FROM BOMBAY TO MUMBAI

FROM BOMBAY TO MUMBAI: A CHANGE

Though the name Bombay officially changed to Mumbai in 1995 for some people it will always remain Bombay. Though it didn’t affect people that time but it definitely does now. As someone said “Mumbai is a city but Bombay is an emotion.”
Through the years this city has evolved in every way it can. From the name to the concrete jungle it is now. The dream for everyone is still the same.
This is definitely not the same city it was thirty years back. Still standing by its name as the city of dreams. As an outsider one can say that this city is an experience and if you have it for too long -it’s all that you’ll ever want. Bombay grows on you. So the change in the city -my grandfather doesn’t remember Bombay the way it is now, there are no more walks it’s replaced by cars. The city still alive was full of joy and everyone loved whatever they were doing now it’s become a race. Known for its fast life the city’s pace is increasing by the minute, always on the move. The acceptance level of this city is the most in India.
Bollywood will always remain an important part of the city, it’s seen it all. It captures people from all over and gets them to Bombay back then and even now. Let’s see what are the other things which make Mumbai the city it is now and Bombay the city it was.
First will be the veins of this city, the local trains –this is the backbone of the city about 7.2 million commuters travel everyday by this mode of transport divided into three lines according to the routes you take and where one has to go. Back then this was as important as it is now. The fastest and the easiest mode of transportation is this, its where friendships are made , love stories start , family stories are exchanged all throughout the journey. The city is incomplete without this and majority of them use it. This is what binds the city together.
Next will come the Bombay’s cutting chai- which is called cutting because it’s half a cup of tea so it . Unique to this city, this plays one major rule . As one says one is never early or too late for cutting chai. Every mumbaikar would know this cutting chai is the city’s drink and will always be any season and any time.
Vada Pav- this city’s staple diet , a vada pav costs less than a bottle of water and trust me it’s a meal all together, a friend potato piece in between a bun is all one needs here. There are obvious other things like egg and butter which replace the potato in its other dishes, but it’s the vada pav which defines the city. and you will get it anywhere and everywhere in Bombay .
It has to be the padmini taxis , Bombay has traveled through them . These taxis are also famous for the story they carry along with them, all mumbaikars have emotions attached to these taxis . they are a major part of the city and they have a major role in making Bombay what it is with the yellow and black taxis , it’s always been famous for.
How can one not include marine drive , the famous portraits of this city have been of the marine drive. A favourite hangout for all here then and now , this has always played a major role , films back then and films till now all depict Bombay with marine drive which is never empty , it always has people . and always bustling at any time of the day. Well This is Bombay and will always be.
One cannot forget juhu chowpatty – weather it is the street food there or people dancing . its always a carnival in chowpatty. The sea calling out to the people and everyone enjoying it. Its been a part of Bombay from the very start and will always be.
Some major parts of the city haven’t been mentioned but that’s for everyone to figure out, go out and explore the place.
And The spirit of Bombay which is defined by the people, everyone is always on the move despite all odds. That’s what makes Bombay unique.