My secret garden

The Hanging Gardens, located in the heart of South Mumbai, is also located very close to my heart. In my opinion, it is among the prettiest spots in this part of town – unless it’s a weekend when it is converted into a dumping ground for the convenience of local picnickers.

The neighbourhood is the only patch of pure greenery in a dense concrete jungle and has been a huge source of peace and quiet for me ever since I was a tooting tot, which means that I probably annoyed the hell out of other people who were there for some peace and quiet.

But I must admit that the garden is not the same as it used to be. For one, the gentry has changed a lot with more young people coming in. There was a time when all one could see were sexagenarians wearing Nike Airs taking a walk with their caretakers. One day I spotted a really old couple rambling about holding hands and my heart immediately warmed up to such a touching show of affection. I pointed this out to a friend who in his cynical way commented that what they were really doing was hold each other for support.

Anyhow, these days I see a whole lot of school and college-going kids, young wives and mothers, and a fair share of newly attached couples being escorted to the gate by security – for this is a ‘family-type’ place.

There is also a colourful water fountain now (the space and the water for which could have been used for more greenery), light ambient music (which honestly spoils the entire ambience for me), and solar panels on top of each lamp post (which is always a good idea).    

Also, the visitors have multiplied and there’s a bit of jostling to do, especially when a group of five decides to walk together in a row. But since I’ve been a regular to this garden for many years, there is a sense of ownership, possessiveness even, and I hate to see it invaded by newbies who do not care to keep it unsullied or conduct themselves appropriately. The Hanging Gardens is my own little Central Park – with …um…hedges that have been carved into shapes of animals.