Culture & Religions
Culture & Religions Followed by People (Language and Style of living)
Mumbai is a city of many contrasts; a blend of old and new, of growing wealth and flagrant poverty. The city has a rich cultural heritage which reflects its glorious past and dynamic present. Embedded in the diversity of its people, in music, art, dance, religion and lifestyle is a free liberal spirit that is so Mumbai. There are people from the four corners of India, jostling to make their money in this city. Nearly everyone speaks Hindi and English. Here are a few tips for tourists. Firstly, language tips: Hindi - English Kya aap English samajte hain? - Do you understand Hindi? Kaunsi train/bus Bandra jaati hain? - Which Train or bus goes to Bandra (here bandra is the name of a station. substitute it for wherever you wanna go). Dhanyavaad - thank you mujhe hindi nahin aata - I don’t know hindi.
Temples– There are quite a few temples in the city and surrounding towns. please remove your shoes/slippers before entering any temple. also, ask the local priest or guide if one is allowed to take photographs before taking them. Don’t encourage the beggars around the city. If you pay one of them, a hundred will surround you.
Tipping: there is no fixed rate for tips in India. If you are happy with the service then you can pay any amount from 2% - 10% of the bill.
Greeting people: Namaste (hindi), vanakkam (tamil), namashkaar (marathi) – hello
Mumbai or Bombay has always been a multicultural and multi ethnic society. Its culture is a potpourri of Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Parsi and Islamic elements. Whether it is the Siddhi Vinayak Temple or the Parsi Tower of Silence or Haji Ali, all of them co-exist in this metropolis. Though in the recent past, the Shiv Sena has tried to give Mumbai a very Marathi identity, most still consider this the land of opportunity, particularly to be immortalized on celluloid.
Thousands of people from India and neighbouring South Asian countries have migrated to Mumbai for its business and job opportunities. This has turned Mumbai into a cosmopolitan city, which has also advanced from other Indian cities, in terms of social trends.