All's fair with Bandra

After a lot of struggle, court rounds and protests, Bandra's Mount Mary Fair kick started on Sunday. Post the petition to shut down the fair being turned down by the court, the fair got off the ground with heaps full of hope and enthusiasm. A sea of crowd was seen on the first day of the much-awaited eight-day fest that lights up the entire Mount Mary Church.

Anil Joseph, Bandra-based activist, says, "Just like the Kumbh Mela and the Mahim Darga Fair, Mount Mary Fair too is a state gazetted event. Hence, the arrangements have been carried out properly and I'm sure that it will go on without any hitches."

Every year, the 300-year-old fair sees a footfall of around 5 to 6 lakh devotees from around the state. This year, the H/West ward, the fire department and the police have come together to ensure a smooth-running fair.

Three roads lead to the Mount—the easiest and the shortest one, also known as the cement road, passes by actor Shah Rukh Khan's residence, Mannat. However, the road was blocked due to an illegal ramp constructed apparently by Shah Rukh Khan.
Neil Pereira, member of the Pali Gaothan East Indian Residents Association, opines, "The road is the best way to reach the mount. For senior citizens, it's the only convenient way. Now that it is opened, things are much better."

The ward has been doing a good job of cleaning and maintaining the huge area, at least thrice a day. They are also keeping a check on the illegal hawkers that operate without license.
Ramchandra Dhavle, Senior Police Inspector, Bandra Police Station, says, "We are managing the security round the clock and around 550 police officers are deployed, which includes officers from different police stations and special reserve force. The security management is up to the mark."