Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, Dhobi Ghat stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant and industrious spirit. Known as the world’s largest open-air laundry, Dhobi Ghat is a bustling hive of activity where hundreds of washermen, or “dhobis,” work tirelessly to wash, dry, and press clothes from across the city.
Established in 1890, this unique landmark has become a cultural and historical icon, attracting both locals and tourists eager to witness traditional laundry methods passed down through generations.
Location and Accessibility
Location: 1, Anandilal P Marg, Dhobi Ghat, Shanti Nagar, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400011
Plus Code for GPS: XRJG+V6 Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The Life and Work of Dhobis
This place looks so unclean in the first appearance still, it is a tourist spot. This is “The Dhobi Ghat”. It is located in the city of dreams, “Mumbai”. People also know this place as “Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat.
“It is one of the tourist attractions in Mumbai. It is a place where lots of washersmans, also known as “Dhobis”, work together and wash clothes at a place. Dhobis collect clothes, bedsheets, curtains, and many other things from hotels, hospitals, and houses.
They also deliver in every corner of Mumbai from Colaba to Virar. Dhobis mainly collect clothes from neighborhood laundries, garment dealers, wedding decorators, and caterers.
The Dhobi Kalyan & Audhyogik Vikas Cooperative Society
“The Dhobi Kalyan & Audhyogik Vikas Cooperative Society” is the leading body that represents the washermen. It estimates the annual turnover of Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat at around 100 Crores.
At Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat around 7000 dhobis flog, scrub, dry and bleach clothes on the concrete wash pens, dry them on ropes then iron them neatly and deliver them to their owners around the city. The dhobis work for 18-20 hours a day.
They construct washing pens in a row here. Each washing pen has its own flogging stone, on which the dhobis rub the cloth to make it stain-free and clean. It is the residence of more than 200 families who work as dhobis, passing this job from generation to generation.Â
The Process: A Day in the Life of a Dhobi
At Dhobi Ghat, many ropes are tied to hang clothes on them to dry. Washing clothes, drying, and ironing them is a labor-intensive task. The dhobis have added some elements to the dhobi ghat according to their convenience.
They tied ropes, installed ironing stations, and created dyeing stations. These installations make it easier to wash, dry, and iron clothes in one area.
The task of dhobis starts by collecting clothes from homes, hospitals, and hotels. After collection, the clothes are taken to the dhobi ghat, where they are dipped in soapy water. The dhobis then beat the clothes on the flogging stone.
After washing, the clothes are hung on ropes to dry. Every piece of clothing is provided with a serial number or code that indicates its owner.
Recognition and Achievements
This place also garnered a position in the Guinness Book of World Records under “Most people hand-washing clothes at a single location” in 2011. In 2013, World Records India and World Amazing Records honoured the Dhobi Kalyan & Audhyogik Vikas Co-op—Society Ltd. with a World Record Certificate.
If you have a plan to visit here, you can get off at Mahalaxmi Railway Station. Dhobi Ghat can be seen from the flyover bridge of Mahalaxmi station.
The best way to visit Dhobi Ghat is early in the morning and early in the noon. In the early morning, you can get a chance to see dhobis washing clothes and at noon you can get a chance to see the drying clothes on the ropes.
