My Heritage Chronicles

UDVADA - This coastal town lies 200kms from Mumbai and around 8kms from NH8. This town is renowned for Zoroastrian Atash Behram or the holy fire which has been burning for over 1250 years. This place of worship is the oldest still functioning example of its kind. Udvada is to Parsis what Mecca is to Muslims, Kashi for Hindus and Vatican for Christians. Not many would be aware that Udvada Atash Behram (Holy fire temple) is one of the nine Atash Behram worldwide (four are in Mumbai, two in Surat, one in Navsari and one in Udvada), The only place outside India is in town of Yazd in central Iran.  Legend has it that during the Muslims conquest of Iran in 7th century marginalised Zoroastrians fled to Indian sub-continent to preserve their diminishing culture and populace. It is said that they first landed on shore in small beach village of Nargol from where they settled in Sanjan and over the years due to changing political situation moved places and finally landed in Udvada. T...

Mumbai the mega metropolitan city was once a group of seven islands is something that we all know about. The seven islands which constitute Mumbai were home to communities of fishing villages and little hamlets scattered all over. They are chapters of a glorious history that endowed us with such rich heritage and architecture. Mazgaon or Mazagon - part of South Mumbai is one of the oldest suburbs of Mumbai. The original inhabitants were Agari (salt workers) & Koli (fisherman) tribes. Mazgaon has a rich history. It influenced several communities which makes it even more interesting. In heart of this sprawling suburb of Mumbai lies this quaint village called Matharpacady or Mathar-Pakhadi which was originally a colony of East Indian Catholics but over a period of time came to include many Goan and other families. The village is self contained with artistic wrought iron and wood bungalows, art decor, sprawling porches, verandas and altars. It boast of some of the city's old...