Celebrating Shivaji’s Mumbai

As a relatively new resident of Mumbai, I’ve yet to experience one of its biggest celebrations, Shivaji Jayanti. I’ve heard that this event in Mumbai brings together everything that truly makes Mumbai a maximum city in all its colour, music and joy. 

Shivaji Jayanti celebrates the birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on February 19, 1627. Shivaji is often called the warrior king and is revered as the creator of the Maratha nation, making him a hero in Maharashtra. From the tender age of 17, he led armies to capture forts and expand the Maratha Empire, including the famous Maratha War of Independence against the Mughals. To this day, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated in poems, movies and scriptures, and is considered to be an inspiration to leaders. 

Take to the Streets

This festival in India is celebrated with processions, the most famous one held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Buildings, streets and vehicles are adorned with triangular saffron flags, setting the streets of Mumbai ablaze with colour. The procession comes alive with music, Lezim instruments, jingles and clang through the streets as people dance along.

Marvel at the Architecture

While gearing up to celebrate Shivaji Jayanti, I thought it would be a good time to explore some of the famous landmarks in Mumbai that are named in honour of this great king. My favourite is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the Fort area of Mumbai. A spectacular building, it captivates my imagination about what Mumbai was like in the 1800s. Built in Gothic style, this building is now the busiest train station in India, with over 3 million people a day passing through its hallowed corridors.

Brilliant examples of architecture in Mumbai, with its turrets, carving and ornamental railings, can be seen in most parts of the city. Of course, these days it is most recognisable as the train station that featured in the Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Uncover Hidden Treasures

A short walk from CST is Crawford Market. One of the best markets in Mumbai, I can find anything at Crawford Market and the surrounding bazaars. The main market has the freshest vegetables and exotic tropical fruits, while the bazaars a short walk from Crawford Market, have anything you could imagine from glittering earrings and soft cotton fabric to the sweetest pineapple and strawberries one can find. 

Photo Credit: Pandrcutts / Flickr

This year, I am waiting in anticipation of experiencing Shivaji Jayanti for the first time, and perhaps after seeing the procession at Shivaji Park, I might just head downtown to see some of my favourite places in Mumbai.

Want to take to the streets to celebrate? MakeMyTrip offers convenient flights and trains to Mumbai.

Horse Racing Season In Mumbai

Horse racing season is always one of the most entertaining. From Ascot in England to Kentucky in the United States, the racecourse is where the rich and famous go to have a flutter. In my hometown, Melbourne, Australia, we take our horse racing so seriously that the first Tuesday in November, the day the world famous Melbourne Cup is held, is a bank holiday.

All Things Equestrian

Located in the central suburb of Mahalakshmi, Mumbai’s horse racing track is owned by the elite Royal Western Turf Club, and is considered to be one of the premier racecourses in India. 

This beautiful structure was built in 1883, and still reflects the royal style of that age. It is considered to be a building of historical significance, and is an important part of architecture in Mumbai, the grandstand is even considered to be a heritage building. 

The racecourse itself was actually modeled after the Australian Caulfield Racecourse, and faces the sea. It is spread over 225 acres, with the actual track measuring 2,400 metres. The racing season in Mumbai is run over winter, from November to April, when the climate is temperate. Races are usually held on Saturday, Sunday and Thursday afternoons.

Racing Towards the Finish Line

One of the final races to be held this season at Mahalakshmi will be the Maharaja Sir Harisinghji Trophy. First run in 1953, it is a sweepstakes race for 4-year-old horses, and is run over a mile. This year, the race will be held on April 14. 

Mahalakshmi Racecourse at Mumbai. Photo Credit: Sven Lindner / Flickr

For me, horse racing is all about fashion and glamour, and the Maharaja Sir Harisinghji Trophy is no exception. Business tycoons, Bollywood actors, wealthy celebrities and socialites come from all over the country to see, and more importantly, be seen. What they wear is featured on Page 3 the next day and a good outfit can make or break an up and coming Indian designer.

