Dadar, a lively and bustling neighbourhood of the Island City of Mumbai, is synonymous to a place called home. Dadar which in the local dialect of Marathi means ‘a ladder’, a predominantly agricultural neighbourhood dating back to the 16th century. Dadar was located on the island of Mahim, which was one of the Seven Islands of Bombay. In order to decongest the city, Dadar became Mumbai’s first planned neighbourhood. The planned neighbourhood, has largely three sub-localities – Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar West and Hindu Colony & Parsi Colony in Dadar East. The planned neighbourhood attracted, intellectuals, social activist, business class, traders, politicians, film celebrities and the white-collared working middle class and created a close-knit community of Dadarkars who embody the essence of the Indian Middle-Class values.
Being the historical soul of Mumbai, the locality also bustles with a strong cultural heritage of its own. Dotted with grand celebrations, Dadar attracts a swarm of pilgrims from across the city and state to join in for the festivities. The locality also hosted the city’s first-ever Navratri Utsav and Durga Puja and till date get together for the occasion. Being a close-knit community, the residents of Dadar celebrate festivals across cultures with grandeur and live in unity with each other.
Considering this rich heritage, the residents of Dadar love the area and do not intend ever to leave the place. People are well connected, and living here gives a homely feeling to its occupants. One can take a stroll around the area anytime of the day or night and always come across and greet a fellow Dadarkar. This emotional connect is what makes people love Dadar and attract those who lived here previously, to return and live in this harmony again.
Dadar boasts of access to robust educational facilities and reputed institutions such as Bombay Scottish, Indian Education Society, Balmohan, Ruparel, Ruia, Poddar, VJTI. ICT, Don Bosco, Khalsa, KirtiRachanaSansad to name a few. Reputed hospitals such as Hinduja, Sushrusha ensure that medical and healthcare is also well looked after.
Connectivity to the rest of city and to the rest of the state and country is unparalleled, centrally located, one can reach any part of the city via Central or Western local trains or by using the BEST bus and now the Metro 3 will add this connectivity. Reaching any part of the state is possible with the Dadar Asiad/Shivneri Stand or the Parel ST depot and the Dadar Train Terminus.
Dadar has been a self-sufficient neighborhood with a bonhomie amongst its residents who have lived there for generations. The expanding families and their extended families all are attracted to this locality where people connect with each and every one. A friendly neighbourhood where almost everyone knows everyone else, it claims to have a maximum of 3 degrees of separation amongst its residents.
With the increasing demand for safe and secure neighbourhoods, with access to best in class infrastructure, loving and caring neighbours, Dadar is undoubtedly the best destination to settle in. Developers are able to build houses for various communities and are assured that they will always have prospective homebuyers for their projects in Dadar as the location has everything to offer.
With everything literally at one’s doorstep, the locality has a peaceful environment for those who wish to rejuvenate after a tiring day and spend some quality time with their family and friends. The fine blend of history and culture is what unites Dadarkars and provides an abode for people from all walks of life who seek happiness and comfort.
The article is authored by Mr. Amol Mudras, Director, Sugee Group.
