cheesy or Penne pasta. Mexican Taccos , Lebanese wraps and succulent Kebabs.

The main course is a lavish spread with Mughlai , Indian , Chinese and Continental fare. The dinner plate feels small when you want to taste the delicacies. You have to do multiple rounds of the food court area in order to completely enjoy the food.

Some counters like the chaat are always busy with all the ladies making a bee line for them to satisfy their cravings. Others like the Pizza or wraps are crowded with children and their fathers either loading their own plates or taking orders for their better halves. The Indian food counters are always a hit with elderly who are more frequented with the items on display and are sure of the tastes and quality. For the others there is a lot to explore.

The one thing that defines such weddings is the number of desserts made available. I still remember we had like 30 plus sweets kept by our caterer in the Sweet Khazana a sort of open box displaying the goodies. You had the malai sandwich , Rosogulla , Gulab Jamun , barfi’s , angoori rabdi …the list went on. I still find many relatives and close acquaintance’s vividly remembering the sweets and telling me and my wife that the Sweet Khazana was the real highlight o our wedding. And when I tell this to my Father-in-law he beams with pride at having organized the best wedding that is still remembered even after 10 plus years.

On a little less lavish scale you can have the wedding of your life at the Ram Wadi –Napoo AC Hall which is now used as banquet hall on split levels. The main function takes place in enclosed environment at their 1^st floor AC Hall where as the food is served on the ground floor . Here the you can select from 2-3 impaneled caterers depending on your budget. The Hall itself is recently renovated which looks great with professional decorations during the function. Wide enough to hold a guest list of 200 -300 people .

The food served here is more Indian Cuisine with little chaat and Chinese thrown in for variety . The traditional fare dished out can be , the all time favorite tawa bhaji with potatoes , egg plant (bhaingan) , cauliflower etc simmering in the oil on the edge of the tawa and fried and mixed with the masala to make a great dish. Then the most liked veg dishes served are the paneer tikka masala or paneer palak , yellow dal either dal fry or the tadka dal or if some thing rich is require people opt for dal makhni. To go with all this veg affair you have the variety of India bread or the tandoori rotis. The standard tandoori roti  ,the soft kulcha , seasame sprinkled naans al serve hot . The  sweet counter usually host the rabdi –jalebi or the hot gulab jamun with vanilla ice cream.

As guest you enjoy the food ,bless the couple , click some photos and move on . The couple and the immediate family stays on till the end soaking in the arclights of the photographers and the video graphers. Eats the last and finally leave the venue to go home. The bride bids fare well to her parents and immediate relatives and goes off with the groom to his home to start a new life. The bride’s parents leave with heavy heart to their empty nest lost in the thoughts of their cute little princess who grew up so fast.

Long after the wedding is over  the expenses are calculated while paying the bills of the various service providers , the caterer , the decorator , the marriage hall manager, the photographer / video grapher etc . As parents you think what was all this expense for ? But then again you think of all the smiles that it brought on your daughters face and it melts your heart.

After all you live once , you love once and marry also once…..

Walking Around Matunga

Medical Trusts in the vicinity.

Life in our city is getting more and more expensive. To quote the latest finding Mumbai is the ranked 17^th among the most expensive city to live in behind London at #1, New York at #2 and Hong Kong at #3. At #17 it is still ahead of well-developed cities like Berlin (Germany) and Johannesburg (South Africa). Not only is it becoming expensive in terms of cost of real estate (rental or purchased) but also in terms of cost of food, travel and medicines and in comparison to purchasing power parity (PPP). For e.g. what you get for 1 Rupee is far far less to what you can get for 1US Dollar. This means you need to spend much much more to get your basic necessities fulfilled in a city like Mumbai. And on top of that if you fall sick then you would end up spending even more to get back to normal. What with the trend of 5 start hospitals like Lilavati’s, 7 Hills and Kokilaben and the doctors charging a bomb even for just checking with consultation fees hovering around 1000 to 2000 per visit. This does not include the diagnostics tests or the medicines prescribed.

