Vashi is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan
neighborhoods of Navi Mumbai. Located across the Thane creek, Vashi evolved
from fishing villages and salt pans to become a thriving commercial and
residential hub over the past few decades.
As migrants from across India made Vashi their home, the
area transformed into a microcosm of the country’s composite culture. A walk
through the streets reveals places of worship, eateries and markets catering to
various communities co-existing in remarkable harmony. Sacred Spaces
Mumbadevi Temple
The historic Mumbadevi temple lends its name to the city of Mumbai. The temple was relocated from Mumbai to Vashi during Navi Mumbai’s
development. The vibrant temple complex resounds with devotional music and the
chatter of crowds that throng the shrine of the patron goddess during Navratri
celebrations. St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s church in Kopar Khairane represents the Christian
community that has long made Navi Mumbai home. The church grounds host the
popular annual Mount Mary festival that draws families from all faiths during
September.
Gurudwara
Navi Mumbai’s Sikh residents visit the Gurudwara in Kopar
Khairane to offer prayers, community meals and find spiritual sustenance. The
Gurudwara provides free accommodation and langar seva for visitors reflecting
the Sikh principles of service and inclusiveness.
Such sacred spaces bind together Vashi’s diverse communities
through a shared spirituality that transcends individual beliefs. Marketplace MusingsSector 17 Market
In Sector 17, the APMC market is the wholesale hub for
agricultural produce that feeds Navi Mumbai. The marketplace opens pre-dawn
when trucks start arriving weighed down with sacks of rice, baskets of fresh
vegetables and mounds of crimson apples.
APMC Market
The bustling APMC agricultural market in Vashi Porters, traders and transporters from various Indian states
converge here daily, communicating in a blend of languages to ensure the city’s
kitchens remain well-stocked.Vashi Station Street Market
The narrow bylanes around Vashi station burst into lively
bazaars every evening as vendors set up makeshift stalls vending clothes,
household knick-knacks, plastic toys and imitation jewelry at throwaway
prices.
Little Tibet
Tucked away behind Vashi bus depot is a small neighborhood
known as Little Tibet, home to a Tibetan refugee community. The area’s modest
houses open into small shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, garments and momos
nearly transporting one to the streets of Lhasa. Interacting with the friendly
shopkeepers offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture thriving in exile.
Such markets and bazaars serve as cultural cauldrons
allowing communities to mingle, forge bonds and preserve traditional
livelihoods through commerce.
Secular Festivities
Dahi Handi Festival Vashi’s sarvajanik dahi handi (community pot breaking)
festival held during Janmashtami draws participants from across Navi Mumbai.
Teams called mandals compete to form towering human pyramids in an attempt to
smash pots filled with curd and cash prizes strung high above the ground. The
festival captures Maharashtra’s adventurous spirit and passion for community
celebrations. Dahi Handi Festival The Janmashtami festival captures the community spirit of
Navi Mumbai_
CIDCO Utsav CIDCO Utsav is an annual cultural carnival that transforms
Vashi’s CIDCO Exhibition Center into a dynamic stage hosting music, dance and
theater performances. The 3-day festival provides a platform for upcoming
artists from Navi Mumbai to showcase their talent and also experience shows by
renowned performers.For a satellite city that emerged within a few decades, Navi
Mumbai has organically fostered a thriving cultural eco-system drawing from the
heritage of its migrants. As Vashi continues to grow, its inclusive public
spaces promise to nurture both tradition and modernity.
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