Old houses usually have an open veranda in the front where visitors are welcomed and family members spend time conversing with neighbours, fostering a sense of community.
Historically, Koli women used to sell fish caught from nearby water bodies like the Mithi River. Today, most of these water bodies are either heavily polluted or have been developed over, making the fishing business unsustainable. The majority of fish sold in local markets now comes from wholesale markets in South Mumbai.
This road in Kandivli village used to be a maidan (playground) until 1985. Ramnath Keny fondly recalls spending hours on this ground playing kabaddi with his friends. However, the landscape has transformed over the years, and the open space is now a traffic intersection surrounded by high-rise buildings.
While the Kolis traditionally engaged in fishing or fishing-related businesses, not all members of the community continue these practices in modern times. Pragna Keni comes from a family that sells flowers outside a temple. Despite being part of the Koli community, neither she nor her family have ever been involved in trading or fishing activities.
The community has a strong affinity for physical exercise and sports. Here, Ramnath’s son is demonstrating his acrobatic skills on the mallakhamb. Mallakhamb, which translates to wrestling pole, is a traditional Indian gymnastic apparatus made from sheesham (Indian rosewood). Gymnasts perform aerial yoga and postures on this stationary vertical pole.
Image courtesy: Ramnath Keny
Some houses in Kandivli village feature sloping roofs covered in terracotta tiles, extended wooden balconies, and staircases. This architectural style in Kandivli was influenced by the East Indian community, known for similar building styles in Mumbai neighbourhoods like Chuim, Kotachiwadi, and Matharpacady.
The vernacular architecture in the village primarily comprised single-story dwellings constructed from locally available materials such as bamboo, mud, wood, thatch, plaster, brick, and cow dung. Traditionally, these houses were built on raised plinths to protect them from flooding in the monsoon.
Ekvira Devi considered a form of the Goddess Renuka, is revered as the kuladevi (family deity) of the Koli community. Each year, Kolis embark on pilgrimages to offer prayers to Ekvira Devi at her temple located at the Karla Caves.
Image courtesy: Ramnath Keny
A political rally passing outside Ramnath Keny’s home. This photo likely dates back to 1985, when the village still had mud roads. Today, a cemented pathway leads to his home amidst a landscape devoid of open spaces, marking a significant change.
Image courtesy: Ramnath Keny