But all is not lost, you still have the vibrant charitable trust culture in our great city and more so in Matunga. Trusts set up by philanthropist communities like the Jains, Gujarati’s and GSB’s or charitable clubs like Lions and Rotary.

The oldest among these charitable medical centers is run by Lions Club near King Circle. Here you have Dr.Parikh the affable pathologist heading their laboratory facility and serving the patient referred to by the various specialist doctors and general practitioners (MBBS). They have great in-house facility for all the blood tests, urine tests, sputum and stool test required for proper diagnosis of the diseases that a patient may have contacted. He is well assisted by 2-3 interns who take the necessary samples, label them correctly for the required test. They also do the test along with him and then the reports are provided on neatly printed sheets. Over the years some of these interns after their training have succeeded in starting their own practice in the localities where they come from. This pathological Lab even has tie up with bigger Laboratories like Metropolis to whom they refer the samples for test which require specialized equipment’s.

Then there the visiting doctors and specialist who attend to patients in their allotted timings. You have Dr. Mrs.Ojha a leading general practitioner experienced for more than 30 years and attending to routine diagnosis of cough, cold, fever, nausea, diarrhea etc. Soothing the nerves with her clam demeanor and correct diagnosis. Then there is Dr. Mistry the old Parsi doctor and a well renowned Cardiologist taking care of the patient complaints from poorer section and providing them affordable medicines. They also have a fully equipped Physiotherapy department with UV and other equipment’s which help in fast recovery of patients faced with fractures or older patients whose joints get frozen due to muscular deterioration and lower joint activities. This is headed by Dr.Kinjal Gala. They also have a dedicated dentistry department for attending to cavities, root canal and dentures or implants for old patients. Few years back there was this Tamilian doctor Dr.Mani who used to head the dentistry department. I remember having my cavities filled with silver by him when I was I college. He was a gem of a person with art for communication. He would keep you busy with his general talks and stories while operating on you and you would never feel scared of the whirring drill machine in his hand. A lot of the interns trained under him today are operating their solo clinics in the vicinity of Matunga. Case in example being Dr.Mamta Choksi daughter of the Local Chemist “Matunga Kmist” who operated his pharmacy at King Circle from as long as I can remember. Now his daughter has turned it into her Clinic.

These and all other facilities are made available to one and all at very nominal rates. Not only the poor but middle class families living in Matunga take the advantage of these facilities as they are assured of best service with great equipment’s and correct diagnosis and treatment from the visiting doctors. As a result of the great demand for their medical facilities they have started a new center at Dadar TT opposite to Dadar Parsi Gymkhana. Here they have started consultancy facility with doctors in the field of Cardiology, Dermatology (Skin Disorders) and Orthopedic

Further towards Gandhi Market there is another famous charitable institute “The Manav Seva Sangh”. This center is run by a registered NGO and provides facilities to Senior citizens and underprivileged children. It was started in 1924 as a modest facility with minimum support staff. Today it has a 7floor building with a residential facility acting as old age home for senior citizens on its 4^th, 5^th and 6th floors. With clean and hygienic 30 AC rooms, fridge in each room, nutritional food and round the clock medical support, it offers the best experience for old persons who are left behind to fend for themselves when their own family and relatives fail to support them in their twilight years. On its lower floors there is a medical center providing medical facilities like Sonography, X-ray, Dentistry and other pathological tests at very nominal rates. Besides this they have visiting doctors in the field of Cardiology, Endocrinology, Diabatology and Physiotherapy.

It also hosts a club for senior citizens with entertainment facilities like Carom, Chess and cards. They also arrange excretions to religious places for small groups two three times a year. Sometimes they have special bhajan Sandhya where well know singers present Bhajans in their well-equipped hall to entertain their members. The same hall is leased out for Marriages which earn them additional income to run their facility. They also run a creach for children aged between 2 and 8 years staffed with ECCEd trained teachers. A boon and peace of mind to working parents in the locality.

It also runs an Industrial vocational center imparting training in courses like Architecture, Computers, Electronics (Repairs) and Mechanical for students just out of college to prepare them in their journey towards self-empowerment.

