Life in a metro – Mumbai

Mumbai or Bombay, like London, has been described and glorified a tonnes of times. Both the cities are financial hub; boast of some beautiful tourist attractions, melting point where people from different cultures and backgrounds live and not to forget their experience with terror. So when I decided to make my mood board on Mumbai for one of my assignments, I pondered what can I focus on which will not be a cliché. The answer was a Mumbai citizen or Mumbaikar’s life.

Born and bought up in this thriving city, I could recognise some finer nuances which drive everyday lives of millions and moulds you as a person.Transport is Mumbai’s lifeline. Travelling in Mumbai literally brings out a person’s determination and zest to live. Negotiating your way in the BEST bus, shoving for a seat in trains and dealing with cab drivers requires some sort of expertise, which you gain only by using public transport.

When on this journey, one will not miss a group of people clad in white clothes, pushing some carts filled with tiffins. These are Mumbai’s Dabbawalas, who deliver lunch boxes from home to office and back with a precision that most of the top companies will wonder about. Their dedication and determination to serve the customer, in time without any extra benefits has been applauded by one and all. This also signifies a fast pace life in Mumbai, where people cannot wait for their lunch boxes to reach work on time. What supports these hungry souls is Mumbai rich street food, general signified by Vada Pav.

Mumbai is dotted with many street stalls selling Vada Pav – a spicy potato filling stuffed in soft buns. One helping is fulfilling till you have the next meal. Every citizen, including me, craves for a vada pav from their favourite street stall. City’s grit is tested when the black monsoon clouds engulf it for three months. Though the heavy rains put Mumbai out of gear, they show a different facet of Mumbai life. Personally the feeling of drenching in smashing sea waves on a heavy rainy day is one of the most thrilling and unexplainable experiences of my life. Each year I look forward to one way of getting wet in rains and enjoying near city’s many waterfronts.

What unites this busy metropolis is the passion for cricket and festivals like the Ganesh Festival and Dahi Handi. Since my childhood Ganesh Festival has symbolised devotion, sharing and the feeling of belonging towards your family, friends and community. Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar is a living legend we adore, not only for his cricket but as a person. He teaches me that praises and rewards are temporary, what matters is your passion, dedication and determination towards your goal, cherish your family values and be humble.