“Mobai Bhavan, situated in the Gaothans of Manori’s Teresa Village, is a historic and unique museum in the suburbs of Mumbai, close to Malad. It is renowned for its traditional East Indian cuisine, which reflects the lifestyle of Mumbai’s early settlers…”
Mobai Museum Speciality
The museum has reached its goal of collecting Rs. 4,00000/- from the community in various Gaothans around Mumbai. The old hut used for displaying artifacts will be replaced with a new wooden structure to showcase East Indian culture.
Enjoy a pleasant sight of Ghumat musical instruments, a traditional kitchen showcasing how locals prepared their meals using large pots, and detailed descriptions of wedding customs and occupations, all accompanied by pictures and explanations in English and Marathi for the convenience of tourists.
Alphi D’souza has decided to enhance their open space compound area. They will create a model of Salt pans, display the village bullock cart that was once seen in south Mumbai, and showcase various ploughing equipments to make the museum more appealing and give it an East Indian vibe. These exciting additions will be unveiled during the upcoming festival starting on May 11. The transformation of Mobai bhavan will be completed by May 19 and will be open to the public.
Yes, have you learned about the East India Company and British governance in your history classes? Here’s a related fact: Mobai, now known as ‘Mumbai’, was named by the early inhabitants of ‘Bombay’, the East Indians. These were the original people who migrated from North Konkan to the outskirts of the city. Today, Mumbai serves as the headquarters for all Mobikars collaborating on various projects.
Mobai Bhavan (Museum) is a permanent museum and exhibition located just a few minutes away from manori madh jetty (manori island). It showcases East Indian artifacts, as well as the lifestyle and traditions of our ancestors. This museum is one of the few places open to the public where you can experience the old times, with tiled homes, fishing boats, and bullock carts. It is also a great place to savor authentic East Indian cuisine, prepared on ‘Chula or Choola’ (segris), and served by beautifully dressed women in traditional attire called ‘Lugras’.
Mobai Gaothan Panchayat is the leading organization that has started and promoted the cultural heritage of Mumbai. If you are interested in exploring Indian traditions and cultures, make sure to visit this museum in the suburbs of Mumbai. The group of people dedicated to preserving and promoting Gaothan culture are known as ‘Mobaikars’. Mobai Bhavan is a spacious 7000 square feet property with a beautiful front yard and a 3-bedroom bungalow available for those who wish to stay and enjoy delicious food while listening to traditional Marathi Folk Songs played on Earthen Drums known as ‘Gummat’.
Inside Mobai Bhavan
Once you arrive, a local villager known as ‘Bhandari’ will greet you with a refreshing drink called ‘Tadi’ in Hindi (also known as ‘Toddy’). It’s a sweet extract similar to coconut water from a tree called ‘tad tree’, resembling a coconut tree. After enjoying the Toddy, enter the charming hut made of large tree leaves, the Bhavan (natural museum), and experience the traditional East Indian lifestyle. Witness women cooking typical East Indian Food in one corner, showcasing the specialty of Mobai Bhavan. Explore the section titled ‘The making of hand breads’ to learn more about food preparation. The dishes, ‘Phoogyas and Chicken Frittarts’, are served in earthen vessels.
Address and Contact
Address : Mobai Bhavan Museum, Theresa Villa, Gorai Manori Road, Manori Village, Mumbai – 400064.
Contact : Before visiting, one need to contact Mr. Alphi D’Souza on 9820087771 (Contact Might Change With Time).
How to Reach Mobai Bhavan
By Bus : Get Down at Malad Station on Western Railway Route, Mumbai Suburb which is 2nd station from Andheri towards north. Take Madh / Marve bus from station WEST, Once on beach take ferry ride (5 minutes) to Manori Jetty and Reach Theresa Villa.
By Train : Since Malad is the main station, follow the above to reach.
By Road : When you reach Mumbai Ahmadabad Highway in your private vehicle, drive to Malad West and then make your way to Marve Beach by following the sign boards. After that, take a ferry to Manori jetty. Remember to park your vehicle close to the beach before visiting Mobai Museum.
Nearest Station : Malad (West side).
Bhavan Pictures
Picture Courtesy Mobikars
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