Mumbai, the city of dreams and ambitions, the city of hopes and struggle, has always been one of the most popular migrant destinations in the country. This city with nearly 15 million residents is not only the home of India's largest film industry, but also one of the most important business centers.
However, whenever one thinks of Mumbai's culture, no one can exactly make out what the city is. Though the question may seem insignificant to those who are only looking for jobs and education, the answer can help you understand the city in short time.
Let us begin with the traditional cultures of the city. Given that the city was no more than a collection of tiny islands, it's original inhabitants are the Kolis who are native fishing community and who speak their native Koli language. Due to large scale migrations, their proportion has dwindled since the past six decades.
On the other hand, we have other traditional groups such as the Marathis, Gujaratis, Parsis and migrants from the various states of the North. The city is also home to people from Southern India. The city is also home to the Kashmiri and Sindhi refugee populations.
Recently, students from the North Eastern states have begun preferring Mumbai over Delhi because of it's cosmopolitanism and relatively tolerant attitudes for people from the region. Contrasted with Delhi, North Easterners are not discriminated against as much in Mumbai.
Every linguistic community celebrates its native festivals with enthusiasm and spirit. However, the new generation of the multi-cultural Mumbaiites is now taking it's participation to the festivals of other linguistic communities. People celebrate Dusshera, Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja with great excitement and energy.
Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali are the two main festivals which are celebrated by Hindus in the city across linguistic communities due to it's common significance. One can find Mumbaiites, especially the young ones chanting the Lord's name with excitement during the final days of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Mumbai is a workaholic city. If an outsider comes to the city for the first time, he may think that the people here live to work and not the other way round. Since Mumbai follows the natural law of survival of the fittest, it is obvious that work is given prime importance. People get up early in the morning to catch the train to work so that they reach on time and help meet their ends. Most of the people wont care about luxury and convenience as Mumbaiites are used to a tough living.
The spirit of Mumbaiites can also be witnessed during the times of distress and trouble. During the deluge of 26th July 2005, people were seen helping each other in a similar way when the city was rocked by bomb blasts. If one suffers an accident, you can see people coming to aid of the victims in no time. One can say that perseverance and Mumbai's spirit are synonymous.
When it comes to food, Mumbaiites are total foodies. They love to enjoy the local snacks such as Pani puri, Bhel Puri, Misal Pav and Vada Pav 'known as the burger of Mumbai'. When it comes to enjoyment, Marine Drive and Bandra Beach are the top spots for those who live in the South and West sides. However for those who live in suburbs, other getaway spots have opened where one can enjoy and relax. People also hang out at shopping malls and public centers usually for leisure.
You can sum up the Mumbai culture as strong, joyous, merry and friendly, but also hard working, persevering and caring.
Martin Wynn
