Shri Siddhivinayak always graces you

If you happen to visit Mumbai, do make it a point to visit Siddhivinayak temple at Prabhadevi because this Siddhivinayak temple evokes a different kind of emotion. Whenever I am in that part of the town, I make a point to enter the premises and take some good vibes along with me. There is a certain level of peace and tranquillity among all the din. Maybe its a connect. The idol here is pretty cute and the silver mouse looks awesome. I started enjoying going to SV temple during early Tuesday morning walks. The roads are filled with people who walk and walk to meet their friend for a short while. And finally, the morning aarti amongst sea of devotees is pure bliss and awesomeness. Nothing beats that!!!

Shri Siddhi Vinayaka, the presiding deity of this temple is believed to grant one's desires and wishes as per a common belief among Vinayaka [Ganesha] devotees. In fact "Siddhi" means attainment. This, along with the fact that Shri Ganesha is one of the most loved Gods in the Hindu pantheon fires the enthusiasm of our people and prompts them to keep going to this famed temple in Mumbai, despite the serpentine queues there, on Tuesdays.

Personally, I love it but there are a few things that I don’t like about the city but all in all the city has treated me well and has made me felt like I belong there. Till a few years ago I always identify myself as an outsider but I’ve caught myself a new feeling, the feeling of being a part of the city, of being a Mumbaikar itself. Since I’m more of a mild introvert type of personality, I thrived in the big city life. People do their own things while I do mine and nobody cares. That’s why I love the big cities not only Mumbai.

Mumbai has sort of been my second home, I’ve been in the city on and off around 7 years and have met my exes, true friendships, amazing colleagues and wonderful souls. It is also a very safe city apart from the 2012 episode where I narrowly escape being on the national headlines. It also has taught me a lot about life by the experiences I’ve encountered, the failures and successes helps me grow as an individual which I’ll never would have known if I had not left the comforts of my small town.

I loved the city’s street foods, noisy festivals (Ganpati), Navratri Puja, Marine Drive and most young people are quite open minded. The best part about the city is the public transport which is amazingly cheap and efficient. You can easily make friends in the local trains and its also a place where you can easily study and observed human psychology and behaviour in packed crowded spaces. Auto drivers are the best in the country, Chennai is the worst. I’m not much of a party person but the few parties I’ve been to and you can party all night long. The city is also very diverse, you can meet any person belonging to any parts of India and the world. They’re Parsis, Jews, Africans, Arabs, Indonesians, etc

I love the weather too though it may sound strange to others but I think I’m made for tropical weathers not the cool chilly temperate weather of my native place doesn’t kill me. I love how cheap the internet connection is in Mumbai whereas now in Shillong I’m paying a month’s bill equivalent to three months in Mumbai. I also love how irreligious most of the people are which is always a good thing according to me.. The only things I dislike about the city are its exorbitant deposits and rent rates, early morning local train travels and the absence of diversity in meat options. Other than that its a very much happening and livable Indian city to me. Maybe I’ll return again soon or never but my memories of the city will be with me forever.

Most of my dear friends I’ve met in Mumbai loved the city. However, there were few who hated the city too but it all depends on one’s needs, requirements, adaptability, encounters and other factors. For me the city has accepted, loved, care and shaped me to become a productive human being of the society which I’ll always be grateful for that. I would love to end this answer on a few Marathi words but my mind is blanked currently so I’ll just simply end it on Jai Maharashtra!

To be honest, I always wanted to live in Mumbai to experience about the city that never sleeps. A city, well heard of, about it's contrast in lifestyle yet everyone going to sleep with a smile no matter what have you been through. This was the first time I stepped out of my home to live alone, but there was always a sense of comfort in the arms of Mumbai. It do accept everyone wholeheartedly pushing aside all circumstances. In the past 10 months, I have seen it all. Be it the record rainfall during monsoons and people coming out to help people who are stuck to the atmosphere here in Mumbai during Ganpati. People devote themselves to worship Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati in spirit.

Be it enjoying corn bhutta at Marine Drive during rainy season to face the scorching heat of the sun. Be it enjoying hard drinks in a club to sitting by the sea and enjoying the little gone moments of life. Mumbai has been one of the safest cities to live in for both the gender counterparts. The local trains are equally safe as the cabs and the cars and the autorickshaws. Mumbai always supports you in a sense to grow. There will be failures in your path but Mumbai teaches you to pull your chin up, have faith in yourself and keep moving towards your goal, because “Yes, Mumbai does fulfil dreams.” Cheers!