Some background info: Haji Ali is a mosque & dargah located off the coast of Worli in Mumbai. From a distance it looks like it's floating on the water, but it actually has a narrow causeway leading to it from Mahalaxmi. During high tide, this path gets submerged in the water and so you can reach the dargah only during low tide. Till last May, I had not even heard of this place and today it is part of one of my most treasured memories.
29th May, 2006: After a long wait (for the tide to go down) we walked along this long path towards the mosque. There are no railings on either side and even at low tide the waves were pretty strong. Walking barefoot on that narrow path just seemed so right. It does not matter whether you are a Hindu or a Muslim, the place will leave you in awe. You just get a very humbling feeling (don't ask me why...). You will find beggarly children and aged men/women lining the path, hoping that you will drop a humble coin into their bowl; oblivious to the large waves which drench them to the skin. Maybe it was this sight that makes you humble and thank the Powers Upstairs for whatever little you have. By the time we reached the main entrance, we were just feeling blissful; having thoroughly enjoyed the sudden sprays of water. The walk till the mosque was the highlight of the whole visit.
25th July, 2007: Saw the monument again at night. It is shadowed in bright green lights and the entire path is lit up with lamps. One glimpse; and my heart skips a beat. I keep peering out of the window till the stupid taxi turns the corner and it is no longer visible. Never thought I could get senti over a monument...(shake of head)...never mind.
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