Mumbai.Bombay.Bambai

Star light, Star bright, Bandra

2012-01-08T18:47:00.001+05:30

"Star light. Star Bright.
First star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight..."

I am a moth that gets attracted to shining lights!

Colaba by night...

2012-01-06T10:25:00.003+05:30

While Churchill Cafe helped us fill our tummy with yummy food and brilliant dessert (more about this later!), the bedecked entrance at Indigo was a complete delight to watch as we strolled by in the by lanes of Colaba!

Worli Seaface in the morning light

2011-07-15T11:49:00.000+05:30

Almost a year later...I have finally had the time to upload some pics! A recent trip to Mumbai (yes, I am a resident of Gurgaon now...), Him and I planned to visit Worli Seaface early morning. This is what we managed to capture between long walks and some sweet nothings! :D

Stop. Look. Cross.

In sync...

Sea link...foggy in the morning light

The pristine walkway...

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

2010-09-16T12:58:00.000+05:30

This one is for Ramesh :)

At home...since the past four years we bring an eco friendly Ganesh idol home. Our prior experience of immersion at Shivaji park beach was horrifying so we switched to pure clay idol.

Sitting pretty...

This picture is very special to me. Almost 27 years ago, my dad along with his friends started this 'Adarsh Yuva Mandal' and they started the sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav in their locality. We left the place almost 19 years ago but the other founding members are carrying on the legacy. It has gone from being a small idol to a larger than life one.

This is my last 'spinster' Ganesh Utsav. Lol. I will be married in January and will be off to Gurgaon, Haryana where my in laws reside. I hope to make it back for this festival each year with my hubby!

Glorious Flora Fountain and The Hutatma Chowk Memorial

2010-05-08T15:26:00.000+05:30

On my way to Colaba recently, I saw a huge crowd around Flora Fountain and realized it was some political rally. Bloody nuisance. But I guess the only good that came of it was that they spruced up the old fountain and the adjoining - Hutatma Chowk Memorial Statue. It was for the very first time that I stopped, looked around and took pictures.

The Flora Fountain

The Hutatma Chowk Memorial

Colors of Summer 2010

2010-04-28T23:55:00.000+05:30

My dad's master piece! He loves his plants and it shows...

Summer 2010 Part III

2010-04-28T15:16:00.000+05:30

Awaiting a gorgeous sunset...

Colors on the shore...

Fisher men's gear..

Old Man and the sea

Summer 2010 Part II

2010-04-26T12:03:00.000+05:30

Some reflections in the sun...

Summer 2010 Part I

2010-04-24T23:46:00.000+05:30

Carter Road, Bandra West is one of our [him and me] favourite hangout place. We love the Cafe coffee day here. This time round I was here with friends.

As we all prepare beat the heat, this crow here stops by to check out what else he/she can peck at.

The sea never ceases to amaze me. So many colours and so mysterious...

Just a few minutes back, I clicked the above pic and now look at the colours...

Visiting the ruins

2010-04-18T15:51:00.001+05:30

My cousin is leaving for France for a 40-day study trip. We are both nocturnal creatures and have in the past, stayed awake the whole night and taken walks in the morning. So this time the destination was the Sion Fort. I had heard a lot about it, passed by it many times. Mom kept saying its not safe and it is ruined by vandals. But I guess, my curiosity got the better of me.

The Sion Hillock Fort is a fort in Mumbai (Bombay), India. It was built by the British Governor of Bombay Gerard Aungier atop a conical hillock. The hillock is situated a few metres from the Sion railway station. Sion was the boundary between British-held Parel island and Portuguese held Salsette Island and the castle marked the northeast boundary of their possession. The fort was built between 1669 and 1677.

While climbing up

Almost there...

Front view of the Fort. This all that is left to it now. There is some restoration going on. I am hoping for a miracle.

While going up...its so dreamy!

I love the green foliage!

And sun beats down on us!

Suddenly there is a rush of pink!

View from the top

Overlooking at the factories beyond.

