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I Went Drinking in Mumbai’s Worst Slum

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MUMBAI, INDIA: Dharavi, India’s biggest slum, isn’t exactly known for being a place where you can mingle with the locals over a couple of cold ones.

But I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. I therefore took it upon myself to find a watering hole in Mumbai’s roughest neighborhood so I could meet some local residents and hear their stories. Did I succeed or was this one Indian adventure even beyond the scope of this intrepid Northman? Find out in this episode where I go exploring and meeting the people of Dharavi.

What are some of the economic challenges faced by the residents of Dharavi?

India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and lifestyles. Among the many cities that draw visitors to the country, Mumbai stands out as a city of contrasts. The bustling metropolis is home to some of the wealthiest people in India, while at the same time, some of the poorest communities in the world reside there. With this contrasting background, Mumbai has become a city of experiences and surprises, and I had one such experience.

Recently, I went drinking in Mumbai’s worst slum- Dharavi. This densely populated area has been referred to as Asia’s largest slum, and it’s not an exaggeration. Located in the heart of Mumbai, Dharavi is home to around a million people, who are mostly migrants from different parts of India. The slum is spread across 535 acres, and its residents earn their livelihood through various small-scale businesses, such as recycling waste, garment production, and pottery.

As an outsider who had never been to Dharavi before, I was curious to see the place and to interact with the people who call it home. We reached Dharavi around 11 pm on a Saturday night, and as soon as we entered the slum, I felt a sense of unease. The streets were narrow and winding, and the darkness only amplified the feeling of foreboding. But as we walked deeper into the slum, my initial sense of dread vanished as they encountered friendly faces.

One of the first people we met was a middle-aged man named Anil. He was sitting in front of his house, enjoying a glass of whiskey with his friends. Anil, who has lived in Dharavi for over two decades, told us that drinking alcohol in the open is a common sight in the slum. Despite the many social and health issues that plague the community, drinking seems to be a way for residents to unwind after a long day.

We were invited to have a drink with Anil, and we accepted. As we shared a bottle of whiskey, we learned more about the community and the struggles that they face. Despite their economic hardships, the people we spoke to had a sense of pride in their community, and they were fiercely protective of it. We also learned that there is a strong sense of community and camaraderie that exists among the residents.

As we walked around the slum, we saw that the bars and shops are located in narrow alleys, with people sitting outside, indulging in a drink or a smoke. Some of the bars were little more than makeshift shacks with plastic chairs and tables. These establishments are popular among the residents, who come here to socialize, play cards, and watch TV.

In conclusion, visiting Dharavi was an eye-opening experience. Despite the many challenges that the community faces, the people we met were warm, hospitable, and proud of their homes. The experience gave me a sense of perspective on the diverse cultures and lifestyles that exist in Mumbai. I urge anyone visiting Mumbai to take the time to visit Dharavi and experience the spirit of the community.