My Weekend Odysseys

On the eastern side of Thane lies Kopri creek also known as Chendani bunder, Today it is an area where the stench emitting sewage water flows in the creek and is known more for a place where idols of Ganesha is immersed during the festival of Ganeshotva. But Thane was once a flourishing international trading port dating back to 17th century with trades between Kochi  in South & with Middle East. Most residents of Koli village of Chendani, Mahagiri were involved in the trade. "Nakhwa" family of Chendani had 11 wind sail boats called "Phatemari" to transport cargo goods and was truly a Shipping corporation of that era. During the end of 17th century when Britishers took over the reigns from Maratha Empire they converted the port into main export center due to its peculiar geographical location among the mangroves. The first railway which ran between Bori Bunder to Thane dissected Chendani area into west side and east side. Britishers further develop...

Mumbai is city full of surprises and it never fails to amaze you with monuments or heritage structures which are truly hidden gems. On four road junction which is bustling with ever increasing traffic near Worli Naka and right opposite Podar Hospital lies a secret. The monument which has its own connection with India's freedom struggle, A serene spot in a congested and busy main road, Hidden under a canopy of trees in a walled compound stands the tall stone haven of peace & tranquility, The temple of "Nipponzan Myohoji" - Japanese Buddhist temple.  Yes, This is a Buddhist temple which started as Japanese Buddhist monastery and it is one of only two remaining monuments in city of Mumbai which has Japanese connection. It was around 700 years ago, a monk in Japan called Maha Bodhisattva Nichiren prophesied that the salvation of Humans would lie in land from where Buddhism spread. So between 1931- 38 a Japanese monk "Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji" travelled to...

Close to Worli village bus depot and next to Indian coast guard western region headquarters lies a small discreet lane going uphill which ultimately leads us to sea. The tiny lane has small colourful houses belonging to Koli fishermen community, the original inhabitants of Worli village. The lane is called Golfa devi Marg, And as one walks on the inclined road inwards, amidst the houses and shops lies a very simple temple with a large verandah in front of it. This is Worli Koliwada village's best kept secret. The temple of "GolfaDevi" The temple and the goddess is central to Koli fishing community, So much is the faith of these local folks in the Goddess that they do not start any task before seeking permission, be it venturing into the sea to catch fish or marriage or starting something new or even before travelling.  The temple priest Sadanand Worlikar whose family has been taking care of the temple for generations is ever happy to narrate the legends ...

Apart from the rich history that is attached to the formation of India and its legend, Mumbai has a unique chapter and can make historian's minds heavy. Mumbai's culture act as pure palimpsest and is a complete meal for anyone suffering from a deficiency in history lessons. The numerous forts scattered around the city are a testimony for the same. It comes as surprise to many that there were in total 11 forts in the city. Sitting on the urban fringe of Thane city and on a hill just south of Ulhas river and overlooking the natural creek on its west side, Ghodbunder fort is one of the forts and Mumbai's 16th-century marvelous piece of architecture. The humble Ghodbunder road, the state highway that connects Thane with the northern suburbs of Mumbai today once acted as a bridge between different cultures. The significance of this place was such that it is said to have played a crucial role in Indo- Arab trade which the Portuguese later used it to monopolize sea routes in...