Another specialty medical center offering high end facilities to the middle class and underprivileged people is the GSBS Medical Centre at Dadar TT in the lane going toward Dadar CR Station and next to Hotel Ramee. This well-equipped center provides facilities like Sonography, Color Doppler, X-Ray both traditional and Digital (MRI), a dental department for implants and root canals. An Orthopedic department with facility for buddy strapping and ankle strapping for minor or hairline fractures and plastering services for major fractures. A special lab for complete health check including ECG , stress test and blood test with lipid profile , hematology, bio chemistry ( for blood sugar, Creatinine , Bilirubin and Culture test ). They operate a consultancy service center with reputed doctors in each field like Cardiologists –Dr.S.G.Karmarkar & Dr.Kachwalla, Oncology (Cancer specialist) Dr.Satish Rao & Dr.Sanjeev Karmarkar, Plastic Surgeon –Dr.Maksud Davale & Dr.Charudatt Chaudhary, Urologist –Dr.Manu Sobti & Dr.Prawal Biswas, Pediatric Surgeons – Dr.Sarita Bhagwat & Dr.Prashant Joshi and many more such renowned doctors are available for consultancy at very nominal rates.

With such facilities available at their doorstep people living in Matunga are lucky and well equipped to face any medical emergency better than any other part of Mumbai.

Kudos to all these medical trusts, their organizers, their support staff and the doctors who give their precious time and knowledge and salute to their dedication to serve humanity at large.

Walking Around Matunga

Sports Culture

With the Olympics 2016 just ending in the exotic location of Rio in Brazil, debates have started doing the round of all news channels – “A nation of 1.2 billion people and only 2 medals” . The news anchors trying to out do each the other in dissecting this hot topic . Some exposing our Union Sports Minister’s selfie obsession with the athletes . The other exposing Haryana Sports ministers escapades at the Copa Cabana pubs and the Rio’s famed beach parties instead of meeting our Indian athletes and boosting their morale. Some other like the top rated news anchor of the #1 news channel shouting from the roof top and cutting out even the subject matter expert in his debates and Asking the question “India wants to know “ why we were not able to win more medals . Is it the apathy of our Sports Ministry or the lack of infrastructure or is it the lack of sporting environment and culture.

There is no perfect answer to the question Why ? But yes there are small small things that contribute to the success of a nation at the highest level of the games that are played at the Olympics. And that starts with the basic sporting environment.

To that extent I can say Matunga has a long history of sports friendly environment and laurels at the Olympics. You have most active and sports enthusiastic college like the Guru Nanak Khalsa College of Arts and Science my Alma mater and a well college in Matunga-King Circle. Their hockey teams have repeatedly brought laurels both at State and National championships. This college boast of Olympians like Balbir Singh, Silma D’Silva, Lorraine Fernandes, Joaquim Carvalho , Marcelus Gomes , Marl Patterson, Jude Menezes , Adrian D’Souza and Gavin Fereira as their ex-students and represented India in Hockey at the prestigious games. They also had S S Narayan representing  Football and  Mary Leela Rao participated in Athletics at the Olympics. The college has always supported sporting activities be it Hockey Football or Basket ball . Special attention is given to students joining from the sports quota and the management is more than happy to lend a helping hand to the student union if they come up with proposal for sports events.

Just next doors there is the Don Bosco School an equally sports friendly school and with a vibrant and active sports body run by the school. They are the only school in the vicinity with a full fledged Football ground and a champion football team . Students like Gaston D’Silva being selected for 2017 FIFA World Cup in under 16 category to represent the indian Football team. The students here train under the watchful eye of their coaches Mr. Leslie Machado, Mr. Mohan Pillai, Mr. Naresh Solanki.Their teams out playing bigger and better schools and winning State and National u-8, u-14  and u-16 football championships consistently.Besides bringing laurels in Football , they also have Basketball and hockey teams winning at the inter school and state level championships. The School is at the forefront in terms of sports promotion and nurturing sporting talents. The Savio Club operated and managed by the school administration and run on school premises has been active for more than 50 years. Every year during Summer Vacations this Savio Club hold various coaching camps for the children not just from the school but from outside. The Coaching camps are run by well know sports coaches and the students are taught all nuances of the sport. Be it Basket Ball , Tennis , besides the regular Cricket . They have great facilities for indoor sports like Carom and Chess.

