Ever wondered where Mumbai’s original inhabitants reside? Welcome to Khar Danda Koliwada. This village is on Salsette Island. It sits on Bandra’s north-western coast. For centuries the Koli and East Indian Catholics have called Khar Danda Koliwada home.
Khar Danda is not just old. It is one of Mumbai’s oldest settlements. The residents have been here for centuries. Imagine life in a place with such deep roots.
Khar Danda Koliwada is known for its fishing business. You will see modern piers and colorful fishing vessels. Locals still make traditional soft liquor. It is called Sara. Sara comes from fermented fruits. It was once known as Sura.
Bollywood and Hollywood love Khar Danda Koliwada. Many movies were filmed here. Akshay Kumar’s Special 26 is one example. The village offers a unique backdrop.
Let’s talk about Danda Havli. Varin Pada Havli Holi is a special festival. The British-India government approved it in 1922. Fishermen used to collect wood for Holi. They had arguments with other villagers. The Goddess Holika then appeared. She commanded them to celebrate Holi early. Carter Perry Sr., a British collector, gazetted the festival. Now Holi is celebrated two days early. Mumbai Police attends as a guest of honor. The village is decorated with lights. Sweets are distributed. Fishermen perform pooja for their boats.
The Danda Seaface Promenade is another highlight. It is a coastal pathway for pedestrians. It runs along Khar Danda Koliwada’s edge. Plans are underway to extend it. It will connect to the Rustomjee Paramount Building. This will create a continuous 3km walk by the sea.
Bandra was a natural harbor in ancient times. It was called “Bandora”. Khar Danda and Chimbai were the only good shores for living. Fishermen preferred Khar Danda. During the Portugal Era, sailors built a beacon on a reef. This beacon warned sailors about rocks. It was called “Uarashi Reef”. It is now “Varashi Reef”.
During the 1944 Bombay explosion, Khar Danda residents helped hundreds of people. As the community grew, the local panchayat divided the village. These divisions were called gaothans. Each gaothan has its own deity. Later Hanuman Nagar and Gulab Nagar were added.
During the 2020 pandemic, Khar Danda sealed itself off. This protected the village from the virus. BMC declared Khar Danda a green zone on July 24, 2020. It was the first in Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation plans a seafood plaza here. It aims to empower local fisherwomen. They will prioritize women from Self-Help Groups. The plaza will feature mobile eateries. They will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It is located behind Sherely Village Bus Stop on Carter Road.
Khar Danda Koliwada is more than a village. It is a story of resilience. It is a blend of tradition and modernity.