The best way to explore a new city is by foot. Mumbai’s many hole-in-the-wall restaurants, quieter stretches of sand by the beach, iconic landmarks and lesser-known shopping havens would otherwise whiz past, overlooked. Take, for instance, the 200-year-old erstwhile village of Matharpacady or Mazagaon (‘my village’ in Marathi’) tucked away in South Mumbai. Completely self-contained with its homes and altars, this one-time Portuguese colony is almost impervious to change and remains relatively untouched. Home to a large number of East Indians in the city, Mazagaon was once well-known for its mango trees that would bear fruit twice a year and some of the oldest, most beautiful Portuguese-style houses and establishments that, so many years after the East India Company’s exit from India, still stand tall and proud. As the year comes to a close, we’re reminded of the one other thing that makes Matharpacady stand out - its glorious Christmas celebrations.
No Footprints, a travel boutique that turns the spotlight on unique experiences and places that are off the beaten track in Mumbai, is organising a heritage walk around Matharpacady for a glimpse at how its residents celebrate Christmas. Guided by Hansel, a long-time resident and ambassador of this East Indian village, the walk will be a slice-of-life look into this almost-mythical colony during the most wonderful time of the year. Bathed in the light of twinkling fairy lights and interspersed with Santa Claus & Rudolph installations, the village is quite the sight to behold during December. Hansel will share Mazagaon’s forgotten stories with participants and lead them to important landmarks like The Holy Cross Oratory (of special significance to the residents) and the Goa Club. Make sure you work up an appetite because the walk ends with a real treat. Hansel will take all the participants back to his ancestral home for a full spread of Christmas cake and sweets before the sun sets on your exploration of Matharpacady.
To register, send in your names to info@nfpexplore.com - registrations by December 21, 2017. There’s space for 20 explorers and No Footprints will only be organising the walk if a minimum of 10 people sign up for it, so get emailing! The price of the walk is INR 799 (all inclusive) and you can pay in cash on the day of the walk itself.
Event details -
Date: December 23
Time: 5:30pm - 7pm
Venue: Assemble at Mumbai Darbar Hotel, Mazagaon
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