MUMBAI

The name of the city has changed many times over the years, reflecting its complicated and long history. Originally named "Bombay," the city's official name was derived from the Portuguese term "Bom Bahia," which means "good bay." The city was officially renamed "Mumbai" in 1995 as a result of a movement started by nationalist politicians who claimed the name "Bombay" had colonial overtones.

Mumba Devi is said to have guarded the early settlers of the region, the Koli fishermen, and ushered in their prosperity. A mandir, home of the respected Devi, around which a bustling area named Bhuleshwar remains a central point for those seeking her aashirwad.

There was formerly a cluster of seven islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands—Mahim, Worli, Parel, Mazagaon, Bombay, Colaba, and Little Colaba—were the diamonds of what we now call Mumbai.

The Mauryan Empire, led by Emperor Ashoka, recognised the islands' potential in the 3rd century BC. They converted the islands into a Buddhist hotspot, constructing rock-cut mandirs and monasteries into the rough terrain.

From the 9th to the 13th centuries, the Silhara dynasty ruled the islands, adding mandirs and water reservoirs. These constructions highlighted the islands' growing status. During the 13th century, Raja Bhimdev II of the Solanki dynasty made Mahim the capital of his realm. This strategic act established Bombay. Immigrants began to arrive, assimilating into the Koli culture and altering the terrain with coconut trees, gardens, and plantations.

The islands were conquered by the Muslim rulers of Gujarat in 1348, ushering in a new era in their history. The islands thrived for nearly two decades under the Gujarat Sultanate, until the Portuguese arrived in 1534. The Treaty of Bassein placed the islands under Portuguese authority, and they were called Bom Bahia, which means "good bay". The Portuguese era saw fast expansion, with a lively commercial centre that dealt in silk, muslin, chintz, onyx, rice, cotton, and tobacco. By 1626, the islands had a large warehouse, a friary, a fort, and a shipbuilding facility.

In 1662, the British gained control of the islands as a result of a royal marriage. When King Charles II of England married Portugal's Catherine of Braganza, he got them as part of his dowry. Only a few years later, in 1668, the King leased the islands to the British East India Company for a modest ten pounds of gold each year. This was the start of a new age.

Under British occupation, the geography of the islands changed considerably. The British launched massive land reclamation efforts, progressively merging the seven islands into one mainland. The rugged coastlines and marshlands were tamed, establishing the groundwork for the current city of Bombay.

The mandir's history dates back to the epic account of the Ramayana. Ram, the prince of Ayodhya, had once travelled across the kingdom in search of his beloved wife, Sita, who had been abducted by Ravan. As Ram and his brother Lakshman travelled through the area, they experienced thirst, their bodies scorched from the hot sun and salty sea air. In his desperation, Ram created a Shiva lingam out of sand. This lingam, known as Valuka Ishwar or the Devta of Sand, was believed to contain heavenly power.

The Banganga Tank, a rectangular pool of water surrounded by steps, was thought to be the exact location where Rama's arrow entered the ground, causing a spring of water to emerge. This water, known as Bhogavati or the underground Ganga, was considered to be pavitra jal.

The Silhara dynasty originally erected the mandir complex, which includes the Walkeshwar mandir and the Banganga Tank. However, the Portuguese demolished it during their 16th-century dominion over Mumbai. The mandir was renovated in 1715. The Walkeshwar mandir and Banganga Tank have always been popular destinations for individuals from across the nation. The waters of the tank were thought to carry the essence of the Ganga Nadi.

This is the story of the heroes who labour tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the city clean and running. They are the Thinagi, the street sweepers who work in the scorching sun and heavy rainfall frequently without hesitation.

One such hero was Keshav, a Thinagi who had been working on Mumbai's streets for over a decade. His day began before sunrise when he went to the municipal storage to get his equipment. With a worn-out broom and a dustpan, he went out to clean the streets, leaving no corner unclean.

Keshav's drive was constant, despite the difficulties he faced. The streets were filled with trash and rubbish, and the heat was oppressive. Yet, he persisted, motivated by a sense of duty and responsibility. He understood that his work was critical to the city's well-being, and took it seriously.

As the day progressed, Keshav noticed a bunch of children playing in the streets. They were laughing and having the time of their lives, but their happiness was temporary. A blast of wind swept through, scattering the rubbish and debris of the street, in the area they had been playing in. The kids glanced up at Keshav, their eyes filled with disappointment.

