We have a winner for my Craftsy Giveaway:AM! Congrats! I do not have an email address for you.Poornima!Siri. Please get in touch with me by email indianfoodrocks at gmail or by using this contact form. Please include your Name and your Email Address. Since I took so long to announce the winner, I will give you until Thursday, June 26, to get in touch. Hurry! I want you to start exploring Craftsy right away!
Last November, I made a quick trip to India, and what a trip it was. I went to attend the wedding of a dear friend as well as handle some pending business, and ended up meeting a whole bunch of friends — some for the first time, like Anjali Koli. I have known Anjali online for over seven years. She and I were both Red Checks at St. Anne's High School in Fort, Bombay, albeit years apart. Anjali has always held me spellbound with her stories of the Koli culture. The Koli community are the fisher-folks that brave the rough seas in and around Mumbai to bring prized catch to ever-demanding customers.
I have memories of going to the fish market with my mother, afraid and in-awe at the same time. Anjali took me to one of the markets from my childhood and the fisherwomen did not scare me anymore. Instead, I chatted with them and laughed at their stories, while they smiled for my camera.
If you are so lucky as to be in Bombay, you might want to check out the Koli Culture Experience with the best guide there could ever be, Anjali.
Where: Colaba Fish Market, Bombay
What: Fish and beautiful fisherwomen, and Anjali.
Anjali
Colorful and beautiful
Full of laughter
Doing brisk business
cleaning fish
gentle kindness
prized pomfret
all smiles
busy at work, mincing
Anjali's aunt
Gracious lady
Swordfish, shark, and black pomfret
I went home with more fish than three people could eat for several meals, such is the generosity of the Kolis. I also went home bearing gifts from Anjali, homemade mango-elaichi sandesh and a huge can of alphonso mango pulp. Anjali knows exactly how much I love mangoes! My day was filled with love from people I had just met. It is an experience I hold close to my heart, one I will never forget.
6 comments:
Beautiful pics, Manisha. Absolutely beautiful.
What a wonderful day you had! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into a fascinating community!
Wow! Look at the pictures, stunning I say!!!
Manisha you are a very special blogger buddy and you know it. I always look forward to what you have to say on matters beyond blogging. I cherish the bond I have built with you over these seven plus years.
Yes and the Koli market visit began with you. I am glad you spared time for me during that whirlwind trip.
That picture of me is my most favorite DP from the best photographer!
Hugs and loads of love, Red checks! :)*
Want to add I have been using all those gift you gave me. The Zatar you gave was used in my first catering order.
I made summer rolls from the rice paper you gave will publish that post soon, its been in the draft for very long!
Thank you Manisha .. Colaba Fish Market as in Sassoon Dock or the main market.. I grew up there so it was fun seeing the Koli women. We used to grumble so much when we had to ride the No. 1 bus and they would load their fish baskets into the same bus on their way to VT. Our socks would smell :) today I am appreciative of them and their work! I spied my most favorite fish mandli - mandelim - golden fish. Oh my! I havent eaten it for decades .. Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Angela
Oh no! Missed the winner announcement as I was travelling the past month. Oh well....Thanks anyways.
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