2022
1.locals‘ (and other public transport)
When you are in Mumbai you have to thank the autowalas for taking you wherever you want to go without much argument (they will automatically switch on the meter even before you settle down with your stuff for the ride). And Mumbai’s lifeline – the local trains – are the best way to reach from one corner to another corner of the city in minimum time.
Yes, it does look a bit scary when its your first time on the locals but eventually, you get used to the crowd which pushes you into the train and also pushes you out of it as soon as the station arrives at your destination. You’ve won a battle if you manage to get a decent seat. These locals definitely teach you the value of every single second as you can’t manage to miss it in case you want to reach your office/school/college on time. The trains carry 7.2 million commuters daily.
2.You can be fashionable without making a big hole in your pocket
Ever thought you could buy a gorgeous outfit for your birthday in just Rs. 300? With hundreds of stalls on one single street you have too many options to pick your favourite piece of clothing, bags, footwear and what not! Fashion Street, Hill Road, Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, Chor Bazaar are some of the ‘go to’ places in Mumbai. Unlike other cities, Mumbai gives you a chance to be at your stylish best without going broke.
3.Mumbai is one of those cities that worship the street food
Mumbai is one of those cities that worship the street food. From the delicious chat to the pani puri at the corner of the street and of course the mouth watering and spicy Vada Pav is the biggest threat to the fancy burgers and pizzas. A sev puri is all you need for your 4 p.m. hunger pang and you always have space in your stomach for a couple of pani puris after every meal. And not to forget, you can never say no to the pav bhaji and bhel puris at the local chaat shop. With the stalls and dhaabas that are open all night long, you don’t have to worry if you are hungry at 3 in the night. You know you’ll have your very own tikkiwala to serve you hot and spicy chat just down the street. You can always count on them!
4.safer city that never sleeps and offers an amazing night life
We need not mention that Mumbai never sleeps. Even if it is 1 in the night, you will still find yourself stuck in the traffic. You won’t have trouble getting an auto at 11 in the night and the last local to your house will make sure that you get the cheapest ride home. From intimate bars to high class lounges and cultural performances, Mumbai has a wide variety of options to make sure that you never get bored. With lots of trendy bars in and around Bandra, as well as in south Mumbai and Colaba, Mumbai’s night life is worth experiencing. People might complain about the overcrowded public places in Mumbai, but on a positive side, it is far better than the isolated places where women are afraid to step out.
5.The city that appreciates and welcomes Art & Theater
Cinema, dance, food, heritage walks, literature, music, street theatre, visual art, workshops, urban design, architecture, you name it and the Kala Ghoda festival offers it to you. The festival is organised by the Kala Ghoda Association (a non-profit organisation) in January or February when Mumbai is a bit cooler and receives footfalls from across the country.
Banganga tank hosts a wonderful Indian classical musical festival every winter which is truly a magical experience. Prithvi theatre built by actor Shashi Kapoor in memory of his father Late. Prithviraj Kapoor has shows every day of the year except Mondays, hosts an annual summertime program of workshops and plays for children, a memorial concert on 28 February, an annual Theatre Festival in November, and many partnership programs promoting language, poetry, international cinema, documentaries and performing arts
6.A Mumbaikar knows how to celebrate a festival – any festival!
Have you been to Mumbai during Ganesh Utsav? You better be prepared to match the excitement of the locals here during this ten-days-long festival. If not, you better stay inside your house to save yourself from getting dragged away with a crowd of hundreds of enthusiastic people who are busy singing and dancing as they move forward for Ganesh Visarjan. There are massive Ganesha statues all over the city with the most famous one in Lalbaug.
Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Navratri and much more is celebrated with great enthusiasm. After all, what harm in finding a reason to celebrate? Every September, Mount Mary Church in Bandra hosts a celebration of Mother Mary’s birthday by beautifully decorating the statue and organizing a fair near the church. Minara Masjid at Mohammad Ali road is a must see sight during the holy month of Ramzan.
7.A beach to suit your mood
A walk down Marine Drive as you feel the cool breeze brushing your hair or your favorite chaat at Juhu Chowpati or a family picnic to Aksa beach is outstanding! You have multiple options to spend a weekend with your loved ones. While Marine Drive gives you an overdose of PDA (Public Display of Affection!), you can still find your corner somewhere to indulge in some deep thinking or a peaceful time all by yourself.
8.The hub of opportunities, the quintessential city of dreams
Aspiring to be an actor, tattoo artist or a cricketer isn’t considered a joke here in Mumbai unlike some other cities. The city gives everyone a chance to dream and then helps them to chase it. About 1.7 million people move to Bombay every year in search of various opportunities to make it big. It accommodates both slum-dogs and millionaires with an open heart.
