The Bhatia community is well reputed for two things – our business acumen and a rich legacy of heritage we have built for the greater good of our community and the society at large. It is with the virtue of their thriving businesses that household names from the community were able to erect magnificent structures and spaces for the  community. These structures are as magnificent as the stories behind them. The Bha Collective, a group of progressive Bhatia youth dwelled upon this very thought and created the first ever “Heritage Photo Walk” for aficionados of heritage and culture.

A beautiful summer Sunday morning was well spent by enthusiasts armed with cameras and curiosity. Heritage and architecture enthusiasts along with their families participated in this unique expedition around south Mumbai. It was an immersive photowalk with a lot of trivia shared on the rich Bhatia heritage and the families who created such magnificent properties. Some enthusiasts may have seen the buildings earlier but this time they got to know the stories and people behind them.

The walk started at 8 am with prayers and blessings at the Dwarkadhish Haveli at Kalbadevi. Enthusiasts explored other Bhatia owned properties such as the Mulji Jetha Market, Asia’s largest textile market, the Swadeshi Market, the Halai Bhatia Mahajanwadi and Gita Griha residences. Local Bhatias residing around the vicinity also chose to join in the revelry and shared their own experiences and stories associated with these magnificent places. The heritage walk not only saw participation from Bhatias, but also non-Bhatias who were curious and wanted to learn about Bhatia culture and heritage. The walk concluded at the Ruttonsi Mulji Fountain, a recently restored heritage fountain built by a benevolent and philanthropic Bhatia over a 100 years back.

The best part of the walk was when the group was welcomed by the fountain in its full glory, with the jets pouring out water on a fine but overcast sunday morning.

The 2-hour heritage walk had built an appetite for the brunch. After posing for a group photo against the flowing-in-glory Ruttonsi Mulji Fountain, we quickly got into kaali-peelis and dashed to Soam.

(Quite like the lunch break after history class.)

After the humidity outside, it was a relief to step inside an air-conditioned place. The team at Soam, along with Sonal Ved was ready with a table neatly laid. We took our seats and a quick intro came from Pinky and Sonal – as they spoke about the inspiration behind the menu and what to look forward to.

Kutchi Beer (chaas) in pint bottles was the perfect refreshment you could ask for. Kachi Keri jo Salad and Kand ji Pattice arrived as everyone looked at the beautiful dishes – and out came the cameras. The Dabeli was most awaited and was quite light – just how it is supposed to be. Chavda were served in pancake-style, with panjo maple syrup.  Ek Top na Dal Bhaat, made of rice and lentils and cooked like biryani, came with Boondi Raita.

And in case you had any space left inside of you, Aamras was summoned to take it up.

Guests had to be instructed to go slow and relish the food. But then, those were individual dilemmas.

Pinky and her staff at Soam made sure everyone enjoyed. Sonal was her usual self – making sure guests were served and helped in appreciation of the recipes, ingredients and finer nuances. Talking about her experience of curating this unique Kutchi Brunch, Sonal says “It is a wonderful opportunity to recreate the magic of traditional cuisine. The Bhatia Heritage PhotoWalk set the right mood for a cultural immersion and the team at Soam took the experience to a different level. I am happy that everybody enjoyed the Sunday morning.” By the end of the afternoon, every one was glued to their seats, and looking forward to a siesta.

The morning that started with a Bhatia Heritage PhotoWalk at Shri Dwarkadhish Mandir at Kalbadevi ended with the Kutchi Brunch opposite Shri Dwarkadhish Mandir at Babulnath. Life does come full circle.

What got people out of bed with a snooze, also put them back in for a siesta.