You may have noticed that Mumbai, India has been our focus this week. I love looking at pictures of trips we’ve taken and wanted to share the beauty and culture of a couple of their important industries (fishing and open air markets). Most of the boats we saw are family-owned and operated. Most have been fishing for generations. All of the decoration and fishing nets are made by hand. Even the manner in which they dry their fish is an ancient art.
A little history about The Chor Bazaar (there is also the Crawford Market in close proximity)
One of the oldest markets in Mumbai, the place has a fascinating history that dates back to over 150 years. Initially, Chor Bazaar was known as ‘Shor Bazaar‘, which means ‘noisy market’. However, the British, during their reign in India, mispronounced the word and the market eventually became known as ‘Chor Bazaar‘.
This was one of the most unusual and beautiful sights on the way back to the hotel. This landmark literally floats out in the middle of the sea. During low tide, droves of worshippers line the road that surfaces.
Haji Ali Dargah is an iconic landmark in Mumbai, floating in the middle of sea like a revered mirage. This Indo-Islamic pilgrim site is a welcome yet striking sight located on an island near Worli coast in Mumbai. The mosque was built in 19th century and houses the tomb of Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Legend has it that Saint Haji Ali died when he went on a pilgrimage to Mecca, but miraculously, his casket floated across the sea and ended up on the shores of Mumbai. This is how this iconic mosque in Mumbai came into existence.
Thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world, visit this dargah, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. People of all faiths are welcome in this mosque. A constricted lane will lead you to this floating mosque that can be accessed only during low tide (check tide timings locally). After passing through the entrance, you will enter the marble courtyard, the central holy place.
Haji Ali Dargah has separate praying rooms for males and females. While men enter this holy place through the Southern entrance, women take the westside to enter. There is a hall inside the mosque, where only women devotees are allowed. Since, the dargah cannot be visited during low tides, an offshore location has also been set up opposite Mahalakshmi Race Course.
It really is amazing to see this white Mosque out in the middle of the water……then, with thousands of worshippers lined up to pray as the tide recedes.
Is India on your bucket list? What landmarks would you want to see?
