Girgaon
Girgaon
Girgav | |
|---|---|
Neighbourhood | |
 Girgaon back road, c. 1905 | |
  Girgaon | |
| Coordinates: 18°57′11″N 72°48′47″E / 18.953°N 72.813°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Mumbai City |
| City | Mumbai |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal Corporation |
| • Body | Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM) |
| Elevation | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Demonym | Girgaonkar |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 400004 |
Girgaon, or Girgaum, is an area in southern Mumbai in Maharashtra, India. It is near the coast.[1] A section of Marine Drive is located here.[2]
History
[edit]Girgaon has been a historically significant locality in Mumbai. During the colonial era, it was home to several business communities, particularly Marathi, Konkani and Parsi families. The neighborhood witnessed substantial urban development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a bustling residential and commercial district. It has since retained its traditional charm while adapting to modernization.
Girgaon also played a crucial role in the Maharashtra Statehood Movement during the 1950s. The neighborhood was a hub for political discussions, protests, and movements advocating for the formation of a separate state of Maharashtra. Several processions and demonstrations took place in Girgaon, with active participation from local leaders and residents. In 1995, Morarji Desai and SK Patil held a rally at Girgaon Chowpatty challenging the supporters of Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. Following that, The Left parties took out a procession to the state legislature from girgaum to flora fountain (now Hutatma Chowk).The Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which led to the creation of Maharashtra in 1960, saw strong support from Girgaon’s working-class and middle-class population.
In addition, Girgaon has a deep-rooted connection with the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, particularly due to the influence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In the late 19th century, Tilak transformed the festival into a large-scale public event to promote unity and nationalist sentiments against British rule. Girgaon became one of the central areas for these celebrations, with large processions and public gatherings that continue to this day. The neighborhood remains an important hub for Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors each year.[3]
Culture
[edit]- Girgaon Chowpatty: A renowned public beach that is a focal point for festivals, especially the immersion of Ganesh idols during Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Kotachi Wadi: A well-preserved heritage village within Girgaon, Kotachi Wadi is known for its old Portuguese-style houses and unique community culture.
Notable Buildings
[edit]Entertainment and Attractions
[edit]Transport
[edit]Girgaon is well connected by the :
- Charni Road Railway station on the Western line
- upcoming Girgaon Metro station on the Aqua Line( Line 3).
- The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, which starts near Girgaon Chowpatty
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Karmakar, Kalyan (2016). The Travelling Belly : Eating Through India's By-Lanes. Gurgaon. ISBN 978-93-5009-911-7. OCLC 968895956.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Census of India, 1981: Maharashtra. Series 12. Manager of Publications. 1986. p. 36.
- ^ "How Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the worship of Lord Ganesh a grand community festival". The Indian Express. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
External links
[edit]
- Girgaon Archived 14 August 2022 at the Wayback Machine