Harking back to the 18th century, Khotachiwadi in Mumbai is a doorway to the past

Blink and you’ll miss it. But once you’ve entered this quaint village that quietly exists amidst – and yet removed from – the bustle of Mumbai, it’s like stepping into the pages of a history book. Khotachiwadi, the earliest settlement of the East Indian community in the city, consists of several winding lanes flanked by Portuguese-inspired, colonial wooden bungalows that are a throwback to its 18th century roots.

A warm summer weekend saw this heritage site come truly alive in the first ever Khotachiwadi Festival: Forever Young. The narrow streets buzzed with activity – from tables laid out with authentic East Indian, Goan, Maharashtrian and Chinese fare to attractively displayed stalls selling handicrafts, jewellery and home-made delicacies; from an art wall to live music playing outdoors, there was something for everyone.

Khotachiwadi still lies where it has for over 200 years – and where it will hopefully remain for many years to come. The primary aim of the weekend’s celebrations was to create awareness that would, in turn, facilitate the residents’ efforts to preserve this idyllic village as a heritage site. Well, if Mumbaikars believe in fairy tales, then perhaps that goal is within reach…

- Rhea Saran

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