Men coming in and out of the small mosques after completing their prayers, Burkhaclad women bargaining with the fruitwala or hungry stomachs gulping down the khicdha or chicken tandoori at the local joints, carts selling fresh fruits. Are you in Mumbai or small Islamic town is a question which will definitely cross your mind when you walk through the streets of Mohamadali road especially during Ramzan when the streets are lgnited up with fancy lights and night is full of gastromic fantasies ranging from the malpua to sherkurma or the kababs
When you drive a couple of miles down Mohamad ali road you come to a very Maharashtrian suburb of Lalbaug. Pav vada stalls, zunkha bhakar kendras, vegetable vendors, navari saree shops, musical instruments shops, Chudagali where you get a range of chivdas and much more is what a walk around this suburb will offer you. But during Ganesh Utsav this place looks like a wedding hall, absolutely lit up with the fanciest lights, hosting the biggest Ganpati of Mumbai. But to get one glimpse of the Lalbaug ka Raja one has to stand in line for hours.
When you go further down towards Matunga (JIP)it’s a totally different world again. You feel you have just entered a city in South India. Tons of shops selling the lungis and traditional kanchiwaram sarees, to the lovely spread of south Indian eateries and the neatly carved temples this place is sure to give you a taste of South India.
Moving to Bandra- The queen of suburbs. To get the real taste of a Portuguese village walk down the small streets of Bandra near Mount Marry, The bazzar road and chapel road with its tiny cottages and its small shops will definitely give you a flavour of a Colonial Portuguese village. You will also come across some very beautiful churches, Mount Mary, St Johns church and sea view from Bandstand is divine. Things to watch out in Bandra are the Bandra fair in September and Xms ofcourse.
Mumbai has so many facets to discover.. This is just the beginning. Watch this space for more on Aamchi Mumbai and do send in your contributions