2010-03-29T12:35:00.001+05:30

More fun at Juhu Beach. Picture Courtesy: Dhiraj Bhagat

Muddy Brown...

2010-03-28T16:32:00.000+05:30

My first reaction to the very mention of Juhu Beach is a raised eyebrow! I don't go there anymore. Its dirty and icky. Yet, to someone who is new to Mumbai, Juhu Beach is a place full of fun! Recently I went to the beach with family and this is what I did!

Colaba Causeway - A whole new world!

2010-03-17T14:16:00.000+05:30

The Colaba Causeway - trinkets, souvenirs, jewelery, archaic objects, clothes, chappals, street food, narrow passage, all sorts of people - Mumbai's befitting answer to Delhi's Janpath and Chandni Chowk.

The eternal CST

2010-03-17T14:08:00.000+05:30

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), earlier known as Victoria Terminus (VT) houses the headquarters of Central Railway. It is a world heritage site and one of the busiest railway stations in India. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens in 1887-1888. It bears some resemblance to St. Pancras Station in London.

Riot of Colors - Worli Seaface

2010-03-17T13:58:00.000+05:30

As we walked along the Worli Seaface - cool breeze and these colors enticed me! Worli Seaface in another light - near the crossing at MAFCO Dairy.

More on Kalaghoda

2010-02-19T18:47:00.000+05:30

KalaGhoda 2010... Part I

2010-02-14T01:30:00.000+05:30

Three months is a long time. God knows what I have been up to! Finally I made it to the KalaGhoda Festival with Him. Here are a few glimpses of what we saw...

This is what the installation said:

The bell with lots of smaller energy bells.

Loved the colours...

Loved this piece of art!

Expensive but what colours...

I want this!

Trinkets..

Yummy gujju food...

2009-11-08T14:58:00.002+05:30

This is my Sunday lunch- mom's speciality. Gujarati food- puri, bhinda nu saak [lady fingers], aloo matar [ potatoes and peas in red gravy], Khandvi and Patra and Dal with mint chutney.

2009-10-23T00:44:00.000+05:30

Durga Pujo 1

2009-09-27T02:20:00.002+05:30

Ganpati Bappa Morya!!!

2009-08-23T11:44:00.004+05:30

Ganesh Chaturthi is my favourite festival in whole wide world! Why? Simply because it marks the beginning of all the fun! The decorations are lavish. The food is yummy and 11 days of fun!

At the workshop....

With his other pals...

And there he is finally.....

Coming home....

Govinda ala re...

2009-08-23T11:35:00.004+05:30

OK I had never witnessed Govinda like this! All these pics are taken from my living room window and it was fun watching this group fight it out to reach the handi!

Linking Mumbai...

2009-07-27T22:43:00.002+05:30

[Picture courtesy: Mansohi Banerjee]

I am not very happy with the idea of the Worli-Bandra Sea-link. But what can one person do? To me, it ruins my most favourite place in the world- Worli Sea face. But whenever I voiced my opinion...people said that I was against development. So whatever. My sister happen to zoom past the link and captured some moments at the Sea link and the sea face...

Fishing Village again!

2009-06-23T02:22:00.000+05:30

I dont have a liking for two wheelers but this orange scooter rocks!

Old is gold!

Just whiling away time....

Awww...I love them!

Fishing village...

2009-06-21T02:14:00.005+05:30

Like I mentioned before, the city opens up to the sea...

This is the dhobi ghat! So the next time your clothes, bedsheets etc smell like fish and filth, you know where they washed it!

I don't know why I took this pick!

Kiddy capers!

Walking down the village lane towards the sea!

Meow..tssk tssk!

This was a fresh lot of fish brought in from the sea and I could see the fishes wriggling....

Finally one jumped out of the bucket to its death!

Cycle anyone?

Ban Ganga Part-5

2009-06-19T10:07:00.001+05:30

Colourful shop....

Ban Ganga's trademark!

Two cute little posers!

Lazy afternoon socializing!

Lazy afternoon socializing 2!

Get your ears cleaned...anyone?

A temple is a temple is a temple...

