BandraBuzz creating community connect
September 2011 | Vol. II Issue 9 | Published Monthly
INSIDE >>
bandrabuzz.wordpress.com | bandrabuzz@gmail.com | 16 pages | Price: ` 2
The Bandra Fairs of Yore
Executive Chef Rajeev Basak from Bungalow 9 shares his Recipe of Steamed Grouper on pg 11 >>
An Exclusive Interview with Asif Zakaria on pg 4 >> Skywalk at Bandra Plunged into Darkness on pg 6 >> New Ventures in Bandra on pg 3>>
ome September and Bandra will once again turn into a noisy, crowded suburb as multitudes of people from in and around Mumbai flock to the Bandra fair. The sound decibel often reaches intolerable levels due to the incessant honking of car horns and the never-ending sounds of toy bugles that rent the air for the entire week. Many residents complain of the dirt and stench that still remain for almost a week after the stall owners vacate the area. “The Bandra Fair week is a nightmarish one for my family,” says Irwin, a disgruntled resident. “My children usually have exams then but they can hardly study with all the noise pollution.” Senior citizens living in the area often grumble that they cannot enjoy their afternoon nap during the fair days. They
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don’t dare venture into the fair during this period. In fact, many youngsters prefer to visit Mount Mary church after the fair days to avoid the unnecessary shoving and pushing that goes on. Sometimes, young girls complain of incidents of eve-teasing while visiting the fair. Many people have lost precious belongings like wallets and mobile phones while wading through the crowd. “I lost a costly iphone handset last year on the last Sunday of the fair” says Anto, who was dismayed at the poor level of security provided to the fair-goers. Well, Bandra Fair was not always like this as far as I can remember. When I was just a school kid, I enjoyed the annual visit to the church and the fair. In those days they allowed more time for the prayers and offerings inside the church. The sight of the beautiful statue
of Mother Mary enthralled the pilgrims who were generally more orderly and well behaved. After the church visit, I would walk down the steps eyeing the bubbles, the toys and the channas. I always went home with a balloon, the bubble container and the toy of my choice. In those days our home would be full of guests as relatives dropped in on the way to the fair. There was a special bonding among relatives that happened during this time of year. It was almost magical. Yes, things have only got worse since then and all we can do now is to pray for improvement and hope for a miracle! - Vivek Pereira
Residents of Bandra share their fond memories of the Fair on pg 5 >>