Colors of Bombay - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The shortest and most precise definition describing the nature of Mumbai is “the city of contrasts”. The contrast is seen literally in every aspect of the city life: its architecture, lifestyle of local folks, people’s temper and their attitudes towards life. During the city cruise travelers will meet women clad in traditional sari and young people in outfits keeping in traditions of European casual style.

Many local residents still venerate the traditions of the forefathers and live in keeping to religious cannons. In the meantime a major part of local folks of the city live a totally different life and have abandoned following religious traditions and cannons long ago. For many residents of Mumbai the most important and sainted places are still the churches, temples and sanctuaries meanwhile another part of the residents choose night entertainments and like European residents live a free from religious limitations and taboos life.

The territory of the city is divided into several districts featuring a different architectural style and unique peculiarities. Perhaps the most essential feature of the modern city of Mumbai is still scale slums. The major part of the local folks in Mumbai lives below the poverty line. The city is home to the largest slum on the territory of Asia. However in close vicinity to poverty slums tourists will discover upscale elite quarters which are added with ever new skyscrapers and luxury villas and residencies. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The capital of the country, the city of Mumbai has two names. The first name of the city is Bombay which is now still preferred by many local residents. The city got this name long ago during the colonial age. The modern name of Mumbai the city got in 1995. At present Mumbai is the most heavily populated city of the country. The main feature of the city is still crowds of people in the streets, public institutions and areas as well as in the public transport.

The city is home to more than 20 millions of people. Travelers will surely notice an endless stream of folks during the tour through the central districts of the city. The streets of Mumbai are rather crowded even at night. Local residents hurry to night markets, supermarkets and on business day and night. Many tourists strive to visit the city during national fests and holidays in order to fully embrace the culture of local folks. The most remarkable and bright ethnic fest which history dates back to ancient times is the Genesha Chaturthi festival commonly celebrated at the end of August.

One of the holidays celebrated here is dedicated to the god with an elephant’s head. Buddhists start celebrating it with chanting the mantra “Om Ganesha Namaha”. They ask the god for giving them luck and success in all endeavors. They do this every morning for ten days. During the holiday, spectacular parades are held. At this time, people carry the colorful figurines of Ganesha decorated with garlands. The statue is taken to the nearby island and lowered into the water, so that it eliminates all difficulties. Besides, believers perform some rites associated with an offering. The gifts are usually fruits and sweets, in particular, modak (coconut candies), buts, and milk.

Another Buddhist holiday is celebrated in early October and dedicated to the wife of Shiva, Durga. It is named Navaratri, which means “nine nights”. It is celebrated all over the country. In Mumbai, it is celebrated to great effect. At this time, traditional services are held. On special platforms in the central streets of the city, you can see the believers performing Indian dances “garba” and “dandiya”. Merchants are never in loss too, as they offer the visitors their best goods at the fair. The celebration ends with the Vijaya Dashami rite. It is the reproduction of the battle when Durga defeats demon Mahishasura.

In early February, Mumbai is visited by art connoisseurs. Exactly at his time, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is held (Hindu “kala ghoda” means “black horse”). During the holiday, you can learn more about Indian culture and traditions due to dances, music concerts, theatrical performances, and the tasting of local dishes. Everything happens in central streets and parks. Besides, art exhibitions, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, seminars, and master classes are organized in cultural institutions. The visitors also have an opportunity to watch new films in the open air. Moreover, the entrance is absolutely free.

In Mumbai, jazz and blues are very popular. The Mahindra Blues Festival is held at the same time as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, in early February. As a rule, the blues fest is held later. This is a major event not only in the region of Maharashtra, but also in entire India. The fest is always held in the Mehboob Studios. Here, bluesmen from all over the world perform. The names of headliners will make you understand how important the festival is. For example, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Walter Trout were invited to the fest.

Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine the Indian filmmaking without the Mumbai International Film Festival that is held in late October and gathers all Bollywood stars. At this time, you can meet them in cafes or outside and ask for an autograph. In the main cinema of the city, the PVR Cinemas located in the shopping center Phoenix Marketcity, the visitors can be the first to watch new films. All genres, from actions to light comedies, short and feature, are displayed. The opening ceremony of the film festival will definitely stick in your memory. All TV channels of India will spotlight this event for the next few days.

The lovers of delicate jewels and businessmen should visit the most famous exhibition in Mumbai, the India International Jewellery Show, that is held in late July. It takes place in the Bombay Exhibition Centre where the visitors can see real masterpieces, jewels from famous Indian brands. In early February, gourmets will be impressed by the surroundings of Mumbai, Nashik. Tourists can learn about local culture by tasting local dishes at the SulaFest. It is held in the Sula Vineyards where you can listen to live Indian music (jazz, fusion, folk, and rock) and attend several master classes (for example, on dances or wide production).