All these facilities were available by becoming part time members of the Savio Club in summer vacations for a measly sum of Rs.30 per month. You could both enjoy and learn the chosen sport right here in Matunga. Today also this club charges minimal fees for the summer sports camps .It encourages the children to take up sports as hobby or even profession. Creating a pool of talented sports enthusiasts. Giving that much need boost to the activity starved kids of today.

Next I line for special mention is the local Basket ball club going by the name of Hooper Club. This club has a rich tradition of promoting Basket ball in the vicinity of Matunga , King circle and Dadar. Just as Shivaji Park is regarded as the mecca of cricket with its Cricket coaching nets, the Hoopers Club has been the mecca of Basket ball with its multiple basket ball courts and famed famed coaching. With active support of the local Corporator and Mumbai Municipality the courts have been upgraded from the red mud to cement courts and international games oriented Basket ball hoops.

The Hoopers Club has tied up with all the schools in the area for imparting Basket ball coaching. The students who want to learn and go ahead in the sport join their respective school teams which get trained at pre defined slots on week ends . The training stats as early ad 6 am. And continues through the day breaking only for lunch and finally winding up at 6 pm in the evening.

The other sport that is much in demand after Saina Nehwal’s bronze at London 2012 Olympics and this years champion P.V Sindhu bringing in the silver medal for India at Rio 2016 is Badminton. A real common mans game, all that is need are two players , rackets and a badminton cock and you are ready to play even below your buildings. Matunga boast of 3 international level wooden courts. One at the Matunga Gymkhana with its prime and proper enclosed indoor court. The membership for this is much saught after. Within the Gymkhana it has 2 wooden courts of great quality.  The other famous academy in the vicinity is the Padukone Shuttlers Academy , though not related to the famous Prakash Padukone , it is run by  a local Badminton player Jitesh Padukone . This academy is right behind King Circle Station on the Bhaudaji Road. It has good facility for the young shuttlers and teaching timings can also suit the students as it operates Monday through Friday between 3 pm – 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am – 2 pm. Great way to gain practice and in focused environment. Due availability of these facilities and easy access to sports infrastructure Matunga has a well developed Sporting culture.

It’s these basic facilities that needs to be made available at the local level to our energetic and budding sports persons-young boys and girls. If local level administration too can get involved in providing best in class infrastructure it will go long way in creating the right sporting spirit  & overall sporting environment. This in turn will give a boost to creating a sports friendly localities at the bottom of the pyramid which will eventually lead to creation of a sports enthusiastic nation.

Then every four years , we will not be debating why we didn’t win medals at the Olympics but on the contrary we will be discussing  how many more medals we can win at the Olympics.

My Salute to all the sports persons and their coaches who represented India at Rio 2016 and brought name and fame to the country despite the pathetic infrastructure and lack of government support.And also hat’s off to the parents of these athlete for firmly standing behind their wards in their struggle.

Here's wishing we get more medals in Tokyo 2020....

Walking Around Matunga

Ganpati Bappa Morya Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya…..

With the 11 days of Ganesh Festivities coming to a close on Anant Chaturdashi , its time to bid adieu to lord Ganesh or Bappa as his reffered by his devotees. There is a feeling of mixed emotions , a sense of sadness as the Bappa departs for his abode in the heaven and feeling of hope that he will once again visit this earth next year. Till then he will always reside in our hearts and minds in his most appealing form of Lambodar , the portly elephant headed god. He is most loved by the children (grants them 5-7 days of holiday from school ) the young ( grants them freedom to go out late in groups have fun and dance to DJ music during processions) and the old (grants them mental peace and a few days of stress free life) all this encapsulated in his kind gaze and loving demeanor. As right written in the Puranas , a true Vighna harta ,the remover of obstacles.

