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Girgaon

For the village in Talasari taluka, see Girgaon, Palghar. For Goregaon, another place in Mumbai, see Goregaon.
Not to be confused with Gurgaon.

Girgaon
Girgav
Neighbourhood
Girgaon back road, c. 1905
Girgaon back road, c. 1905
Girgaon is located in Mumbai
Girgaon
Girgaon
Coordinates: 18°57′11″N 72°48′47″E / 18.953°N 72.813°E / 18.953; 72.813
CountryIndia
StateMaharashtra
DistrictMumbai City
CityMumbai
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation
 • BodyBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM)
Elevation
12 m (39 ft)
DemonymGirgaonkar
Languages
 • OfficialMarathi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
400004

Girgaon, or Girgaum, is an area in southern Mumbai in Maharashtra, India. It is near the coast.[1] A section of Marine Drive is located here.[2]

Girgaon gets its name from being located at the foot of Malabar Hill in South Mumbai.The Sanskrit term “Giri” stands for hills, whereas the sanskrit word “gram” denotes a village. Thus, it originally meant a village at the foothill of mountains.

History

Girgaon has been a historically significant locality in Mumbai. During the colonial era, it was home to several business communities, particularly Marathi, Konkani and Parsi families. The neighborhood witnessed substantial urban development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a bustling residential and commercial district. It has since retained its traditional charm while adapting to modernization.

Girgaon also played a crucial role in the Maharashtra Statehood Movement during the 1950s. The neighborhood was a hub for political discussions, protests, and movements advocating for the formation of a separate state of Maharashtra. Several processions and demonstrations took place in Girgaon, with active participation from local leaders and residents. In 1995, Morarji Desai and SK Patil held a rally at Girgaon Chowpatty challenging the supporters of Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. Following that, The Left parties took out a procession to the state legislature from girgaum to flora fountain (now Hutatma Chowk).The Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which led to the creation of Maharashtra in 1960, saw strong support from Girgaon’s working-class and middle-class population.

In addition, Girgaon has a deep-rooted connection with the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, particularly due to the influence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In the late 19th century, Tilak transformed the festival into a large-scale public event to promote unity and nationalist sentiments against British rule. Girgaon became one of the central areas for these celebrations, with large processions and public gatherings that continue to this day. The neighborhood remains an important hub for Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors each year.[3]

Culture

Girgaon is known for its rich cultural legacy. It remains a stronghold of Mumbai’s old Maharashtrian families, many of whom have lived here for generations. The area is famous for:

  • Girgaon Ganeshotsav: The locality is an epicenter for Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival, hosting some of the city’s most elaborate celebrations and processions.
  • Girgaon Chowpatty: A renowned public beach that is a focal point for festivals, especially the immersion of Ganesh idols during Ganesh Chaturthi.
  • Heritage Buildings: Girgaon features a mix of British-era structures and traditional 'Chawls'—old residential buildings with shared living spaces.
  • Chawl Culture: Girgaon is home to numerous chawls, which have fostered a close-knit community atmosphere. These traditional multi-family residences have played a crucial role in shaping the social and cultural identity of the area.
  • Kotachi Wadi: A well-preserved heritage village within Girgaon, Kotachi Wadi is known for its old Portuguese-style houses and unique community culture.
  • Theatre and Arts: The neighborhood has a vibrant theater culture, with Marathi and Gujarati theatre performances taking place at historic venues like the Royal Opera House.

Challenges and Redevelopment

Due to its old structures and increasing population density, Girgaon has been undergoing significant redevelopment. Many traditional chawls are being replaced with modern high-rise buildings, transforming the skyline of the area. However, heritage conservation efforts are also in place to preserve its historical essence.

Notable Buildings

  • Keshavji Naik Chawl, where the first Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (Public Ganesha Festival) took place in the leadership of Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • Saifee Hospital
  • Sir Harkisan Das Reliance Foundation Hospital
  • Mafatlal Club
  • Royal Opera House
  • Marathi Sahitya Sangha
  • Roxy Cinema

Entertainment and Attractions

Transport

Girgaon is well connected by the :

Temples

  • Shree Swami Samartha Mutt, Kandewadi (Khadilkar marg)
  • Datta Temple Wadi, Jaykar Marg
  • Shree Laxmi Narayan And Shree Siddhivinayak Deool, JSS marg
  • Phadke Wadi Ganpati Temple

Education and Institutions

Several reputed educational institutions are located in and around Girgaon, including:

  • Wilson College
  • St. Xavier’s High School
  • Bhavan’s College
  • Chikitsak Samuh Shirolkar Highschool
  • Aryans Eduacation Society

See also

References

  1. ^ Karmakar, Kalyan (2016). The Travelling Belly : Eating Through India's By-Lanes. Gurgaon. ISBN 978-93-5009-911-7. OCLC 968895956.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ Census of India, 1981: Maharashtra. Series 12. Manager of Publications. 1986. p. 36.
  3. ^ "How Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the worship of Lord Ganesh a grand community festival". The Indian Express. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
Quelle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girgaum