Being from a city which is more popularly known as “The
City That Never Sleeps” or “The City That Dreams”, I would say
it was the best place to grow up in (not like I had much choice because this is
the only place I’ve lived in. :P But given a choice I would still choose
Bombay). This is a city which will leave its mark in your life no matter how
long you’ve been here. This is a city which is filled with surprises and joys
at every turn. This is a city where you will find the rich and the poor equally
satisfied with their life. This is a city which will welcome you with open arms
and give you a chance at fulfilling your dreams no matter who you are or where
you’ve come from.
Many have asked me, “What is so special about Bombay? It is
just another overpopulated city. Duh.” So while I silently beat them up in my
mind I tell them the following:
It is a place meant
for people who dare to dream: No matter how absurd or far-fetched your
dreams may sound, it will cater to all of them and give you (enough) chances to
fulfill them. Living in this city is more like an adventure, because every
corner has an opportunity for people with any kind of skills. Living among
legends who started out small and turned every failure into an opportunity, it
gives you enough inspiration to keep moving forward. It is rightfully called
the city that never sleeps because at every corner, in every street you find
people working from dawn to dusk, with hard work and perseverance until they
reach their destination.
It is a melting pot
of cultures and religions all perfectly blended into one: You will find a
Marathi celebrating Onam and Baisakhi, a South Indian dancing during Dandiya, a
Christian bring a part of Ganesh Visarjans and a Muslim playing with Holi
colours. No kidding.
It teaches you
discipline, punctuality, survival in the worst conditions possible (I agree,
even a hostel can do that!), how to blend in with a crowd and how to speak in
more than 3 languages: How? Catch a Mumbai local.
It has a rich
Architectural Heritage: If you move towards Old Bombay, you will find a mix
of Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, Indo-Saracenic and Contemporary architecture
styles in popular buildings like The Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Mahalakshmi
Temple, Jehangir Art Gallery, Crawford Market, Bombay High Court, St. Xavier’s
College, Taj Mahal Hotel, Flora Fountain, GPO (General Post Office), David
Sassoon Library, BMC building, the Bombay Stock Exchange and many, many more.
These are the places which attract a large number of tourists.
It is a foodie’s
heaven: No, I’m not talking about Dominos or Starbucks. I’m talking
about authentic, Mumbai street food which is affordable and finger-licking
good! You will find food from all parts of the world in their true authenticity
and also clever improvisations which sometimes turn out to be better than the
original. Oh! And don’t get me started on seafood! Mumbai’s location on the
Arabian Sea brings with it all kinds of seafood cuisine, from Mangolorian to
Gujarati, from Bengali to Goan; everything is available. No matter what your
tastes are, Mumbai food will easily fill your stomach (and your hearts!)
Best place to
just…relax: If the busy city life starts getting on your nerves, then all
you need is the calm, soothing sea breeze from the Marine Drive or a drive over
the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. And if you happen to be at these places during the
monsoon… you won’t want anything more in your life.
Finally, Mumbaikars
have the biggest hearts of all: Majority of Mumbai is occupied by middle
and lower class of population who don’t have much material possessions. But
they are willing to share whatever they have with a smile on their face. As
they say, “Ghar bada nahi hai toh kya
hua, dil toh bada hai!” <3
Mumbai is always united. No matter what life throws at them;
be it terror attacks or floods, everyone stands together to fight and help
each other get back on track. It is very difficult to put a stop on the fast
paced life of Mumbai. Everyone has a story. Everyone has faced struggles. But
the indomitable spirit of the people to fight for what they want is what keeps
this city going. It’s the dreams of the people which never lets this city
sleep. Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan!
~Athira