Matunga is the palce to be if you are a true  Ganesh Bhakt . During Anant Chaturdashi the last day when processions are taken out for Ganesh Murthi Immersion (Visarjan), this is the place to be. The whole of Dr.Ambedkar Road is caurdoned off vehicular traffic and special arrangements are made for the Miravnuk’s (procession). Just after 2.30 pm the traffic flow is changed and made to travel in reverse direction so that the tempos and trucks carrying the Bappa can smoothly access the Tilak bridge to go to Shivaji Park Chowpati for the immersion. The first Ganpati that goes by is the Duke’s Ganpati form Chembur. This large idol installed at the Dukes Factory (if you remember the real mango juice based beverage Mangola ) rushes through the main road right in front of our home.

Next in line come the Ganesh Mandals from Chembur and as far as Mankhurd. Some in small tempos some on top or Trucks. The decoration has to be seen to be believed. The road in front of our home is transformed into a mela. You will find stree vendors selling Mumbai’s famous fast food “Vada Pav” and Bhajji Pav. Served hot and crispy alongwith spicy garlic chutney. Then there are the chat stalls near Bakul Mansion the building at the coner of the lane leading to Matunga Railway station. Here you will get the juiciest and succulent Pani Puri’s and best ever sev puri with mint chutney and gila bhel with sweet and tangy imly chutney. Just next doors you have the merry-go-round , giant wheel and flying boat operators providing a thrilling time to the children who tag along to their parents to watch the Ganapati visarjan procession. Small street vendors sell plastic toys , dolls , kitchen sets , kiddie mobiles , cameras , trains, cars ,Disney character masks et all. All for a measely sum of Rs.10-30 but giving immense happiness to the children. I still remember during my childhood we would take a pocket money of Rs.20-50 and spend on these goodies to our hearts content. A special purchase would be the Aapti bar or the small fire cracker wrapped in silver or golden paper , which when thrown on the ground with force gives out a small bang. A paisa vasool item. Some of us would spend the money of the pipri -plastic or card board based sound emanating kids bugle. “Blowing once own trumpet” would take an altogether different meaning.

The Ganesh Miravnuk not to be missed is the tradition procession taken out by the Ruia College students for the Vidyarthyancha Raja. The process starts around 7.30 pm with tradition Nasik Dhol and tasha band specially flown in from Nashik or Pune. Last year they had all female band drumming away on the Dhol and tasha with such vigour and in rhythm even the male onlookers would feel awed by their enthusiasm. Their energy so contagious that unmindful of the surrounding you are sure to start tapping your feet and dancing on the spot. The miravnuk starts at the pandal and winds down to the Ruia Signal of the main road. In between all that drumming , the students light up crackers on the road. This procession is sometimes attended by ex-students like Sanjay Narvekar (Dedh Phutiya of Vaastav fame).The miravnuk’s grand finale is the sky show of crackers (rockets). What a great way to bid adieu to the Bappa.

At the same time on the main road you can see the Raj Kapoor’s Ganpati with its traditional decoration of Ganga flowing from Shivji’s jatta (hair) and Ganesh ji siting on his lap in the front . The sevadars on the truck spraying water on the crowds gathered on the sides of the roads. A little fun while moving towards chowpatty.

The whole area is filled with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya , pudchya varshi lavkar ya. Sounds of dhols , tutari and lezhim in traditional miravnuk. Or the ear blaring Bollywood songs played by would DJ’s from huge speakers mounted on separate trucks. Groups of young boys and girls dancing in the front.

Just as the darkness sets in you can see the most beautiful sights with Ganapati’s big and small mounted on trucks decorated with colourful lights and spreading the glow. As children we used to run towards these trucks to get a closer look at the Bappa and collect the Prasad. We used to fill our hungry tummies with sakhar phutana’s , boiled channa , pedhas , Lhaya’s (puffed rice) and sometimes sev bundi and sweet moong khichadi.

The procession continues well into the night even past mid night. Only the sounds and music systems curbed by the traffic cops. The Ganesh idols looking serene in the soft glow of the lights.

