Navigating COVID-19 Restrictions on My First Trip to Mumbai: A Memoir of Visiting My In-Laws During Ganesh Chaturthi

My first trip to my in-laws’ house in Mumbai was a memorable experience. It was in 2021, just after my marriage to my wife. We decided to visit them during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is a popular festival in Mumbai and celebrated with great fervor.

As we were planning the trip, we had to keep in mind the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place at the time. We made sure to get tested for COVID-19 before leaving Bangalore and also carried all the necessary documents, including our negative test reports and vaccination certificates.

The journey from Bangalore to Mumbai was a long one, as it involved taking a flight and then a taxi ride to my in-laws’ house. Despite the exhaustion from the long journey, we were both excited to finally meet my in-laws and spend some quality time with them.

Upon arriving in Mumbai, we were greeted by my in-laws with open arms and warm smiles. They had prepared a delicious meal for us, and we spent the evening chatting and catching up.

The next few days were filled with celebrations and festivities. We visited a few pandals (temporary structures set up to worship the deity during the festival) and participated in the aarti (prayer rituals). We also enjoyed the delicious food and sweets that are a staple during the festival.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the famous Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, which is a popular destination for devotees during the festival. The temple was crowded with people, but the atmosphere was electric and filled with devotion.

We also took the opportunity to explore some of the famous sights and landmarks in Mumbai. We visited Nariman Point, a business district in South Mumbai, and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Arabian Sea from the Sea Link, a cable-stayed bridge that connects Mumbai to the suburbs. We also spent some time at the famous Juhu Beach, where we took a leisurely stroll and enjoyed the refreshing sea breeze.

We also visited Dadar Market, which is known for its bustling streets and diverse range of goods and products on offer. We couldn’t resist trying the famous ice cream from K Rustom & Company, a popular ice cream parlor in the city.

We also visited the iconic Taj Hotel and the Gateway of India, two of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. We couldn’t take a photo in front of the iconic Antilia, the residence of business tycoon Mukesh Ambani because of security reasons. 

Overall, it was a trip filled with memorable experiences and cultural immersion. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we were able to enjoy the festival and create lasting memories with my in-laws. It was a trip that I will always cherish and look back on with fondness.