Ban Ganga- 4

2009-06-17T11:52:00.001+05:30

Inside the ancient Shiv Temple...

The stone carving at the entrance...

A goddess... I am not sure which one though!

Laundry boy....

Clothes, heat, swet and sleep.

Sweet slumber...

Three generations- Grandpa, Father and son!

Preying for wishes...literally!

Two different cities merged into one!

Ban Ganga Part-3

2009-06-15T11:43:00.001+05:30

This is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. This Shiv Temple is about 2000 years old [we asked the poojari cum care taker]

This reminds me how abrupt that antenna looks on the stambh but well I can't do much!

The old city amidst the concrete jungle....

Old houses fascinate me.

My favourite pic of all...

How ironical, I say! I love the colour green though....

Temple top...

And then the city opens up to the sea...

Iron man or rather the ironing man!

Ban Ganga Part-2

2009-06-13T11:35:00.000+05:30

While the city sleeps in the sultry afternoon....

Doggy dearest is enjoying siesta too!

Ban Ganga is dotted with temples and this is one of them....

The old by lanes of the city have a different charm....

Making Tar or Damber the traditional way...

The old flour mill....

The tar maker!

Ban Ganga Part-1 A

2009-06-10T11:15:00.006+05:30

This sunday [yesterday] I visited Ban Ganga in Walkeshwar, Mumbai. This place is supposed to be one of the porshest areas in Mumbai where the real estate prices have gone through the clouds [literally!].

Ban Ganga in itself is like an ancient civilization. A sleepy setting amidst the city. I dont have the words to describe and just words wont do justice. More coming soon!

Just like that...

2009-06-08T01:01:00.004+05:30

I am clueless about this post. I have loads of pictures actually. I can go on and on! I have been traveling around the city quite a bit and was glad I carried my camera. So here are a few random shots! I promise I have tons of pics to show...I'll keep them coming!

The good old ladies second class compartment

These clips cost us a fortune....

Amche [Our] autorickshaw...lifeline of the city!

Tired little feet peeking out.... traffic jams are a pain!

Colours of summer...

2009-05-10T13:27:00.003+05:30

The Mumbai heat is killing. I just cannot get myself to go outside and click a few photos. Therefore, I decided to take a short cut. I clicked a few photos around the house!

This of course is happus or alphonso. My favourite fruit and oh-so-yum!

This is my tagore plant, right outside my window. White is always soothing and somehow, I like the blue in the background.

Well my sis obliged and let me click the pretty colourful bangles...[they are mine! :P]

My dad made me [really] photograph his plants after I clicked the roses...so here goes!

I was looking for yellow and this is what I got!

My parents wont let me have a dog. But they don't mind this silly pigeon uses our grill as her maternity home. Finally the chicks have hatched.....

I would happy mother's day! As soon I as I got my camera, the father pigeon flew off but the mum remained...

Sagar Kinare...

2009-05-01T21:46:00.004+05:30

The Mumbai shoreline at daytime. Everytime you take a stroll, there is more to it. These pictures were sent to me by Aditi.

Colours of summer...

2009-04-19T01:22:00.006+05:30

It is a rare treat to go out on a saturday morning, spend the rest of the day with your girl pals and then click some memories...

More...

2009-03-25T13:28:00.002+05:30

And some more sightseeing....

More glorious sunsets...

2009-03-25T12:50:00.003+05:30

I dont remember the last time I was at Juhu beach, having so much fun. Well, this is not me but Dhiraj who did good Mumbai Darshan and took some amazing pics.

6 Feet Land

2009-03-15T13:17:00.003+05:30

Asiad Bus Station. Dadar. 7 a.m. Lovely Sunday morning, just when you think everything is so normal as normal as it should be - you are struck by a realization that even when you are dreaming of a good life and a nice lovely house for yourself, there are millions of people who just need 6 Feet Land to cross that night. For the record, 52% of Mumbai's ever burgeoning population of 1.6 Crores lives in slums. This man, doesn't seem to have the luxury of that too.