You wipe the tears in your eyes and with a heavy heart but with a hope in your mind that Bappa will be back next year you trudge back home……

Sometimes if you look up in the sky I feel Bappa would also be wiping his eyes and saying “Ho nakki” when a shout of “Pudhchya Varshi Laykar ya goes up “.

Walking Around Matunga

Ganpati Bappa Morya

Varkra Tund Mahakay , Surya Koti Samaprabha

Nirvighna Kurme Devo , Sarva Karyashu Sarvada

This  shloka invokes the blessing from Lord Ganesha before start of any new project . It prays to the elephant headed God of Art and Knowledge to drive away all the obstacles  (Vighnas)  and bless the requester with success in his work.

At start of this week every body will become busy in welcoming the Vighnaharta , the God of 18 Vidya and 64 kala’s the lovable Ganesha into their homes and in buildings at the Sarvajanik Mandals. Here he will stay with us for the next 10 days from Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi . Bringing along with him happiness and a mood of festivity and with a promise to ease the stress and burdens of his lakhs and lakhs of devotees. He is the embodiment of art , culture and peace. Just looking into the eyes of his Murthy will melt away your sorrow and and bring around a sense of hope and happiness.

Matunga being close to the culturally vibrant areas of Lalbaug , Parel and Shivaji Park and pre dominantly a Maharashtrian enlave , the Ganesh festival is celebrated in great pomp . This place has close to 10 -15 sarvajanik mandals dating to back pre independence years with a rich historya and tradition of 50 – 75 years . Take the example of  2 of the richest Ganesh Mandals , the GSB Ganesh Mandal at Wadala celebrating 75 years of incorporation and GSB Gaesh mandal at King Circle celebrating this festival for last 62 years . Both these are said to be Iccha Purti Ganesha’s , where if you make a wish with you pure heart the Lord will bless youa and make it come true. I have personally experienced the same on may occasions over the years. Both these Mandals have their unique style of celebration. The King Circle GSB Ganesh Mandal celebrates the Ganesh festival for 5 days on the SNDT grounds on the RA Kidwai Road with a huge pandal and an equally huge Ganesh Murti. The Ganesha idol is decorated with real Gold ornaments like the glittering and bejeweled crown , Gold necklaces , palm and feet covers made of gold and golden kaddas for hands and feet. The nearly 20ft idol sits on the stage in great style bestowing all those whom come with his blessings. The area in front of the idol is demarketed for Gana hom (havan) and another are is designated for Tula bhar ( a custom of offering coconuts equal to once weight to the Lord Ganesh).

For all 5 days there is a special Prasad Lunch free to all the devotee who visit the pandal. Close to 4-5 Lakh devotees take this prasadam over the period of the 5 days. At a time nearly 100 people can eat in one sitting . The food is prepared the kitchen set up right behind the Mandap and close to 50 -60 cooks prepare the special menu . Then there are another 50-100 sevadaars at any given time inside the pandal to help organize this festival and make sure the festival passes without any untoward incidents. I personally recommend to try the special lunch atleast once , you will come back again again every year like I do. The menu is simple mix of GSB traditional items like Udit Methi (sweet and tangy curry made from coconut spiced with udit and fenugreek seeds) Tendli upkari ( smashed and fried tendli vegetable) , Sar (Rasam) , Kachi Kela Bajji (Raw Banana mixed in Chick pea batter and crispily fried) , fresh mango pickle or mixed vegetable pickle, fried papadam, Steamed rice and Dali Toy (yellow dal) . For sweet there is the Madgane paysam( sweet made of channa dal and coconut milk ) flavoured with elaichi and jai phal and soft bundi ladoo. All this is served on a banana leaf the most eco friendly plate you can use.The sevadars keep coming with refills and urge you to take second or third helpings . Sitting there cross legged on the floor makes you content and you may end up eating more than you can imagine and your routine appetite. The food is simple but really tasty. Do try it atleast once…

Same is the case at the Wadala GSB Ganesh Mandal . here the Lord is hosted for 10 days with equal apolomb . This Ganesh is said to be richest Ganesh Mandal outdoing even the famous Lalbaugcha Raja the 10 day festival is insured for close to 260 Crores. The jewelry on the Lord Ganesha’s murthi itself is valued at more than 22 Crores. But this mandal still believes in the old values with traditional functions like Shloka patthan , traditional dance performance and late evening bhajjans by local and community groups performing very day. There is never a rush and the chaos associated while visiting the pandal which is open close to mid night. You can peaceful stand in the que , reach the lords feet , soak  in the serene atmosphere and pray at the Lords feet and take his blessings in a calm manner.

