Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai. That sounds familiar to you or is this the first time you heard anything like this? Whatever, yes there is Dhobi Ghat and you have guessed it right – a place where dhobis (washer men) wash clothes. Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai is tucked away from the city, a few hundred yards away from Mahalaxmi Racecourse (next to Mahalaxmi Station on Western Railway on Saat Rasta roundabout). It is also known as the world’s largest outdoor laundry. The history of Dhobi Ghat dates back to more than a century. This occupation has been handed down from generation to generation.

Today nearly 200 families are still continuing the tradition. These washer men and their families start their business early in the morning. The laundries also called ghats comprises of row upon row of concrete wash pens that are fitted with its own flogging stone. These washer men personally do not collect clothes for washing. There are agencies and garment stores that do the job. It is interesting to know that some people prefer clothes washed by dhobis to washing machine (like I do). The clothes are dipped in lathery water, then hammered on the flogging stones and then dried on clothesline. These dhobis guarantees to remove the most stubborn stains from your lovely dresses. The next day, the clothes are neatly pressed and delivered to the respective owners. I think I am reading your mind, put your apprehensions to rest as none of the clothes are mixed nor misplaced or exchanged with each other (that itself is explanatory why the Dhobi Ghat survives till today and is much popular among Mumbaikars!)  

It is a unique sight to see multitude of washer men and washer women washing clothes in more than 700 washing platform. The chaos, noise (fluttering of clothes as cool breeze brush against them), colorful clothes at Dhobi Ghat is just perfect to capture them in your camera. Or if you are passing through the flyover of Mahalaxmi, do not miss the opportunity to cast a glance at the Dhobhi Ghat and click washer men and washer women in action. Dhobi Ghat is flocked by tourists as it is among one of the must visits in the itinerary of tourists visiting the city. Apart from washing and dyeing, these dhobis are adept at giving jeans stone wash looks.     

Dhobi Ghat is a busy place any time of the day. Curious onlookers can be seen admiring the talent and ease with which these dhobis carry about their job of cleaning clothes. Make sure you witness this interesting event whenever you are in Mumbai!

Get your clothes wash at dirt cheap rates at Dhobi Ghat!