Considered to be a prestigious venue in Mumbai, many have hosted parties as well as weddings at Mahalakshmi Racecourse. The manicured lawns are specially maintained for this purpose and can hold up to 2,000 people. 

But this racecourse isn’t just for the glitterati, with local Mumbaikars being allowed access at specific times so that they can walk and jog on the main track. The gardens host yoga and Tai Chi sessions as well, making it one of the most loved sporting venues in Mumbai. 

Some weekends, you can even find model airplane hobbyists flying their planes over the racecourse on non-race days. More than just a racing track, Mahalakshmi racecourse is a Mumbai institution.

Off to the races? MakeMyTrip offers convenient flights and trains to Mumbai.

NASSCOM’s India Leadership Forum in Mumbai

With the 21st edition of the NASSCOM India Leadership Forum (ILF) just round the corner from February 13 to 15, leaders from the IT industry will be heading to Mumbai to be a part of this international conference. With participation from over 30 countries, the ILF is a one of its kind event where well-known corporate heads, strategists and IT leaders get together to not just discuss the successes and failures of the year gone by, but also to think of effective and sustainable strategies for the future of international growth.

The agenda for the forum is packed with conferences, seminars, discussions, interviews and lots of networking opportunities. Photo Credit: MarkhillaryThe agenda for the forum is usually packed with conferences, seminars, discussions, interviews and lots of networking opportunities. This year, some of the biggest names in the corporate world will be sharing their thoughts with the audience. These include MakeMyTrip’s Founder & CEO - Deep Kalra, Britannia’s MD & CEO - Vinita Bali, and Indigo Airlines’ President - Aditya Ghosh. Former cricketer Rahul Dravid and legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan will also be present to share their thoughts,

Keeping its tradition of bringing relevant, contemporary issues to the fore, this year’s conference at Mumbai’s Grand Hyatt, is based on the theme ‘Imagineering the Future: Disruptive Innovation for Sensible Growth’. As the ILF puts it, ”The economic complications and the inter-twined business environment have made projecting the future a rare art. Unlike in the past, it needs much more than just the knowledge of the present to envision the future. It needs greater foresight, to not just project the future, but to imagine the ’unknown’ and prepare for it.” Keeping the challenges of the future in mind, the ILF has come up with the concept of ’Imagineering’”, i.e. leaders who don’t just have the ability to envision the future but also to transform it.

Spread over three days, the delegates will discuss a variety of related issues. The sessions are aptly titled Leader2Leader, Masterclass, Indian Grandmaster Series, Roundtable and Gurukul. Under these various sessions, there will be some closed door discussions which will be by invitation only; discussions on business, leadership, and technology which will require pre-registration; as well as discussions where India’s homegrown leaders will be given a platform to project their thoughts and ideas. The agenda is an intriguing one and includes a variety of topics ranging from a reality check on whether India is suffering from ‘tall ambitions and dwarf execution’ to Indo-US ties in the 21st century, cross border leadership and ‘emotional intelligence and bottom line – connecting excels and nerve cells in leadership’. The panel for particular discussions will include such pioneering entrepreneurs as Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip and Flipkart’s Sachin Bansal. It will be interesting to know their thoughts and emotions on the successfully handling of online businesses.

The India Leadership Forum is an excellent opportunity for those related to or interested in this field to hear and imbibe the thoughts of industry giants and learn their success mantra. It also provides a keen platform for networking, building and developing contacts for the future. In case you are among those who think this forum is just the opportunity you were waiting for, it’ll be a good idea to sign up and book you ticket to Mumbai now!

Mumbai calling at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2013

For over a decade now, Mumbai witnesses nine colourful days of art, music, dance, literature and craft every year at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Scheduled between February 2 and 10, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an important upcoming event in Mumbai, which art lovers, kids, teachers and scholars are all looking forward to.

