Girgaum Chowpatty, Beach in Girgaum, Mumbai, India
Girgaum Chowpatty is a sandy shore along the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, stretching several hundred meters between the Marine Drive promenade and the Malabar Hill district. The gray expanse is lined with low palms and public seating areas, while traffic from the coastal road passes behind.
The shore became known in the late 19th century when the city grew rapidly under British rule and residents used the spot for weekend outings. The first promenade was built in the 1920s, connecting the waterfront with the growing residential neighborhoods along the coast.
Thousands of families come here during the first ten days of autumn to carry Ganesha statues into the sea, marking the end of an important religious festival. The ceremony takes place after sunset, when communities stand together at the water singing and drumming.
Street vendors sell Indian snacks like bhel puri and roasted corn along the promenade in the evening, so visitors can eat while walking or sitting. Access is free and open at all times, though most people come after sunset when temperatures drop.
A wooden platform in the southern section holds several hundred people at once and serves as a viewing point over the water during large events. The structure was built to keep crowds off the sand during religious ceremonies while allowing clear views.
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