In Mumbai, dabbawala services are a daily lifesaver, making sure office-goers enjoy fresh home-cooked meals at work. But like every year, they’re taking a short break. The Mumbai Dabbawala Association has announced a six-day pause in services from March 30 to April 4. Read on to know more!
Mumbai Dabbawala Services Shut Down!
The Mumbai Dabbawala Association has announced that dabba services won’t be available for six days. And it’s not the first time. As per Times Now, this temporary pause happens every year and gives dabbawalas the perfect time to visit their native villages. During this short break, they take part in religious ceremonies, village fairs, and traditional festivals dedicated to their Gram Devta, or village deities.
Subhash Talekar, president of the association, explained that this break is part of a long-standing tradition. “Our dabbawalas have been serving Mumbai for over 135 years. Most of us come from western Pune districts, and this is our time to worship our deities,” he said.
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Where Do Mumbai’s Dabbawalas Come From?
Most of the dabbawalas in Mumbai are from rural areas like Maval, Mulshi, Ambegaon, Junnar, Khed, Akole, and Sangamner. Times Now reported that when they go back home, they also take part in farming activities and local fairs, keeping a strong connection with their roots.
As dabbawalas won’t be available for six days, authorities have requested employers not to deduct their pay. Mumbai’s dabbawalas work all year round consistently, and this short break is one of the few exceptions, so it feels fair to give them this time off.
As for Mumbai office-goers, the break will directly affect them as they’re are used to home-cooked meals delivered by dabbawalas. So, to avoid any problems, people are advised to plan ahead. They can carry their own meals from home or order food from outside to avoid any last-minute problems.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Joe Zachs
FAQs
For how long will Mumbai dabbawala services remain closed?
The dabbawala services in Mumbai will remain closed from March 30 to April 4.
How often do Mumbai dabbawalas take a break in a year?
It has been a long tradition for dabbawalas in Mumbai to take a six-day break to visit their native villages.
Why employers are advised not to cut salary of dabbawalas in Mumbai?
Authorities have requested employers not to cut the salaries of dabbawalas, as they take this break only once a year.