It’s our country’s 64th anniversary on August 15 and there’s a lot happening in the city. Rhea Dhanbhoora and Dev Goswami tell you where to go, what to do and where to eat to celebrate our Independence Day
Independence Day is a national holiday filled with an array of colours and celebration. From tri-colour food and drinks to music events celebrating freedom, there’s a lot happening across Mumbai as we get ready to say hello to the 64th year of our independence. As flag hoisting ceremonies take place in various cities and the country gets ready to celebrate their freedom, we tell you how you can don your hat of patriotism this weekend.
EVENTS
Independence Day trek There’s no better way to celebrate your freedom than with a trek. Jumpstart is organising a 3 day and 2 night journey around forests and mountains in the vicinity of Pali in the Raigad District. The trek will include an overnight stay at Thanale Caves. These are 2,200-year-old Buddhist caves where freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke had sought refuge during his involvement in the struggle for our independence. Then there will be natural pools and a visit to Ashtavinayak Ganesh Temple at Pali. After a night in Pali a small scenic trek to Sudhagad Fort is when you can wish each other a happy Independence Day.
When August 13 at 2pm
Where Thanale, Pali and Sudhagadh
Contact 9819726688, 961993983
blueFROG As part of an Independence Day special, acclaimed composer and ace percussionist Taufiq Quereshi presents Mumbai Stamp — an innovative band he conceived and formed to creatively explore new rhythmic horizons. The performance will culminate into a large drum circle which anyone is allowed to join, so pick up your drums and head down for a celebration of freedom!
When August 14 from 9pm onwards
Entry `300
What to bring Your own set of drums
Where blueFROG, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel
Contact 61586158
Valhalla cry freedom On the eve of Independence Day, Valhalla is holding an Independence Music Concert. They’ve got over fifteen bands in a variety of genres to bring you 13 hours of non-stop live music to celebrate India’s 64th year of independence. Look forward to special performances by Sudarshan Patnaik and a line up which includes Luke Kenny, Indus Creed, Salil Bhatt, Spook, The Hoodwink Circle
and many more.
When August 14 from 12pm onwards
What to bring Your party vibe!
Where 1st Floor, East Wing, Eros Theater Building, Churchgate
Contact 67353535/ 9619195233
INDEPENDENCE DAY RIDE 2011, MUMBAI
Ride with Royal Enfield Royal Enfield is a bike which apart from thumping itself, sets everyone’s hearts thumping too. What makes this bike more special is that though it is an classic bike, existing since the British rule, it is still as popular as it was before It makes perfect sense to hold a Royal Enfield ride on the Independence Day to show your patriotic feelings. Royal Enfield invites all bikers for an I-day ride from Bandra to the Gateway of India and back.
When August 15, 8.00 am.
Where Royal Enfield showroom, Bandra (W)
What to bring A Royal Enfield bike (Sorry other bikers!), helmet and riding boots.
Contact Visit their Facebook page — Royal Enfield Independence Day ride,
2011, Mumbai
Independence day FOOD offers
Cool Chef Café Head down to Cool Chef Café to get a taste of the great Independence Day offer where they’re celebrating with a 20% discount on your total bill on the day.
Where Thadani House 329/A Worli Village Worli Sea Face Opp. Indian Coast Guard
Contact 24301127
The Resort The Resort celebrates Independence Day with a special array of dishes to get you in a patriotic mood. The dishes include items such as Tri-colour King Falooda, Tiranga Boondi Ladoo, Mumbai ki Shan and more.
Where High Tide, The Resort
Contact 28447777
Yogurt Bay If you’re in the mood for some irresistible treats from Yogurt Bay you can go ahead and indulge in a share cup of any frozen yogurt worth `250 and have the freedom (we couldn’t resist!) to create it yourself.
Where Yogurt Bay, 11, Gagangiri, Off Carter Road, Bandra (W)
Contact 30629191
Rainforest Rainforest has a special Independence Day menu which includes specials such as the Freedom Forever Mocktail for `250, Independence Day Trio Pasta from `645, Tri-coloured Mousse for `175 and more.
Where Outlets in Andheri (W), Belapur (E) and Ghatkopar (W)
Contact 65176567 / 65176565 / 65176566
VITS VITS Coffee Shop is offering a special Independence Day lunch by the poolside that costs `475 plus taxes with a special menu. The menu features specials such as Triranga Paneer Makhmali, Kofta Jugalbandi, Sitaphal phirni and more.
Where Andheri Kurla Road, International Airport Zone, Andheri (E)
Contact 61517555 / 28270707
The Orchid Ecotel Hotel, The Orchid, is presenting a unique discount which ends on Independence Day at all its food outlets. The 64% discount is valid on the a la carte menu but is not applicable on banquet bookings. The lavish spread will include tri- colour specials and a host of good food.
Where 70-C, Near Domestic Airport, Vile Parle
Contact 26164040
Hornby’s Pavilion With a Flavours Of Freedom festival, the buffet includes traditional delicacies across several states. They also have tri-colour specials as well as food in orange and green themes. The lunch buffet costs `1,600 plus taxes, inclusive of select premium beverages. Armed Forces Personnel (serving as well as retired) get a 15% discount.
Where ITC Grand Hotel, Dr. Ambedkar Rd, Parel
Contact 24101010
GO KHADI!
Khadi is associated with the Indian independence movement like no other thing is. The importance can be judged from the fact that originally, the Indian flag did not have the Ashoka wheel on it. It instead had a charkha (a spinning wheel which is used to weave khadi) on it. The Indian national flag too is made up of khadi. It is exactly because of these facts that wearing khadi is associated with showing your nationalistic feeling. We give you a low down on places you can buy this cloth from in the city:
Khadi Bhavan
Where 286, D N Road, Fort. Contact 43474996
Khadi Gram Udyog Bhavan
Where Near Cooper hospital, 3 Irla Road, Vile Parle (W); 1 / 2, Super Shopping centre, Nr. Bus Depot, Opp. Andheri Railway Station, S V Road, Andheri (W). Contact 26714320/22 (Vile Parle); 26283430/8937 (Andheri)
Maharashtra Khadi Bhandar
Where Shop no. 1, Vilasani, Shivaji Road, Thane (W)
Contact 25373908
Khadi Stores
Where 13/14, Next to Nirmal Lifestyle, Mulund (W) Contact 25906550
More about the Indian flag
Indian flag, was adopted in its present form on 22 July, 1947. Based on the Swaraj flag, the Indian flag is denoted by the name ‘tri-colour.’ The manufacturing process is strictly governed by law and only the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangh, near Hubli, is certified to produce them. You can buy a Khadi Indian flag from the following places:
Shudh Khadi Bhandar — franchisee of Khadi Gram
Udyog Bhavan
Where 5, Irani Chawl, Near Dadar Railway Station, Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar (W).
Contact 24222045, 24319067
The Flag Company
Where Kamla Stambh, 9/10, L.B.S. Marg, Vikhroli (W)
Contact 25793397, 32606561
Keep in mind:
Always remember that the flag cannot be intentionally held upside down nor touch the ground or water. Also if you are going to fly the flag you must take care to lower it at sunset.
INDIAN EATERIES
If you’re craving for a little taste of India head down to our pick of restaurants for some authentic fare from different parts of
the country…
Oh Calcutta at Lokhandwalla for a taste of Bengali fare.
Goa Portugesa at Four Bungalows for a taste of Goan cuisine.
Revival Indian Thali at Crawford Market for delectable Indian thalis.
Culture Curry at Mahim for South Indian treats.
Koung Poush at Jogeshwari for Kashmiri delicacies.