My Advice To Every Mumbaikar Planning To Survive In Delhi

By Anjana Ramakrishnan

Ask a Mumbaikar to move to Delhi and you’ll probably get one of the following: a glare, a retort, or if you’re particularly lucky, a curse word flung your way.

It’s a well-known fact that both Mumbai and Delhi are big cities that draw in thousands of hopeful migrants each year. Yet, the commonality ends here.

The Mumbai vs Delhi debate is a long-standing tradition that many a cup of chai has been spilled over. Needless to say, when this Mumbaikar realised that her next destination was Delhi, she more than shuddered.

But life in Delhi has its own charm and thus here is my advice to every Mumbaikar planning to survive in Delhi –

1. The Metro is your saviour

If you enjoyed (or rather survived) travelling by the Mumbai locals, the Delhi Metro is bound to be a pleasant surprise for you. Not only is it an easy means of travelling across the city, you don’t have to worry about falling off.

2. But say goodbye to the meter

Travelling by auto-rickshaws may be a breeze in Mumbai where you pay by the meter, but in Delhi, you’ll need to bargain your way to avoid being taken for a ride, or rather, so that you can do so in peace.

3. The weather can drive you crazy

For someone who is used to either a humid summer or floods, the dry heat and comparatively colder winter of Delhi can take its toll. It is both a curse and a blessing.

4. Mind your language

It’s a little too easy for us to regress back to the Mumbai-style ‘tu’, ‘apan’ and ‘tereko’ but it’s better to be more polite and stick to textbook-esque Hindi lest you offend someone. It’s a different matter that in a few months, you’ll end up discovering the uniqueness of Delhi Hindi. Dekhke try kariyo.

Read More: Is It High Time That We Legalise Prostitution In Delhi?

5. Food is life

Yes, there may not be any vada pav here but Delhi has its own set of delicacies. From mouth-watering paranthas to butter chicken, seek and ye shall find.

6. Better be safe than sorry

Delhi is known for its lack of safety, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have an enjoyable stay there. Remember to always be alert and cautious, especially when travelling at night. A little bit of caution will go a long way in making sure you can make the most of your time in Delhi.

7. And lastly, comparisons help but also hurt

Yes, it’s natural for a person from Mumbai to feel out of place in Delhi. However, going there with an open mind can make a huge difference. Embrace Delhi for the city it is, and you might find yourself growing to love it.

Image Credits: Google Images

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