The Sarvajanik Mandal next to our building in Aggarwal Nagar even hosted a mini film festival. Screening the famous Amitabh Bachan starers like Namak Halal ( with dialogs as funny as “I can talk English I can walk English”) , Shaan (made famous by the baldy villain Shaakal  , Coolie ( Sari Duniyaan ka boj hum uthate hain a tribute to the porters of Mumbai) , Deewar ( With the famous lines “Mere paas bungla hai gadi hai paise hain , tere pas kya hain and Shashi Kapoor desimating him with a counter “ Mer Paas Maa hain” )and the epic Sholay with the characters of Surma Bhopali ,  Angrezo ke zamane ke Jailer , Thakur , Jai ,Veeru and the notorious Gabbar all etched in our minds. We would sit on the steps on the central garden on news paper spread to protect our clothes and enjoy the movies of the large white screen and dialogues and song blaring from huge speakers.

During our childhood we used to roam around visiting the numerous Ganesh Pandals in the vicinity and enjoying the festival and having a gala time.The tradition is continued with me and my wife taking our kids Netra & Bhatki and visiting all these pandal and enjoying the decorations of each mandals.

You have the Vidyarthyancha Raja (Students Ganesha) at the Ruia Naka with decorations based on current topics and news. Visited by Marathi television and movie celebraties . Walking further you arrive at the tallest Ganapati Murti in the Brijwasi Ganesh Mandal with decorations of water fountains and cutains.The murthi close to 15 ft with the Ganesh idol in traditional yellow pithambar. Moving ahead you come to the Matunga Market Ganpati Mandal earlier patronized by the erstwhile gangster Vardharajan Mudaliar on whose life was made the famous Tamil Movie “Nayakan” with Vardha bhai role espouced by vetran character actor Kamal Hasan and directed by talented and award winning director Mani Ratnam . Till he was alive Vardha bhai used to lavishly celebrate the Ganesh festival tasking over the entire space in front of the Matunga Railway Station. Spending  heavily on the theme based decorations and lighting . Though over the years the celebrations have toned down after passing away of the DON . The madal celebrates the festival with apolomb and the devotee still throng to take the blessings of Lord Ganesh and the idol set in traditional south Indian form.

Walk a little further and you come to the Phulwalon ka Ganpati or the Ganesha of the flower sellers in Matunga Flower market. The Pandal here is decked with fresh flowers in vibrant colors from deep chrome to sunshine yellow to deep blues and rich reds. Using flowers like marigold , jasmine , orchids and roses. For ten days the flowers are changed every day and the decorations are the talk of all Matunga.

Next of the list is the Pramanik Ganapati Mandal decked up in Silver jewelary and decorations based on puranik katha’s or religious themes. Walking ahead you land up at the Tejukaya Ganesh Mandal. Here the decorations are theme based  like the hawa mahal from Rajasthan or the miniature Meenaxi Temple or other of palaces and traditional temples. The artisans take months to complete the pandal and bring these exotic places right here in Matunga. This Ganesh Mandal is also famnus for lip smacking and finger licking food stalls righ out side. You can choose from the spicy tangy Butter Pav Bhaji to the mouth watering and hot vada pav  or wolf down the Delhi chaats of alu tikkis , dah wada and golgappas. On public demand they have now started Cheesy pastas and pizzas and even the paneer and muchroom kebabs are scrumptious.

The scene outside is like a mela with merry go rounds and giant wheels and toy sellers selling dolls , guns , toy phones and musical pianos , guitars and hand made bow and arrows etc. The kids love to shop here and the adults like to hog on the food. What fun.

