Behind every weathered door in Girgaon lies a universe of memories, a living archive of the city’s past. Journey through the historic heart of South Mumbai, uncovering the living memories and narratives through the eyes of its most cherished establishments and the individuals who breathe life into them.
Led by Urban Sketcher, Educator, and Children's Book Illustrator Zainab Tambawalla, translate Girgaon's human essence onto paper as Historian and Founder, Bombaywalla Simin Patel unveils its layered history. From a century-old café named after its Parisian counterpart to a historic gymnasium whose 900 members once volunteered in India’s independence movement—explore these and other iconic spaces that define Girgaon’s legacy. Through guided storytelling and on-location sketching, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to document the people and places that shape Girgaon’s cultural landscape.
Please note that the meeting point for our walk tomorrow will be Royal Opera House, Mumbai. Due to ongoing road work and unforeseen circumstances we cannot start our workshop at Café De La Paix, Girgaon.
The rest of the workshop and walkthrough will go as planned.
Join us and capture people’s histories
of Girgaon—one stroke at a time.
Highlights:
· Use travel sketching as a means to observe and absorb.
· Explore how personal narratives shape the character of public spaces.
· Develop a visual storytelling approach that goes beyond the lens of just a camera.
· Discover Girgaon’s evolving history through its long-standing businesses and their custodians.
· Create a unique illustrated spread capturing
Girgaon’s human and cultural landscape.
Zainab Tambawalla is a children’s book illustrator, an urban sketcher and a nature lover. She has studied Animation Film Design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and has illustrated several books for Pratham, Scholastic and other independent authors and publishers. Currently, she also teaches at the Ecole Intuit Lab, Mumbai. As a part of her personal practice, she sketches around the city documenting in her work the different aspects that interest her. From people, architecture, to various other elements and stories.
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Simin Patel Historian and Blogger at Bombaywalla.org, a platform that creates awareness about Bombay’s built environment and social history. Bombaywalla operates a blog and conducts historical walks of the city’s localities and celebrated structures. Simin completed her PhD in Modern South Asian History from Balliol College, University of Oxford in 2015.
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Girgaon - Village at the Foothill
Girgaon, located at the southern end of Mumbai, is a vibrant neighbourhood steeped in history and cultural diversity. The name "Girgaon" is derived from the Sanskrit word 'giri,' meaning hill, and 'gaon,' which translates to village, reflecting its geographical position at the foot of Malabar Hill. Nestled between the vibrant neighborhoods of Tardeo, Walkeshwar, Bhuleshwar, and Marine Lines, the area of Girgaon is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and cultural heritage.This area has long been a melting pot of communities and cultures, including East Indian Christians, Khots, Agris, Pathare Prabhu, Kollis, Bhandaris, Parsis, and Brahmins.
Architecture in Lanes of Girgaon
One of the most striking features of Girgaon is its old vintage buildings that tell stories of a bygone era.Alongside these buildings are lively chawls—traditional tenement housing that fosters a sense of community among residents.
Adding to Girgaon's cultural richness is the Royal Opera House, located at the edge of this bustling neighbourhood. As India’s only opera house dedicated to celebrating Indian talent, it stands as a testament to Mumbai's artistic heritage and continues to host performances that resonate with audiences across generations.
Among its notable landmarks is St. Teresa's Church, an exquisite example of Gothic architecture that stands as a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry. Girgaon is also home to several temples that reflect the diverse spiritual fabric of the community. The unique Kala Ram Temple is particularly noteworthy; it houses idols not only of Lord Rama but also features Shatrughan and Bharata alongside Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman. This temple serves as a focal point for devotees and plays an integral role in local traditions.
Additionally, institutions like Arya Samaj and Shree Swami Samarth Math contribute to the area's spiritual landscape while promoting social reform and community welfare.
Traditions, Stories and More From the Corners of Girgaon
Girgaon, a vibrant locality in Mumbai, is renowned for its rich tapestry of culture and history, which was particularly highlighted during the beloved festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This grand celebration traces its origins back to 1893 when the visionary Lokmanya Tilak initiated the festival at Keshavji Naik Chawl. Tilak's efforts were pivotal in transforming Ganesh Chaturthi from a private family celebration into a public event that fostered community spirit and unity among residents.
Girgaon also witnessed significant contributions from influential figures such as Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeeboy, who established the Indian Railway Association. The reconstruction efforts in Mumbai during the mid-19th century were significantly influenced by Sir George Birdwood and Dr. Bhau Daji Lad in 1857. Their work helped modernize the city and laid down the foundation for its urban development.
Moreover, Girgaon holds a special place in cinema history as well; it was here that Dadasaheb Phalke's first silent film was screened at Coronation Theatre. This landmark event marked a turning point in Indian cinema and continues to inspire filmmakers today.
Additionally, Girgaon is home to the famous Girgaon Chowpatty, a beloved beach that attracts locals and tourists alike. Known for its bustling atmosphere and delicious street food stalls offering iconic snacks like bhel puri and pav bhaji, Chowpatty serves as a social hub where people gather to enjoy sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
Despite being on the brink of transformation with modern glass towers rising around it, Girgaon continues to celebrate festivals with fervor and pass on its cherished traditions from generation to generation. The last remaining wadis and chawls serve as living reminders of a vibrant past that coexists harmoniously with contemporary developments in this dynamic cityscape.
