Urban paradox

Once you have survived the Andheri traffic and reached the end of Yari Road, narrow and dusty roads lead you to the village. This seaside place has all the trappings of a village8212;small kiosks, repair shops, small buildings, winding lanes and greenery. Most of the houses here are two or three storied and mostly belong to people from the fishing community. In fact, once inside the village, the fish-smelling sea air invades your senses.

The original name of the village is Vesawe, which means 8220;rest8221; in Marathi. The term comes from the reference to a place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would bring his navy to rest after a war.

The place, despite its predominant Koli population, remains an excellent example of communal harmony. A dargah, temple and church exist here in close proximity. The celebrations of various festivals fill the place with verve and excitement. However, it8217;s Coconut Day, when gold coconut offerings are made to the Sea God by the Kolis, that demands a special mention for its uniqueness.

The Versova beach, crowded with boats, commuters heading to Gorai, fishermen carrying out their daily business and visitors, stands out from other beaches of Mumbai. On its dark sands rest numerous colourful boats. There are rows of Bombay Duck bombil drying in the sun. There are rows of boulders too, to provide the area buffer from forceful waves. During high tide the entire beach submerges in water. This is the primary reason why the beach doesn8217;t have a bustling life unlike Juhu beach.

The beautification of the Versova beach has been proposed several times in the past. But nothing much has been done in this regard so far. Still, for many living in the claustrophobic atmosphere of Andheri, the beach is the nearest gateway. Apart from that the boat service ensures a quick ride to Gorai, which offers a comparatively better beach.