A recent blog called Roots of Khotachi Wadi started by a few people, originally from Khotachi Wadi but, now settled abroad, and special celebrations in Australia are all designed to keep that unique flavour alive
A recent blog called Roots of Khotachi Wadi started by a few people, originally from Khotachi Wadi but, now settled abroad, and special celebrations in Australia are all designed to keep that unique flavour alive
Khotachi Wadi, a heritage village in Girgaum has always been known for its diversity and exuberant culture. But, in land starved Mumbai, the village has often been targetted by landsharks.
The latest being the Dias House, a 150-year-old colonial bungalow, which was to be razed to make way for two multi-storeyed buildings in November. Over 300 people gathered to pay their final tribute to the bungalow.
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According to latest reports, the demolition of the house has been temporarily stalled.
While Khotachiwadians (people from Khotachi Wadi) in Mumbai are fighting tooth and nail to protect the village, their counterparts abroad have started a blog called 'Roots of Khotachi Wadi' to share their memories of growing up in the village.
Four Khotachiwadians settled in four different continents started this blog around mid June this year.
Elwan Lobo-Pires from Canada, Owen Ferreira from Adelaide in Australia, Bosco Fernandes from Khotachi Wadi in Mumbai and Doreen Misquitta from France are the moderators of the blog. The blog was designed by Vincent Fernandes (fondly known as Vinoo in Khotachi Wadi), an IT expert based in Seattle.
Main Purpose
The purpose of starting a blog is to, "help document the memories and the facts, to share information that would otherwise be lost with the passage of time, to bring together a community that is now spread from Melbourne to Mississauga but with common roots and a common heritage that has helped shape who we are today.u00a0
We also share a passion for the lane, recognising that it is an intrinsic part of the heritage of Bombay and are keen to preserve what's left of it," said Misquitta, who visits Khotachi Wadi at least once a year.
Bosco Fernandes, an architect from Khotachi Wadi believes that the aim of the blog is to bring people of Khotachi Wadi all over the world together. 
Owen Ferreira (centre) with his friends
from Khotachi Wadi in Melbourne
"The blog will give a platform for people to share their experience of Khotachi Wadi," said Fernandes.
First Step
Pires and Ferreira initially came up with the idea of a blog. Ferreira then circulated a mail to rope in Khotachiwadians settled in different parts of the world. "The blog was started as our love for the wadi has not diminished one iota, even after 35 odd years abroad.
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I do miss the culture of the place and you can read for yourself the 'heart' in the blog posts. It was a thriving, crazy, fun filled melee of the young, middle aged and old folk just revelling in each other's company," said Ferreira.
Special Occasions
Infact Ferreira's love for his village is exhibited in the form of Girgaum Nights, which he and many other Khotachiwadians in Melbourne have been organising for the past 10 years. "In Melbourne, we have a group of about 10 families who hail from Khotachi Wadi.
We get together in a hired hall, throw a party and raise money for some of our less fortunate Khotachiwadites. As far as we are concerned they are part of our family.
I fly from Adelaide to Melbourne on these occasions. An entry fee of 30 dollars (Australian) is charged per person.
There's catered food, a live band, dancing, games, etcetera, all at a very reasonable cost and we raise sufficient money to help, in our own way, the families of our lost friends in the village. Outsiders who attend these parties just cannot get over the closeness of the Khotachi Wadi gang.
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The last party we had attracted close to 200 people." 
Khotachi Wadi village in Girgaum. PICS/SURESH KK
Pires, another moderator, who has been living in Canada since 1993, regrets not having started the blog earlier as, "most of the residents who were born during the first three decades of the last century are no longer with us.
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They would have provided us invaluable insights into why their ancestors chose Khotachi Wadi as their place of residence."
The blog sheds light on the history of this historic village. Interesting tidbits about the place is also shared through the writings. But, the greater purpose of the blog, say the moderators is to, "leave a legacy for future generations."
Link to the blog:https://rootsofkw.wordpress.com/
Slice of history
Khotachi Wadi is a small village located in Girgaum. The old bungalow-style houses are predominately adopted from the Portugese style of architecture, with heavy use of wood, open balconies and exterior staircases. An 18th century old village, Khotachi Wadi is also known for its rich East Indian food.
Fromu00a0The Blog
There is a saying about Khotachi Wadi (KW). "You can leave KW but it never leaves you". It is a saying that rings true for most of the KW residents and diaspora who now live in other parts of the city, country or the world. It is why, time and again we choose to return; some more often, some less so...
In mid to late 1800's Khotachi Wadi was an East Indian village where many of the homeowners were East Indian and a number of other houses had been gifted to the Catholic Church.
These were rented out without bias or favour to Hindus and Catholics alike; Goans, East Indians and Mangloreans.
The result was that KW evolved with a character of its own, where over the years harmony and friendships between East Indians, Goans, Mangloreans and Hindus were taken for granted.
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