Dilli se Bambayi

If you are a Delhi-ite and have visited Mumbai, probably you’ll understand this post well. I would not call this a conventional ‘Delhi v/s Mumbai’ dialogue as I have always stated that I love both the cities equally – uncommon to what most of people does – I do not indulge in any such conversation where the focus is on ‘Dilli – Bombay ka comparison’. But as one of my best buddies moved to the ‘commercial capital’ recently I decided to track down the similarities and differences between the cities so as to guide and prepare her for the stay. And, surprisingly, by the time I was done with this article my love for the cities grew even more – EQUALLY!

You Are in ‘Queue’

Mumbai is ahead in line in this. The ‘awesomely’ organized behavior of Mumbaikars bowl me out every time I visit the city. If you look at a bus stand in Delhi and then compare it with one in Mumbai, you’ll know what I am talking about. You’ll find a queue everywhere – bus stands, auto stands, ticket counters, railway stations, and even autos have their own queues. The best part – they don’t break the line.  

Lingo

Just as every city has its own lingo, these two are not different too. The difference is of ‘selection of words’ when in public. Dilliwale toh badnaam hi hain apne gussey ke liye. On the other hand, Mumbaikars have only one answer to that – “Shhhhh….” (or the kissing sound that they make). To get someone aside, to call, to stop – they make this sound everywhere. A girl born and brought up in Delhi might even get offended to this… but remember, if you ever hear a kissing sound in public area in an Indian city – you are in Mumbai. 

Dilli ka khana

Sorry dear Mumbai! But I have to admit that you don’t have a ‘taste’. You can ‘never ever, never ever ever ever, beat the variety and quality of food available in Delhi. Though I love your ‘staple diet food’, but that’s it! Sad! So, if someone is moving to Mumbai after living in Delhi, you gonna miss the food.

The Climate

Dilli ki garmi toh world famous hai, but one should remember it is not easy for someone from Delhi to just move into Mumbai without ‘pasina bahaye’!!! Oh god! The humidity there kills but what is an incentive is the cool breeze, phew! Moreover, its not just the climate, I feel. The city gets its ‘mood’ from what is happening in there – Delhi gets its hotness from all the ‘political’ and ‘central’ issues whereas Mumbai has always been the city where people come to ‘sweat it out’ – just a thought.

Mind your language

There are certain words and phrases that one should be aware of as they don’t work the same way, everywhere. In Delhi, we have a habit of calling ‘bhaiya’ everyone which might not work that well in Mumbai.

Meter Down!

Two things – Fare Meter & Taxi – these are there in Mumbai and working!!! You don’t have to ask any autowale dada “Chalogey?” or find a Taxi with a “Rs. 500 or Rs. 1000” tag. They use their meters very well.

Finally, the lifeline!

Metro is Delhi’s pride, for sure. But one must understand that settlements in Mumbai came up merging with the railway lines, thus the Locals are the cheap and best means of commuting there. One-one for both the cities on this.

Apart from all these things, both the cities have same love and warmth which is showed by the people.

 And not to forget, places like Marine Drive, VT, Town Hall and Colaba will always prove the validity of the statement – ‘Bombay – the city never sleeps’!