The Military Road of Mumbai's Juhu district passes through a welcoming gate right to the shore of the Arabian Sea, Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
BOMBAY BEACH GAMES
Being located on a narrow strip of land, the coastal areas of Mumbai define the character of this megacity. The presumed origin of the city's former name Bombay, Galician-Portuguese for good little bay, underlines Mumbai's proximity to the ocean. With the vibrance of a 18-million-people metropolis right behind you, the unobstructed view of the calm ocean is something even more special.
A few streets away from the hustle of downtown Mumbai's famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station, the esplanade of Marine Drive starts to follow the coast towards Chowpatty Beach. In Andheri, Mumbai's north, it takes only a few steps from the rush hour troubled main roads into the vastness of Versova and Juhu Beach. In front of high-rise apartment buildings or selfmade two-storied family sheds, thousands of people of all age and status gather to enjoy the evening sun, work out, fly a kite, play cricket or any other of the Bombay Beach Games.
This group of young men meets every evening at the beach to practice and perform tricking and martial arts, Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
Before displaying artistic gymnastic moves, this young man is warming up and stretching his legs, Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
Boys are holding up a Ganesha idol that they immersed in the waterhole in the belief of Ganesha returning home to its parents Parvati and Shiva, Versova Beach, Mumbai.
Two boys are enjoying a shaky bike ride on deep sand in the evening sun, Versova Beach, Mumbai.
Similar to many other places in India, flying kites is also a popular activity among kids on Mumbai's beaches, Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
Similar to many other places in India, flying kites is also a popular activity among kids on Mumbai's beaches, Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
A proud grandfather with his grandchild during a walk along the beach, Versova Beach, Mumbai.
Since most young unmarried adults still live with their families, couples tend to meet in scenic places such as Marine Drive above the city's most famous beach, Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai.
After work, people gather on the big steps by the beach, Versova Beach, Mumbai.
Girls are playing in a selfmade home on the beach, Versova Beach, Mumbai.
Elderly men in traditional white lungis sit next to a densly populated beachfront settlement, Versova Beach, Mumbai.
Although football jerseys are frequently worn, cricket, India's most popular sport, is clearly the game of choice along Mumbai's coastline, Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
Mumbai's beaches extend along the city's western coast, allowing views of colourful sunsets over the Arabian Sea, Versova Beach, Mumbai.