When you step off the plane in Mumbai for WordCamp Asia 2026, the first things to hit you will likely be the heat and the constant hum of the city. It can be overwhelming at first. But once you settle in, you’ll start to notice something else beneath the surface: a specific kind of energy.
When we say Mumbai is a “Maximum City” lived at “full volume,” we aren’t talking about a metaphor, we mean the literal, high-energy reality of the streets. In many places, people live in private bubbles, but here, those bubbles don’t exist. You will see life happening entirely in the open: a barber giving a haircut on a sidewalk, neighbors having loud debates over tea, and grand glass offices standing right against 100-year-old wooden homes. It is a place where the ancient and the high-tech are squeezed together, forcing everyone to notice and interact with one another.
While the noise and the crowds are real, they create a city where you are never truly alone; it’s a constant, human hum of people helping, moving, and working alongside you. 😀
The Unspoken Language of Showing Respect
Respect is woven into the smallest gestures here. While you might hear the suffix “Ji” in the North, Mumbai has its own rhythm, often using formal titles or the polite Marathi “Aaho” for elders. In the South, this respect shifts into melodic suffixes: you’ll hear “-garu” in Telugu, “-avaru” in Kannada, or “-nga” in Tamil. It’s also common to hear strangers addressed as “Anna” (older brother) or “Akka” (older sister), a way of turning a city of millions into a neighborhood of family.
Whether someone uses a formal title, a local suffix, or a respectful nod, the intent is the same: a deep-rooted culture of acknowledgement. Don’t worry about getting the terminology perfect; in a melting pot like Mumbai, people are used to all kinds of languages. A sincere smile and a friendly “Hello” are the most universal ways to connect.
The Soul of the Greeting: Namaste
When you meet someone, a simple “Namaste” with your palms pressed together is more than a hello; it is an acknowledgment of the person in front of you.
While Namaste or Namaskar is often these days used very formal settings. Hello or Hi with a wave of the hand works perfectly fine!
The Philosophy of the Extra Plate
There is an ancient philosophy in our homes: Atithi Devo Bhava, which means ‘The guest is like a God.’ It is a sentiment shared from the Himalayas to the tip of Kanyakumari. This is why, if you visit an Indian home or even a small street stall, the portions will be generous and the questions about your well-being frequent.
The Ritual of Eating: Although this is optional, across most of India, eating with your right hand is the traditional way to connect with your food. Whether it’s a North Indian paratha, a South Indian dosa, or a Maharashtrian poha, the tactile experience is part of the meal.
Beyond the Landmarks
- The Morning Raga (a “Raga” is a traditional melody tied to a specific time of day): Early mornings in Mumbai are special. Before the traffic takes over, you can hear the distant ring of temple bells or the (Adhan) call to prayer from a nearby Minaret.
- The Chai Circle: Chai (tea) isn’t just a drink here; it is a social glue. In Mumbai, you’ll see people huddled around corner stalls for a “cutting chai,” a half-glass of strong, ginger-spiced tea that’s just enough to fuel a conversation without slowing down the day. But the rhythm changes as you travel. While the North lives on Masala Chai, the South is the land of Filter Coffee, served frothy and strong in brass tumblers. Whether it’s tea or coffee, these small cups are where the best ideas are shared and the day’s work is debated. It’s a 30-minute ritual that brings everyone to the same table.
- The Flower Markets: Visit the Dadarchya Phool Bazar (Dadar Flower Market) at 6:00 AM. This is the city’s largest wholesale market, where mountains of marigolds and jasmine arrive before dawn. The scent and the sea of orange and white are a memory that will stay with you long after you leave. For a different vibe, the Matunga Market is also wonderful; it is famous for its South Indian garlands and the smell of fresh incense.
A Few Tips for Your Journey
- Footwear: You might be taking your shoes off often, at home, temples, and even some shops. Wear something easy to slip on and off. Because of the Mumbai heat, it is also much more comfortable to wear something open and breathable.
- Space: Personal space is a bit more flexible here. In a crowd of over a billion people, we tend to stand a little closer. It isn’t meant to be intrusive; it is just how we navigate the world together.
- Clothing: While Mumbai is modern, a bit of modesty goes a long way. Keeping your shoulders and knees covered, especially in older neighborhoods or spiritual sites, shows you value the local quietude.
A Survival Kit for Your Pocket
If you want to navigate Mumbai like a pro, here are a few words to keep handy. Don’t worry about getting the accent perfect, it’s the effort that counts!
The Basics
- Namaskar / Namaste (नमस्ते): Hello / I respect you.
- Haan (हाँ): Yes.
- Nahi (नहीं): No.
- Dhanyavaad / Shukriya (धन्यवाद): Thank you. (Though “Thank you” is used by everyone in Mumbai!)
- Aaho / Ji: Respectful ways to address others.
- Paani (पानी): Water.
- Kitna? (कितना?): How much? (Crucial for the markets!)
Finding Your Way
- Kahan hai? (कहाँ है?): Where is…?
- Yahinn rokiye (यहीं रोकिए): Stop here, please (Great for taxis).
- Baayen / Daayen / Seedha: Left / Right / Straight.
When You Need a Hand
- Maaf kijiye (माफ़ कीजिए): Sorry / Excuse me.
- Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain? (क्या आप मेरी madad कर सकते हैं?): Can you help me?
Things Made by Hand
Even though India is known for software and tech, we still value things made by hand.
- The Loom: While the wooden looms are mostly found in quiet villages, Mumbai acts as the great meeting point for these crafts. You can experience this heritage at the Cottage Industries Exposition in Colaba or the Gandhi Khadi Bhavan near CST, where hand-spun “Khadi” cotton is still sold. For those who want to dive into the city’s heart, the historic Mangaldas Market offers an overwhelming sea of silks and block prints from across the country.
- Art on the Ground: Walk down a quiet street in the morning, and you’ll see women drawing white patterns on their doorsteps with stone powder or rice flour. These are called Rangoli or Kolam. They aren’t meant to be permanent—they are just a way to welcome whoever walks through the door that day.
- The Clay Cup: You might see tea served in a Kulhad, which is a small cup made of plain clay. When you’re done, you drop it on the ground, and it turns back into earth. It’s a simple way of living that has existed here for a long time. You’ll mostly find these at traditional stalls near railway stations or in old neighborhoods; just be sure to look for a designated spot or a pile of broken clay to toss yours so you can follow the tradition without littering the sidewalk.
How We View Time
We have a joke about “IST”, which usually stands for Indian Standard Time, but we call it “Indian Stretchable Time.”
However, at WordCamp, the clock is non-negotiable, mostly because the coffee and tea won’t wait for anyone and Mumbai transit system are sticklers for running like clock work. So for WordCamps, we lean into the Mumbai spirit: we start and finish exactly on schedule!
Why We Are Excited to Have You
India is a country that is constantly building, much like the WordPress community. We are a land of storytellers, and we cannot wait to hear yours.
Whether you are here to talk about code or to find the perfect silk scarf, we hope you find that under the busy surface, India is a place that knows how to slow down and welcome a friend.