The East Indian community has a significant population in Kandivli and its suburbs. Native Catholics established a church of the same name at Magathane around half a mile east of the present Kandivli Railway station in 1630. This church was the precursor to the present Our Lady of Assumption Church at Kandivli village.
Ramnath Keny used to maintain a cow shed at his home, which no longer exists. The decline in livestock rearing has led to the disappearance of these once-common spaces in the village. Most houses have repurposed their former livestock sheds into an extension of their living areas.
In present-day Kandivli village, fishing activities are notably absent despite a sizeable Koli community residing there. Yashwant Keni, though no longer a fisherman, was actively engaged in the fishing business during his younger years. He sourced fish from the Borivali fish market and sold them in Kandivli village to make a living.
The wall of Shri Shiv Shankar Mandir wall bears the old name Kandivligaon, written in Devanagari script. The architecture of the temple is an eclectic mix. The temple’s north Indian-style shikhara (spire) appears to be a modern addition, rising incongruously over the sloped roof superstructure typical of Konkani vernacular architecture.
Residents of Kandivli village, primarily from the Koli, Pathare Prabhu, and Agri communities, tie threads around the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis). Hindus consider the banyan tree sacred due to its long lifespan, symbolizing everlasting longevity.
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.