Keshav dropped his broom and dashed to aid the youngsters. They worked together to collect rubbish and return it to its proper location. The youngsters thanked him, and Keshav smiled with joy. He often thought about whether this life was worth living. But then he thought of the small things in life that gave him pleasure, like today's small but wholesome interaction with the children.

At sunset, Keshav headed to the depot, tired, another monotonous day over. But, somewhere he was looking at the silver lining, no matter how thin and weak it seemed. He knew he had made a difference, no matter how minor it appeared. 

The following morning, as Keshav headed for work he discovered a surprise waiting for him. The children he'd assisted the day before had drawn a picture of him holding a broom and smiling. The headline said, "Thank you, Keshav, for keeping our city clean and making our lives better." Keshav's heart filled with emotion, he too felt loved, respected and not taken for granted.

Keshav continued to work with fresh energy and concentration after that. He understood that he was more than just a Thinagi; he was a hero making a difference one street at a time.

Flora Fountain is a monument that tells stories of history and beauty. Flora Fountain transforms into a calm haven amidst the urban rush on a quiet evening when the sun sets and the city lights up.

The fountain's intricate carvings come alive at sunset, and the statue of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, stands gracefully above, gazing out over the busy town area. The fountain's waters glimmer under mild illumination, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

Flora Fountain, was built in 1864 with the generosity of Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh and the artistry of Richard Norman Shaw and James Forsythe, was named after Sir Bartle Frere originally. However, just before its opening, it was appropriately renamed to honour Flora, who represents rejuvenation and beauty.

In 1960, the fountain's identity shifted to reflect a more mournful history. "Hutatma Chowk", also known as Martyr's Square, was renamed in honour of the 105 martyrs of the Samyuktha Maharashtra Samiti who fought for a distinct Maharashtra state. Today, a statue of two torch-bearing patriots sits nearby to remind people of their sacrifice.

The Flora Fountain is surrounded by some of Mumbai's most renowned landmarks. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India's great Gateway, and the landmark Bombay High Court are all within a short walk. During the day, the fountain is a lively centre, but at night, it transforms into a peaceful hideaway, its beauty enhanced by the dance of lights. As you stand there, surrounded by the sound of the fountain's flowing water, you can't help but sense a connection to the variety of stories that have unfolded around this amazing architecture. Flora Fountain is more than just a historical landmark; it is a live, breathing symbol of Mumbai's resilience and grace.

This is the eerie story that hovers around the Rajabai Clock Tower, a prominent landmark in Mumbai. Legend goes that a British architect’s ghost haunts the tower in search of revenge for the ill-treatment meted out to him during its construction. Locals will swear to hearing some very eerie sounds and seeing peculiar things around the area, therefore heightening the mystery even more.

The Haji Ali Dargah, located on a small islet off the coast of Worli in Mumbai, is one of the most significant Islamic dargahs in India. It houses the makbara of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was originally a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan. After renouncing his material wealth, he dedicated his life to spiritual pursuits and settled in Mumbai.

One of the most touching stories associated with Haji Ali, before his time in Mumbai, involves a poor woman who spilled oil while selling it. In her distress, she encountered Haji Ali, who miraculously caused oil to flow back into her vessel by pressing the ground where it had spilled. This act of compassion solidified his reputation as a miracle worker and led to the establishment of the dargah by her husband in his honor.

Vetalacha Jevan, or "Vetal's Meal," is a festival celebrated in Worli Koliwada, Mumbai. This event is rooted in local traditions and revolves around Vetal, a ghost-like figure believed to protect the sea. The festival takes place every three years on the third Saturday of the Hindu month of Shravan.

The festival begins with the sacrifice of three goats at a nearby mandir. An alcoholic homeless man is often persuaded to perform this task with the promise of alcohol. He becomes the focus of the rituals, intoxicated and tied up, and is led along the road to the beach where food offerings await. As part of the procession, one goat is sacrificed, and its blood marks the path until it dies, followed by another goat. Upon reaching the sea, the man is given a vessel filled with cooked meat to offer to Vetal. The community believes that failing to appease Vetal could bring misfortune to fishermen. After making the offering, he is dragged back to shore by a group of men, symbolizing Vetal's pull towards the ocean.

The Lady Frere Bridge is a historical bridge in Byculla, Mumbai. People say this bridge is haunted by none other than the wife of some British colonial administrator, called Lady Frere. Legend goes on to say that Lady Frere’s soul roams the bridge at night, wailing about her tragic fate and looking for redemption from past misdeeds. The narration adds to the urban landscape of the city with perhaps a little mystery that titillates the imagination of the dwellers and strangers.