Mumbai Mania

Christmas is round the corner and the city, which is always lit up during this time, is subdued. There is an uneasy feel in the air, post the terror strikes on 26/11.

I walked along Colaba Causeway last week in the evening, and was surprised to see the shopping hub usually bustling with tourists and bargain hunters, less crowded.

I could walk adjacent to my friend on the pavement without having to nudge anyone, if you are a regular there, you would know exactly what I mean.

There were just handful of foreign tourists around, the brave ones who choose to stay back. The roads get empty early than usual. There has been a major drop in the number of tourists visiting Mumbai, hotels are running empty, some operate with only four guests. The situation looks grim.

No New Year's Hungama

Things have changed quite a bit this time around. Five-star hotels, which host New Year's bash, have cancelled their party, owing to security concern. For instance - The ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton at Sahar and the Grand Central Sheraton at Lower Parel have cancelled their New Year celebrations.

The JW Marriott at Juhu and the Renaissance hotel have also called off their parties as a mark of solidarity. Besides, on New Year's its difficult to man the city, because everyone is out on the road, so this might help the cops do their job better. However, hotels like Leela Kempinski and Sahar Star are planning to go ahead.

Even Christmas dances held on December 24th on grounds and gymkhanas have been cancelled. Clearly, people aren't in the mood to celebrate, such was the impact.

Here's a thought-provoking article by Arundhati Roy on Mumbai's terrorist attacks.