The Lion Capital

2009-03-11T19:41:00.004+05:30

Satyamev Jataye is what is written at the bottom of the National Emblem. It means 'Truth alone triumphs'. Truth be told, National Emblem is being conveniently used as a shitting place by birds around Bombay Central Terminus. A glass box to cover it wouldn't cost much, would it?

Architects of Mumbai Central

2009-03-11T19:38:00.003+05:30

Here are the arhitects of Bombay Central Terminus. Engraved into the history.

A dekho at Kalaghoda Fest 2009

2009-03-04T12:51:00.007+05:30

A varied platter of colour, culture, art, sound and sight maketh the Kalaghoda Festival 2009. Pictures courtesy: Manoshi Banerjee.

Andheri Station

2009-03-04T01:05:00.002+05:30

I have to wade through this crowd everyday to get into my train. Luckily the harbour trains are never exactly on time. Therefore, I can make it!

I don't know his name like so many others running for their respective trains. I call him chane wala chacha...

Green Haven

2009-02-19T13:05:00.002+05:30

In a city deprived of greenery, this comes as a refreshing change. Finally going for the BAF awards at Hotel Renaissance, Powai paid off. This is overlooking the lawns and at the other edge of the vihar lake lies Hiranandani gardens.

Creativity in Locals

2009-02-02T18:56:00.003+05:30

People indeed have time to display their creativity in the long rides they take in locals. This one is in a fast train from VT/CST. I wish the same could be done to the people who make these daily serials...

The Bandra Worli Sealink

2009-02-02T18:47:00.005+05:30

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link that opens on 1st May, 2009 [as of now...] has been in news for reasons good and bad. I would just leave it by saying - you like it, you hate it, you can't deny it!

P.S. I found the logo used for it at the protective sheets along the work of construction very innovative and simple. Will click next time over...or if you can do the honours :)

Sunset at Worli Sea Face

2009-02-02T18:42:00.001+05:30

They say Worli Seaface is heaven in rainy season. I ask, isn't it without rains too? :)

The Common Man

2009-02-02T18:35:00.004+05:30

The Iconic Common Man stands at Worli Sea Face, facing the sea. Never speaking, just observing the state of affairs silently has been his trademark. As the Bandra - Worli Sealink construction comes to a close soon, he keeps watching, silently...

Railgaadi!

2009-01-23T13:15:00.001+05:30

The common man's transport. Never lets you down.

Chat about Chaat

2009-01-20T16:50:00.005+05:30

It is one of the staple diets for Mumbaikars. Gorging on a plate of chat-pata dahi batata puri on a hot sunday afternoon is a delicious thought indeed...

Into the dusk...

2009-01-06T23:59:00.003+05:30

Of the setting sun and reflections... My idea of an evening well spent!

Be a Sport!

2009-01-06T23:54:00.001+05:30

An innovative way at Carter Road to make people put in junk in the dustbin. I hope it works and no one steals the basketball net for their home!

Solitary Bird

2009-01-05T22:53:00.003+05:30

Un be known to the world around it, this bird was kind enough to let me click it. This is out side my house in Mumbai.

Old Man at Band Stand

2009-01-05T00:21:00.004+05:30

As the world prepares to usher into 2009, it really doesn't matter to this old man as to what the hullaballoo is all about.

Band Stand, Bandra

2009-01-04T22:57:00.003+05:30

Sea. Sunset. Cool Breeze. Walk on the Promenade. Add some pani-puri if you like. A recipe for a perfect evening.

Local - Life on a Fast Track!

2009-01-04T12:17:00.004+05:30

As they say - Mumbai Local is the lifeline of Mumbaikars. It covers the city like the veins through our body. I caught this fast train at 0440 hours from Borivali to Dadar.

French Fries

2008-11-19T22:23:00.004+05:30

McD present even at Band Stand, Bandra. The beautiful sun melting into the Arabian Sea. Do we really want this kind of multinational presence?

Chowpatti Beach

2008-11-19T22:20:00.002+05:30

An assortment of Gola flavours at one of the numerous stands at Chowpatti Beach. As pleasing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Gola anyone?