Dhobi Ghat In Mumbai
Dhobi Ghat is a famous open air clothes washing colony in Mumbai, India. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. The washers who work there are called “dhobis” and the term “Dhobi Ghat” is used all over India to refer to the places where many washers congregate to work. (information via Wikipedia) There are tours for Dhobi Ghat which I know many expats and tourists do. Also I have heard that it is easily seen from the flyover bridge of Mahalaxmi Station.
When my Japanese friends came to visit, I decided to take them to Dhobi Ghat. Since we had a busy schedule from lunch time to the late afternoon, I decided to bring my friends to the flyover to show Dhobi Ghat. The course for the first day in Mumbai for my Japanese friends included Britannia & Company for lunch, Starbucks Coffee in Horniman Circle for coffee and Mani Bhavan which is Ghandi’s museum in South Mumbai.
By the time we arrived at the flyover next to Mahalaxmi Station to see Dhobi Ghat open air clothes washing colony, it was in the evening. It was already quiet and we could not see much of the actual Dhobi Ghat’s clothes washing activities. Nevertheless we were still able to get the ideas and it was impressive to see the view of the colony and some clothes still hung on the clothing lines wavering in the air. It would be much more fun to see many dhobis in action washing the clothes. I couldn’t help thinking, what would happen to the Dhobi Ghat during the monsoon season.
” It is said that not a single piece of cloth has ever been misplaced in over a 100 years.” This was one of the 6 facts listed in the article “Why Mumbai’s Dhobi Ghat is so badass!” by travel.india.com.
Flyover Next To Mahalaxmi Station
If you would like to see Dhobi Ghat from the flyover next to the Mahalaxmi Station, the view for turning to the flyover looks like this.
I find that places like Dhobi Ghat give Mumbai a charm and unique character. In some countries such as Japan, for example, many jobs have been replaced by machines. It is refreshing and interesting to see the work done by the hands of humans. I enjoy the aspect of life in Mumbai where the human contact and human interactions are dense. Dhobi Ghat is the place where daily lives and stories of clothes washers, dhobis, unfold in front of your eyes.
I have a similar post in my drafts right now! This was one of my favorite places in Mumbai to take visitors!
I didn’t realize how interesting this place is!! I look forward to reading about it when you publish yours!!
Hi Kato,
Really enjoying your blog, particularly this post.
Liz, thank you!! It made me so happy to hear that!!!
Going there in an couple of weeks…..Seems so unreal if you live on the other side of the earth, but nevertheless so interesting.
I hope you’ll have a great time here!! I understand what you mean. I felt the same way before moving to India! It’s very interesting and exciting to be in India for sure! Have a safe flight!!