A Pedacito Of New Year's Eve In Mumbai

Call me crazy, but I am in love with Mumbai. Every New Year, all my friends like to travel for celebrations, but I love to stay in this city. The magic of Marine Drive, Vada Pao (local food), the sea, shopping at the roadside market of Colaba, and the people.

I come from a very small town and this city has given me everything. From living on pocket money to being broke to being an independent woman. Mumbai has filled my life with love, laughter, memories, and experiences. My new year starts with a visit to Siddhivinayak temple, Haji Ali Dargah, and Meenakshi temple.

Siddhivinayak Temple is Lord Ganesha's temple. In the temple, there are three Mooshak, or mouse, statues. It is said that what you say privately in their ears comes true.

What you whisper to the Mooshak statue will come true

Also, tying an auspicious red thread in Haji Ali Dargah has its own importance. This beautiful mosque is built inside the sea. Stunning architecture.

After that, I usually go for a fancy breakfast.

Call me superstitious, because I am when it comes to New Year's planning.

For years, I've been buying a new dress for New Year's Eve. The reason behind it is that we should start the new year with new clothes so that I can wear new clothes for the whole year.

I buy a New Year's Eve dress every year

And religiously, I shop every January 1st so that I have enough money to buy my favorite clothes for the whole year, otherwise not. I have no idea how I have developed this superstition over the years.

Mumbai has nightlife. Beautiful dinner restaurants, clubs, etc.

New Year's Eve in Mumbai is usually very crowded. It's like everyone wants to party and go out!

I am not good with crowds as I am claustrophobic. So, I like to go to house parties and dinners in less crowded places when available.

For me, New Year's in Mumbai is about dressing up, wearing heels, meeting my friends, long drives, dancing, karaoke, shopping, the gym, spa, and ordering food online (also getting drunk ;-) ;-) )

Before COVID-19 hit, it was a ritual to visit a bowling alley. I used to play like crazy and was good at it.

However, for party freaks, there are so many options. Many five-star hotels, cruises, and clubs host Bollywood, Punjabi, and pop-themed parties. Another option is getting away from the crowded city to nearby hill stations like Lonavala and Khandala.

This year is going to be different. In India, we are still under a lot of restrictions as COVID-19 cases are rising again. And as a responsible citizen, I am going to follow all the rules and regulations.

As there is no lockdown, I will be dressing up, eating my favorite foods, going to the gym, and having a house party. So, in short, I will be doing what I do every year!

Ready for a New Year's Eve party!

For me, New Year's in Mumbai is more about freedom. Freedom to celebrate with my friends, freedom to be safe, freedom to choose and love.

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