With sleepy eyes, a happy heart and a smile on your face you can then trudge back to your cozy home well past mid night and plop in your bed with a secured mind that for the next ten days Lord Ganesha himself has come down on this earth to bring happiness among his devotees and drive away all the obstacles in their lives.

Ganpati Bappa Morya…….

Walking Around Matunga

Fashion Street @ Matunga

On the long weekend of Independence Day celebrations instead of heading to the hill stations or tourist spots like Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar and getting trapped in the logjam traffic we decided to explore south Mumbai with our kids. We had a gala time shopping for kiddies clothes for little Bhakti and trendy ones for Netra at the various shops near the Byculla Khada Parsi bridge and the road leading to Mumbai Central . A whole lot of options I never knew existed. Will elaborate in detail in my new blog later.

Next on our pit-stop was the heritage buildings of Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus earlier known as Victoria Terminus . With its stone carvings and old British façade making this building stand tall among all other similar heritage structure. Same of the other well know buildings in this area are the Brihan Mumbai Mahanagar Palika or the BMC HQ and the Times Of India Building next to it. On the occasion of Independence day these building were lighted with Saffron , White and Green the colors of our flag. The scene was awesome , truly heartening and lifted once spirit.

The missus wanted to relive the old memories of shopping for trendy and casual clothes so we headed to the famous landmark “Fashion Street”. Opposite the iconic Bombay Gymkhana , this long street is a conglomeration of box sized stalls selling trendy and latest clothes for college kids and young office goers. Here you will find T-shirts , Denims , Cotton Shirts , Skirts , Hot pants , Jump suits , One piece summer dresses and spaghetti tops in wide variety of colors , prints and cloth materials.

Bought some nice Girly tops and jump suit for Netra and even little Bhakti could find some Disney Princess and Frozen tee’s. The missus picked up some anodized danglers for her beautiful ears.

The whole shopping was done walking from one end of this street to the other end . Checking the new stuff , bargaining with the vendors and generally feeling proud of the savings achieved.

To let you onto a secret, all this can now be experience at our very own Matunga , though on a smaller scale but worth the visit for the paisa vasool bargains.

Just opposite the Matunga Market Post office on the footpath starting from Giri Store or Bata up-to Ram Ashray Hotel you have 5-6 stalls specializing in tops for working Women and college going girls. Each with his own niche. One shop keeps the latest and fresh Kurti’s , cotton and synthetic. Long or short he has wide collection for the Women he caters to. Nice ethnic prints , some with classic Koirey motiff’s others vibrant with bright colors like Mango , Red or Magenta and Pink. Then there are the much in demand Black and White or plain whites in Chikankaari. Great collection at decent prices.

The shop next door’s specializes in Tee’s and denims. He keeps the round necks , spaghetti tops and poncho’s in variety of colors and prints. The denim shirts and tops are his hottest selling stuff with Women flocking to pick up more than 2-3 tops at a time. The denim shirts come in standard light blues or dark blues or even in printed designs. Those with miniature flying airplanes or small snow flake designs being the fastest selling items as confirmed by the shopkeeper.

The next shop keeps denim pants , Capri and the cotton casual pants especially the XXL sizes for the plus sized women . The other fast selling item are the printed pants or leggings which can be mixed and worn with Kurtis or tops bough next doors. To cater to the young college going girls he keeps the latest fad – torn jeans and torn tops and in sizes from XS to XXL .All this at bargain prices.  

Shopping here can easily consume 2-3 hours if you need to update or change your ward robe and don’t want to burn a whole in your or your Husbands pocket. My advice though to the women would be to visit this Fashion Street in Matunga on a lazy afternoon sans your Husbands . A ideal place for all shoppers . Don’t be rushed , have the patience to browse through the huge stocks , pick up great looking stuff and haggle to your hearts content and walk away arms full with an assured pride of having got the best price.

And after the shopping spree you can always rest your feet and have a great time at the famous Ram Ashray eating the finest neer dosas , butter idli’s , rasam vada or even the sweet pineapple or butterscotch sheera..

Wish you all happy shopping at our very own version of Fashion Street @ Matunga.