Making About Rs 100 Crore A Year, Here’s What Makes 140-YO Dhobi Ghat A Mumbai Charm!

Mumbai’s Dhobi Ghat is one of those iconic places in the city which have been featured in so many movies and documentaries. This 140-year-old Dhobi Ghat has a unique system of washing and drying clothes which is supremely efficient and that’s why it’s so popular in the city.

The Dhobi Ghat is located near the Mahalaxmi Railway station in South Mumbai and it is estimated that about half a million pieces of clothing pass through here every day. The ghat was constructed in 1890 and caters to hotels, hospitals and homes across the city.

Over the years, it has gained popularity as the world’s largest open air laundry facility. Many tours are organised so that people can capture its essence and check out the efficient way each and every item of clothing is managed. Each item of clothing has a number or code written on it which helps it go through the process of sorting, washing and ironing and then back to its owner.

While the ghat is lined with individual concrete wash pens for each dhobi or washerman, the wealthier dhobis have installed mechanical washing and drying machines. It is estimated that at least 7000 washermen work out of the ghat. Many of the stalls where the dhobis work, date back to British rule. It is estimated that the entire operation makes about Rs 100 crore per year. 

The best time to catch the action at dhobi ghat is to visit it early morning or during the afternoon when one can see the process of drying clothes. The clothes are strung up on ropes and the entire scene creates quite a sight. 

Have you visited the Dhobi Ghat? Let us know in the comments section below. 

News Source: Culture Trip