Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

Monday, January 16, 2012

I had absolutely no idea that Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is visible from the bridge atop Mahalaxmi railway station. The first time I realised this was the day I went to see it. The dhobi ghat is located on the eastern side, quite close to the railway station at a place called Saat Raasta.

A view of Dhobi Ghat from the Bridge

 The place is a sight. Everywhere there are tiny cubicles where dhobis, the Indian term for washermen, wash clothes. Clothes are soaked, washed, flogged and hung to dry. A nice mosaic is formed from the same.

Washing Stations at Dhobi Chat

 The clothes that the dhobis wash come from hospitals and hotels. They are washed in concrete wash basins. This is the world’s largest outdoor laundry.

Clothes drying at Dhobi Ghat

 When I saw them washing the clothes, I thought that I would personally prefer to wash my clothes myself when my washing machine conks off, instead of giving the job to the dhobis. Otherwise, I won’t have my clothes back in one piece.

White Linen drying at Dhobi Ghat

The dhobi ghat is a very famous tourist spot. Lots of tourists come here to click pictures and see the dhobis in action. The place is also featured in a number of advertisements, movies and television shows.