Mumbai

Mumbai (Marathi: ????? ) (pronounced {{IPA|/mum?a?i/}} in Marathi, and {{IPA|/mʊm'baɪ/}} in English), formerly known as Bombay ({{IPA2|bɒm'beɪ}}), is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the most populous Indian city with a 2005 estimated population of about 13 million.{{ref|population}} Mumbai is located on Salsette Island off the west coast of India. Along with the neighbouring towns, it forms one of the world's most populous metropolitan areas, with an extended population of 17 million. The city, which has a deep natural harbour, is also the largest port in western India, handling over half of India's passenger traffic.

People and culture

A resident of Mumbai is called a Mumbaikar or Bombayite. Many residents prefer to stay close to major railway stations for easy access to their workplaces as a significant amount of time is spent on daily commuting. Thus many live a fast-paced life with very little time for other activities. Mumbai is known to be one of the most liberal and cosmopolitan cities of India, with the city embracing many concepts which would be taboo in other cities. Mumbai residents celebrate Western and Indian celebrations and festivals with great fanfare. Festivals and celebrations are observed by residents of all communities and religions.

Related Topics:
Taboo - Western - Indian celebrations and festivals

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The metropolis has its own local roadside fast food consisting of vada pavs and bhelpuri. South Indian and Chinese food are also very popular in the city. A cosmopolitan city, residents have their unique tastes in cuisine, music, film and literature, both Indian and international. In 2004, Mumbai received three heritage conservation awards from the UNESCO.

Related Topics:
Fast food - Vada pav - Bhelpuri - South India - Chinese food - Cuisine - Music - Film - Literature - 2004 - Heritage conservation awards - UNESCO

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mumbai is the birthplace of Indian cinema, with the oldest film shot here in 1896. Mumbai also boasts of large number of cinemas, including Asia's largest IMAX dome theatre, which feature mainstream Bollywood and Hollywood films. Besides cinemas, the city also hosts various plays and cultural performances. There are also two art galleries: The Jehangir Art Gallery and The National Gallery of Modern Art and a museum, The Prince of Wales Museum in South Mumbai. Built in 1833, the Asiatic Society of Bombay is the oldest public library in the city.

Related Topics:
Indian cinema - 1896 - Asia - IMAX - Bollywood - Hollywood - Art galleries - Jehangir Art Gallery - National Gallery of Modern Art - Prince of Wales Museum - 1833 - Asiatic Society of Bombay - Public library

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mumbai has six sister cities, the maximum permitted by the Indian government. Its sister cities are London, Los Angeles, Yokohama, Berlin, Saint Petersburg and Stuttgart.

Related Topics:
Sister cities - London - Los Angeles - Yokohama - Berlin - Saint Petersburg - Stuttgart

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

See also:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• List of theatres in Mumbai
• List of tourist attractions in Mumbai