In the heart of the throbbing megapolis of Mumbai exists a community many centuries old. They don't share the same religion or even the same language. What brings them together is their profession: they wash clothes. This is Mumbai's largest open air launderette and the busy dhobis, or washer men, stand knee-deep in water thwaak-ing away incessantly, cleaning the loads of dirty laundry that come to Dhobhi Ghat from across the city. It is only 9 am, but the laundry lines are already full of...
more »
In the heart of the throbbing megapolis of Mumbai exists a community many centuries old. They don't share the same religion or even the same language. What brings them together is their profession: they wash clothes. This is Mumbai's largest open air launderette and the busy dhobis, or washer men, stand knee-deep in water thwaak-ing away incessantly, cleaning the loads of dirty laundry that come to Dhobhi Ghat from across the city. It is only 9 am, but the laundry lines are already full of colorful loads. The Dhobi Ghat is undoubtedly a unique space. Over 10,000 people and 200 families of different religions and from various regions of India make their livelihood on these 10 acres, creating an atmosphere rich in color, sound, movement, smells, and people. At the Mahalaxmi dhobi ghat a million pieces of laundry are washed and dried every day by dhobi wallahs - laundry workers. The biggest clients are hotels - napkins, towels, and sheets. There are 800 washing stalls at the installation which was built by the British 130 years ago. these people are living working sleeping making friend and all their lives locaing in this small and steaming area. people living in very small room. they prepare thier food lunch or breakfast on the room's floor while their partner continue to fold the rest of the dry laundry. If they want to take a shower they have to take shower out side in the laundry small pond. If they want to take a breake and talk with some on the phone, the only quiete place is the steam room
« less