The faith follower’s trail

This Ramzan Eid, become pilgrim or explorer across the length and breadth of Mumbai's must-visit sights and sounds that best reflect this festival. experience the meaning and spirit of communal revelry in true mumbai style

The faith follower's trail

This Ramzan Eid, become pilgrim oru00a0explorer across the length and breadth of Mumbai's must-visit sights and sounds that best reflect this festival. Experience the meaning and spirit of communal revelry in true mumbai style

The faithful gather for prayer at Minara Masjid on the eve of Ramzan Eid

Minara Masjid, Mohammed Ali Road
Arguably, one of the most frequented and familiar mosques in the city, the Minara Masjid lies in the heart of Mumbai's bustling Bhendi Bazaar area. On any given day during the Ramzan month, this area that stretches from JJ Hospital till Crawford Market becomes a buzzing sub-precinct -- from traditional attar shops, to glitzy jewellery stores, Malpua-laden mithaiwalas and the whiff of Nalli Nihari that fills the air, one can only imagine the grandeur that sweeps the area when Eid sets in. One of Mumbai's oldest surviving neighbourhoods that has survived the commercial boom, the nostalgic factor plays a huge role in adding to the festive revelry here.

Jama Masjid, SV Road, Bandra (West)
It's bejwelled minarets come to life, post sunset. So, what better time than Eid to pay a visit to this revered place of worship in Bandra. This structure, built with strong influences of Islam and Indo-Saracenic architecture is the ideal starting point for a mini trail, if you are in this part of town. The Jama Masjid Trust runs Bandra Urdu High School, built up next to the Masjid. From the cheer and laughter of the faithful to the all-pervading aroma of succulent Seekh Kebabs that lace the air, the entire stretch leading up to Lucky Restaurant is dressed in every colour of Eid.

Anjuman-i-islam, Dr DN Road, Fort
Established in 1874 by a group of visionaries including city father and lawyer, Badruddin Tyabji, Anjuman-i-Islam High School began with just five students who appeared in the matriculation examination of Bombay University in 1900. Designed by John Adams in the Indo-Saracenic style, this school originally had a purdah gallery for women who were educated here. Every Eid, this beautiful, historic educational institution and its campus transforms into a mosque or idgah (a place set apart for prayer). The faithful gather here in large numbers, pray and greet one another against the backdrop of this stunningly lit city landmark. Definitely worth a visit.

Hamidiya Masjid, Pydhonie
Situated almost parallel to the more popular Minara Masjid, closer to Kalbadevi, this relatively lesser-known mosque is an interesting symbol of the communal harmony in the heart of south-central Mumbai. Located in the heart of the city's traditional business district, a Jain mandir stands opposite the green facade of this mosque and it is near the entrance to Zaveri Bazaar. It is completely a Muslim neighbourhood. But the majority of traders and shop owners are Hindu. A walking trail of the area will introduce you to the sights and sounds of a Mumbai where commerce, religion and a sense of communal harmony coexist.

Haji Ali Dargah, Mahalaxmi
This one will please the trivia buff. The Haji Ali Dargah is a cluster of white domes that houses the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant who renounced his worldly pleasures before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The tomb itself is over 800 years old and is linked to the mainland by a path that is annually submerged in the high monsoon tide. Inside the central shrine, throngs of worshippers stoop to press their heads against the richly brocaded red and green chaddar covering the tomb, which lies in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine names of Allah. The faithful tie little red ribbons on wooden lattices to honour the soul of Haji Ali.

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