Dhobi Ghat: Massive Open Air Laundry in Mumbai

You must have seen this place in movies or heard about this Dhobi Ghat. This 140-year-old dhobi ghat  is Mumbai’s biggest human-powered washing machine. This place was constructed by the Britishers to build a system of  getting their soldiers’ clothes washed.

The best view is from the bridge across the railway tracks near Mahalaxmi railway station. From the bridge, you will see rows of open air concrete wash tubs.

When we crossed the entrance, we were greeted by the alluring smell of detergent. Every day thousands of kgs of dirty clothes - delivered from hospitals, hotels, barbershops and households - come to the Dhobi Ghat and are beaten and scrubbed, hung out to dry, folded and returned to sender.

The washing takes place in rows of concrete tubs. After being rinsed, the clothes are hung to dry before each piece is ironed. The dry clothes were sent for pressed to crisp perfection.  Then the clothes are marked with a code.

Besides the old-fashioned method of washing, the Ghat is also equipped with automatic laundry machinery. But most of the washing is done by hand. Most of the workers spend their day knee-deep in the scummy water.

There are hundreds of dhobis and their families that work and live at the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat. Here, children are born and live sorrounded by concrete wash tubs. It is considered that occupation in Dhoi Ghat is  passed down by generations.

A visit to Mumbai is incomplete without a stop at the Dhobi Ghat, especially for shutterbugs, this area gives a great photo opportunities of Mumbai’s Day-to-Day life.