The venues for the events are scattered all across South Mumbai. While the Asiatic Library Steps are reserved for music concerts, Horniman Circle garden will be the stage for theatrical performances and the David Sassoon Library will host events related to literature. National Gallery of Modern Art will see kids and young adults enjoying unique craft workshops just as in the Artists’ Centre and Bellagio Bistro and Gallery.   

Photo Credit: Unlisted Sightings / Flickr

Music performances by Indian and international artists, vibrant dance forms like ghoomar, lavni and contemporary, exhibitions by famous artists, photography workshops, seminars, heritage walks, pottery classes, story-telling, batik and glass painting workshops, children’s book fair, short film competition, stage and street plays, movie screenings, panel discussions…and the list goes on. There are around 350 events that will be organised within a span of nine days as panelists and performers from different geographical and cultural backgrounds will put up a show. From kids to the elderly, the festival has something for everyone.

In the words of the festival organisers, ‘it is a kaleidoscope of music, dance, theatre, street stalls, literature, films, workshops, visual arts and heritage walks’. I couldn’t agree more.

Over the years, the festival has gained tremendous popularity and has seen the likes of Taufiq Qureshi, Sonu Nigam, Sivamani and many others perform. This year the theme of ‘change for a better society’ will be underlying through all the events like the short film competition based on ‘cinema for change’. The festival aims to steer all energies and art forms in a constructive and progressive way to help us find new means to make our society a better place to live.

All set for this extravaganza? Plan your Mumbai trip with MakeMyTrip’s flights and hotels to make your holiday to Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, comfortable and hassle free. Try out our super quick and user friendly Mobile App and plan your trip in a matter of seconds!

Unspoken & Unwritten Rules of Mumbai

Nostalgia’s striking…this time I’m taking you through some of the ‘unspoken and unwritten rules’ of the place I fell in love with, the very moment I arrived there – I’m talking about the place they call “the city of dreams,” Mumbai.

Rule #1: Get Used to the Haggling
If you follow fashion and trends, you’ll certainly come across well-wishers who will tell you to hit some of the popular local markets of Mumbai. The tip you need to abide by is – practice your best poker face and work on your haggling skills. The unrealistic prices the vendors quote can give a tough fight to the rising prices of petrol, so start with a brazen 50% lower than the quoted price. Set a mental figure in your head and don’t go beyond it. In all probability, when you start walking away, the vendor will call you back and grudgingly agree to your number. Some bargains can be found at:

• Fashion Street – is a stomping ground for the college crowd (most of the colleges are in close proximity to this street) and it’s easy to find a bargain of designer wear here
• Lokhandwala Market – is a regular haunt for struggling actors of the television industry (most of them live in and around the area, hence the overtly priced tags!)
• Linking Road – is a shopper’s paradise in Bandra, especially known for footwear and bags
• Colaba Causeway – is a blend of culture where old Bombay meets new Mumbai

An Empty Mumbai Local TrainRule #2: Seat Reservation…It’s Free!
If you’re expecting to travel by a local train at least once during your visit to Mumbai, you  need to be prepared. While you make your way through the crammed compartments in an effort to hop snag a seat, I’d suggest you keep this tip in mind – staring at someone sitting comfortably and waiting for him/her to get down at the next station will not fetch you a seat. There’s an unsaid rule where whoever enters the compartment books a seat (it’s all unofficial and free!) by wagging a forefinger, starting from the person sitting on the window seat and fixing the deal with the one who gets down at the nearest station. No one else, but the one who books the seat well in advance has the rights to claim it (first come, first served applies here!). For a novice, I can just say, when in doubt, check this tip out.

Rule #3: Everything comes with a Pav
Everything sure comes with a price, but in Mumbai, everything comes with a pav. Irrespective of whether you order for vada, samosa, bread pakora or bhajiya, all of these come sandwiched between slices of pav. You might as well go with the accompaniment for one reason –with or without the accompaniment, the cost doesn’t change. Learning a few words and terms in Marathi would make you feel completely at home in the city full of life. Do visit and you’re likely to fall in love with Mumbai for the way it is!