nightlifemumbai

- By Deepa Krishnan I had a fabulous time at the Girgaum Chowpatty Visarjan this year. Actually it took me completely by surprise, because they have enforced a STRICT ban on drums and noise. I went there expecting to be deafened by the noise. In fact, I even bought ear-plugs! But in spite of the thousands and thousands of people, there was no crazy noise. There were no big drums and no clang-clang-clang to burst the eardrums. The processions were colourful and full of tamasha, there were people singing with small cymbals and chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Laukar Ya!". But we did not go deaf with the noise! At a couple of places there were horrible loudspeakers, where sponsors were distributing free drinks and food, and they thought that gave them the right to shout over the speakers. But overall, it was not an assault on the ears. The police have a very major presence and are very helpful to direct people and maintain crowd control.  This is our group, at C...

This is one of my favourite photos from Lalbaug: it's a local tea shop where we stopped for chai. "Cutting chaha", tea served by the half-glass. Now at 6 rupees, and please don't even *bother* asking for the tea if you don't have exact change :) In case you can't read Marathi, here's what the signboard says. "A request: If you don't have the exact change, then check with us *before* you order tea". On the last line of the sign, for regular customers the shop offers a "bank" where change is held in trust - until the next cup. Attitude + customer service, all in one signboard. Wah re Mumbai!