The Wonders of India

There are some places you visit, and then there are places that leave you wanting more. India has certainly become one of those places for me. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of returning to Mumbai for the third time, and as with my previous visits, I came away with a whole new collection of memories, experiences and stories to tell.

Mumbai is a city that never seems to sleep. There are people everywhere going about their day with streets filled with taxis, vendors and people rushing from one place to another. Even at three in the morning, the city is lit up and full of life with an energy that is quite difficult to describe until you experience it yourself.

What makes India truly special is its people. There is a beautiful Indian saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which means that a guest is like God, which experiencing it first-hand gave the phrase a whole new meaning.

Whether it was someone randomly striking up a conversation with me along Marine Drive, people offering recommendations, or being invited into someone’s home, I was constantly reminded of just how welcoming people can be. There is a genuine warmth and kindness that you come across everywhere. People are curious to know where you are from, what you think of their city and whether you are enjoying yourself. I don’t think I have ever been made to feel like such a welcome guest.

Of course, there was the food! Mumbai has so much to offer, from delicious seafood (the butter garlic crab being my absolute favourite) masala dosa, pav bhaji, paneer tikka and vada pav. Every meal bought something new to the table while quickly discovering that being invited into someone’s home usually meant being fed far more than I could possibly manage, making sure I never left hungry!

One of the most memorable experiences of my visit was the honour of donating a cow and her calf to a dedicated “gaushala” on the outskirts of Mumbai, a sanctuary that looks after and protects cattle, which hold great significance in Hindu culture.

The donation was accompanied by a traditional Hindu ceremony, led by a Pandit who patiently guided me through the rituals and explained their meaning. It was a lovely experience to learn more about a tradition that holds such importance in Indian culture. Afterwards, everyone had the opportunity to feed all the cows by hand, seeing all the different sizes, ages and personalities on full display.

Three visits later, I still feel that I have only scratched the surface of what India has to offer with the little things staying with me after each trip. But one thing I know for certain is that it is a place that makes you feel welcome, keeps you on your toes and always gives you a reason to come back. And I very much look forward to my next visit.