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Bhiwandi a city that shelters a major textile industry of Maharashtra is situated in a close proximity of Mumbai, a financial capital of India. As people from all corners of India are pouring in Mumbai day-by-day, naturally it has left a huge impact on the culture and community residing in Bhiwandi. Because of all people of different casts, creed and languages finding shelter in Bhiwandi the city has become a symbol of a typical diversified culture. Two basic religions can be found here in Bhiwandi. One is Hindu, and another is Muslim. Though majority of the people are Hindu, the Muslims form a significant proportion of the population compared to other parts of Maharashtra. As the city was governed by Muslim rulers in ancient times and those Muslims settled in their petty coastal principalities here. Today Bhiwandi is regarded as “Mecca of Kokani Muslims”. Earlier it is supposed that the initial name of Bhiwandi city was Nizampur. This was formed by Konkani Muslims and Maharashtrian non-muslims. "Kuwari, Faqih, Bubere, Moallim are some of the royal and original names of Muslims from the city. The people from Hindu religion are basically of Koli tribe which means fishermen. This tribe has a typical cultural identity. Their language has got a slight variation from the official state language “Marathi”. They have got very characteristic clothing commonly known as the "Koli Pehnawa" or “Outfit of Koli”. Being fishermen, their tropical hot cuisine constitute two primary ingredients – fish and rice. A born devotee of sea, marine life plays a pivotal role in their cultural existence. In this modern era of fancy gadgets you can still find them holding on to their rich cultural values and pristine customs. Their folk dance commonly known as “Koli Nritya” is always a feast to the eyes. The dance is characterized by a live fast paced rhythm based on live music with the help of only “pipani" (a musical instrument like trumpet) and the typical Koli percussion instrument, the Dhol. The melody of the music is so catchy that even a fresher to that type of dance starts moving his feet on the tunes of heavenly harmony. Rightly it is called “Music of life”. Main festivals of these people are “Ganesh Puja” (a major festival which offers prayer to Lord Ganesha and celebrated in Maharashtra with special fervor) and “Naralli Poornima”. Naralli Poornima characterizes their attachment with marine life. Being fishermen, they are sincere devotee of the eighth planet Neptune, Ruler of sea. During rainy season the sea used to be very rough so, at the onset of monsoon these people offer a coconut as a symbol of devotion towards sea. Naralli Poornima comes with a phenomenal recipe of “Naralli Bhaat” (Coconut Rice), a real mouth watering dish! Besides the Koli and Muslims, few Gujarati, Sindhis, Christians are living here for many years implanting footprints of their own culture. In last few years people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the two northern states of India have migrated to the city. The Bihari Babus and the eastern UP Babuas form a major chunk of the immigrating population. The Gujjus with their typical festivals add color to the festival galore. So, festivals like Holi (festival of colors), Garba, Dandiya (a dances performed with sticks) have made their presence felt. Bhiwandi has really become a symbol of unity in diversity! |
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