pigeons.MP4

Even since I came to Mumbai couple of decades I was fascinated to see Pigeon Eateries (Khabutar -pigeon/Khana -eatery) in Bombay or Mumbai. I had written a photo feature 15 years ago But still the Pigeon eateries still fasciniates me hence I am uploading this video shot on my mobile.




Little background. In Mumbai there are over ten big Pigeon Eateries or Pigeon feeding centres. Couple of them are quite big and almost more than 80 years old. (MEN MAY COME AND PIGEONS MAY COME AND MAY GO, PIGEON FEEDERS ARE HERE FOR EVER). There is one big opposite GPO,a famour century old landmark of the British Raj in proper Mumbai, then on the open at Marine Drive or queen's neckless, One big managed by a religious trust at Madhav Baug, one quite famous at Dadar West quite near the railway station. And in many places in Mumbai's suburb or on the terraces of housings you will find small pigeon feeders . open yards. Some of the big ones are run by trust.




The one you are seein in this video is managed by a Trust which is even seeking donation in kind or money as I could see a placard over there.




From early morning till evening, pigeons are fed by like minded bird lovers, children, elders or religious minded people. There are shops around who sell peanuts or monkeynuts and other grains and these people buy it and pour and spill over the pigeon feeder center where there is also a water fountain. You will find lakhs of pigeons are fed both brown, little black and some white.When their tummy is full the hover around and sit on roofs of nearby buildings. As the dark envelopes the sky, the caretaker (specially appointed) gathers all the left over grains and collects in a sack for next day. At this time the pigeons just vanish.




INDEED whoever comes to Mumbai next time do not miss these Khabutar Khanas as told in Hindi or Pigeon feeding centres. I shall post some pictures after few days from a good camera.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Pets
• birds
• Pigeons
• Mumbai tourist spot
• Travel news
• charity