Just Walking Around

Mumbai Rains -----Bhutte ka maja Aur Ek Cutting Chai

One thing that Mumbai scores over any other city in India is its awe inspiring Sea line and the refreshing Rains. It’s the best pace to be in when the dark rain clouds gather in the sky and winds sweep across the city landscape . And as if on que the birds make a beeline flying away to remote location trying to find shelter from the impending rains. Then the down pour comes , starting with a drizzle and reaching a crescendo with huge droplets pelting away at the roof tops . And in a few minutes there is water every where , on the roads , in the neighbouring gardens , out side railway stations and over the new steel lined bus stops. You can see rivulets of water running across the roads and getting emptied in the much promised clean storm water drains. But the inefficiency of the Brihan Mumbai Mahanagar Palika or The omnipresent – the all pervading BMC come to the fore , like every year the streets get flooded and you can see the chaos coming. First the traffic  comes to a crawl creating a huge mess on the roads. Then the water logging on the railway tracks slowing down Mumbai’s artery and the travel network. The time clock on the rail platforms go blank with no definite time of the trains arrival. Crowds increasing on the platform and getting restless. And then comes a huge shower making every body to back off on the platform and take shelter under the tin roof in a place as small as a rat hole. Trying desperately to fend off the pouring rain.

Some like me don’t care of getting wet and actually look forward to the gushing rains after a long hot and perspiring Summer. Best place to be during the rains is the Marine Drive promenade . Walking down from opposite Marine Lines Station toward Chowpatty in the little drizzle or even during heavy rains carrying an Umbrella and enjoying the down pour. Or simply sitting at Lands end close to NCPA sitting on the embankment staring at the ferocious Sea with chopping & churning waters. And then from nowhere you are approached by the roadside Chaiwallah selling his wares on a cycle . The glass of cutting chai with its wafts of ginger and masala mixed with heavenly brew , just the perfect foil to the wet & chilly weather. Drinking that cutting chai you feel refreshed and energized.

To talk about cutting chai and you can never be disappointed with Babban’s Cutting Chai under the bridge opposite Dadar West Railway station.He’s been brewing his chai for last 20 years . With a kerosene stove perched on a table , pots of water , his special chai patti and milk stirred to perfection to give a special kick to the body making your adrenaline rush and wake you up from your sluggishness. His specialty though is the chocolate chai.Sweet and little gada (thick) . HE serves in the typical clunky glasses. Take your pick full cup or a cutting . Drink it and get energized. And what would go with this hot cup of tea . You could visit the numerous Irani Cafes for a Bun Maska or Brun (Kadak Pav) Masks. Sit at the corner table at Koolar’s at King Circle dip that buttered piece of pav in the chai , let it soak in the hot beverage and bite into the soggy pav and enjoy the rains lashing Mumbai landscape. Sitting there with no one to disturb you  enjoy the scene outside.Watch the young Mothers trying to rein in their tiny tots splashing in the puddles created by the down pour. With the wind gushing and blowing away at the umbrellas , enjoy the funny scenes on the road outside.

Another mouth watering time pass is to gorge on the Corn or Bhutta as we call. These cobs coming in traditional white or the newer golden sweet variety. Right across from Noble Chemist near Kapole Niwas sits a bhaiya . One of the more popular Bhuttawallahs who attracts people from all across the city , mostly old residents from Matunga who have moved on to the suburbs or recommended by these Matungaiet’s. Whatever scenic beauty that he lacks as compared to his counterparts who sell these Makka’s at the beach from in Juhu or Girgaon Chowpatty , he makes up with his lip smacking bhutta’s. Most famous for his classic Butter Bhutta sprinkled with his special masala mix , the taste is heavenly. On special request he even roasts the corn cobs inside the coal sigdi to give a little crispiness. He also offer loose corn kernels in little cups mixed with dollop’s of butter and masala mix. You can also try his newest Garlic Bhutta which lip smacking.

If you want to enjoy the rains with you sweet heart there’s no place like Shivaji Park. Sitting there at the Shivaji Park Katta holding hands and getting lost in hers eyes as the rain comes down and you both are struggling to keep yourself dry under one umbrella between the two of you . Its magical , these moments will be etched in your memories forever … As they say “Till death do us apart”..

When it rains in Mumbai it pours its never a drizzle and the 3 best romantic places to be during the rains are Bandra Bandstand - An alternative to Marines, the restructured Bandstand Promenade has the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and homes of the who’s who of Bollywood on either side of it. You can climb a little higher on the ruins of the fort and get a fantastic view of the sea and the city. And while you’re at it, you can also check the ‘Walk of Stars’ which showcases the handprints of famous Bollywood stars. Gateway of India - This heritage structure stands tall in its glory as the rains gushes over it. Though it never fails to mesmerize all-round the year, the high tides during monsoons splashing over it and everything around has an endearing charm of its own. Take a walk along the seams or enjoy the view with a nice cup of coffee at one of the café’s nearby. And finally Manori Creek -Manori is a quaint little village by the creek and has a sprawling beach which is reminiscent of the beaches of Goa. Within the city but devoid of its noise, this sea shore provides a quick getaway from the city rush. The drive to this place takes a little above an hour but is totally worthwhile as you can see the transition from the concrete buildings to the mud houses cropped between green landscapes.

Apart from this, there are food shacks lined along the beach which has some scrumptious seafood to offer and a ferry ride that takes you to Essel World and Water Kingdom; to the childhood love of fun rides. What more could you ask for!

So next time it rains , if you are the outdoor types head to any of these mesmerizing locations like Marine Drive or Worli Sea Face or better still at the Shivaji Park Katta. Enjoy the golden moments. Or stay back at home as the rains lash the city landscape , with the rain drops hitting your large French windows or the veranda of your home. Turn on the radio tune in to Vivid Bharthi for songs like “ Rim Zim ke Tarane leke aai Barsaat…. Yaad hai mujhe who pehli mulakat… Or tune to Radio Nasha to enjoy some retro songs … “ Rim  Zim Rim Zim Rum Zoom Rum Zoom .. Bhegi Bheegi Rut me Jalte Hain .. Jalte Hain”.  Bite into those freshly made hot kanda or batata bajjis and get lost in your Spouse’s eyes  in between Chuski from the garma garam chai . 

Create you sweet memories….Enjoy life…. Enjoy the Rains…….