Kumbharwada, Mumbai

Kumbharwada, located in the heart of Mumbai's Dharavi, is a bustling locality known for its rich pottery-making tradition. This area, spanning approximately 12 to 22 acres, is home to thousands of families, many of whom are artisans maintaining the legacy of pottery that dates back several generations. Despite its close quarters and the challenges posed by modernisation, Kumbharwada stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Mumbai's cultural heritage. The locality is easily accessible, with major roads like 90 Feet Road providing connectivity and various public transportation options available, including nearby bus and railway stations.

Kumbharwada's infrastructure is marked by its narrow lanes and densely packed residential and workshop spaces, where the community's potters work and live. The area faces environmental challenges, particularly from the smoke produced by traditional kilns, which impacts air quality and public health. Efforts are underway to address these issues, with initiatives focusing on sustainable practices and improvements in living conditions while preserving the area's cultural identity. The area’s unique blend of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces is a characteristic feature, necessitating innovative approaches to urban planning and development​​.

The following are some of the popular restaurants you can find in Kumbharwada, Mumbai:

• Chinese N Grill Restaurant
• Taj Restaurant
• Supriya Family Restaurant & Bar
• Symphony Restaurant
• Good Luck Restaurant

• Axis Bank
• Bank Of India
• Bank of Maharashtra
• Dena Bank
• HDFC Bank
• Union Bank of India
• Kotak Mahindra Bank
• State Bank of India
• ICICI Bank
• Bank of Baroda

• Girgaon Metro Station
• Grant Road Metro Station
• Gundavali Metro Station
• Wadi Bunder Yard Train Station 
• Grant Road Train Station 
• Dongri Char Null Train Station 
• Masjid Train Station 

• Khambata Lane Bus Stop
• Tardeo Bus Station
• Vijay Vallabh Chowk Bus Stop
• Khabata Lane Bus Stop
• Khetwadi Bus Stop

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

• Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park
• BMC Nirvana Park
• Priyadarshini Park
• Freedom Fighter Janardhan R. Patil Park
• Jogger's Park

Some of the popular roads in Kumbharwada are as follows:

This is the main road that connects Kumbharwada to the rest of Dharavi and Mumbai. It is named after its width, which is 90 feet. It is lined with shops, eateries, and other businesses, as well as houses and workshops of the potters. It is also the site of many festivals and celebrations, such as Diwali and Navratri, when the potters display and sell their clay products.

This is another major road that passes through Kumbharwada and connects it to the western suburbs of Mumbai. It is a busy and congested road, with heavy traffic and pollution. It also offers a contrast between the slum and the high-rise buildings that surround it.

This is a narrow lane that leads to the heart of Kumbharwada, where the potters live and work. It is a winding and crowded lane, with houses on both sides and clay pots drying in the sun. It is also where the traditional kilns are located, where the potters bake their moulds in high temperatures. The lane is filled with smoke and dust but also with the aroma and warmth of the clay.

Residents and visitors alike are drawn to Kumbharwada for its vibrant cultural atmosphere and the craftsmanship of its potters. However, the locality faces challenges related to its infrastructure, including the need for better ventilation and modernisation of facilities without losing the essence of traditional pottery making. The community's resilience and commitment to their craft are highly regarded, with generations of families contributing to the rich tapestry of Kumbharwada's cultural legacy. Efforts to improve living conditions and environmental sustainability are viewed positively, reflecting a collective aspiration for progress that honours tradition.

Here are some ways to visit Kumbharwada by different modes of transport:

You can drive to Kumbharwada by taking the Eastern Freeway or the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. The journey may take around 20 to 40 minutes depending on the traffic. You can also take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or a bus from the airport or other parts of the city.

You can take the Central Railway (CR) or Western Railway (WR) lines. The nearest stations to Kumbharwada are accessible from various parts of Mumbai, including Bora Bora, Candies, St. Andrew’s Auditorium, P. D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai Education Trust (MET), Mahim Railway Station, and Sion Railway Station.

You can fly to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) and then take a taxi, bus, or Metro to Kumbharwada. The flight duration and cost may vary depending on your origin and airline. From the airport, you can take a taxi or other transportation options to reach Kumbharwada.

Here are some of the popular places to visit in and around Kumbharwada:

This is a bustling market where you can find a variety of goods made by the residents of Dharavi, such as leather products, textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts. It is a great place to experience the local culture and support the small-scale industries.

This is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Bandra and Worli, offering a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai skyline. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city and a marvel of engineering. It is about 10 km from Kumbharwada.

This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. It is one of the most visited and revered temples in Mumbai, attracting millions of devotees every year. It is about 7 km from Kumbharwada.

Kumbharwada's essence is its pottery, setting it apart from neighbouring localities like Kamathipura, Mahim, and Matunga. Kamathipura, with its storied past, contrasts with the singular focus of Kumbharwada. Mahim and Matunga offer a broader spectrum of residential and commercial life, along with more developed infrastructure and amenities. However, Kumbharwada's allure lies in its deep-rooted cultural significance and the living tradition of pottery making. This craftsmanship infuses the locality with a unique identity, distinguishing it from the more versatile urban fabric of its neighbours. Each area contributes its distinct flavour to Mumbai's diverse urban landscape, but Kumbharwada remains a special testament to the city's rich artisanal heritage​​.

Kumbharwada is not just a locality within Mumbai but a beacon of cultural richness and artisanal legacy. It embodies the spirit of traditional craftsmanship amidst the urban sprawl, offering a glimpse into the enduring practices of pottery making. The community's commitment to preserving this heritage, despite facing urban challenges, underscores a remarkable balance between tradition and progress. While modernisation and sustainability efforts are essential, preserving the unique cultural identity of Kumbharwada remains a priority. The community's spirit, combined with initiatives to improve living conditions and environmental health, paints a hopeful picture of a balance between tradition and progress.