Karjat

If you have visited Karjat in recent times, you would have noticed that just beyond the city on the other side of the bridge leading to the villages, there is an over-sized dump yard that runs around 100 meters along the side of the road.

Just how Mumbai has a massive garbage problem, Karjat even though much smaller in size seems to be facing the same problem. The smaller size should help the local bodies more effectively manage this problem.

The recent enforcement of the ban on plastic bags in Karjat is a step forward, but thin plastic bags are still available in some shops. Whats worse is due to the amount of garbage collected the authorities choose to set the dump on fire, sending arsenic fumes into the air, creating a Deonar like scenario in Karjat.



Naina from Prakash Nursery, located diagonally opposite the Garbage Dump, said, "We would request help from anybody who can help convince the officials to do something about the dump. Not only do we have to put up with the stench and smoke, but every monsoon the rain water brings the garbage into our properties creating a huge mess."

In recent times some private parties have started taking part of the garbage and using it for vermi-compost and selling it as fertilizer to farm house owners across Karjat. The other sad part is the reckless dumping of garbage in the river on the road to Karjat station.



You can get to see a wonderful sunset with the reflection of the colours on the river, and then a small load carrier would stop and empty its load of waste onto the banks of the river. A small amount of garbage is visible in the picture, but in reality its much more.

It would be nice if the locals could be taught about waste management and if all the farm owners learn to dispose of their garbage in their own compounds.

On the Mahavir Peth road leading to Karjat station, close to the rickshaw stand is a beautifully made Jain temple. Catering to a small Jain community present in the area the temple is the only Jain Mandir in Karjat.



Like most of the Jain shrines, this one too is carved out of white marble. The entrance bears intricate carvings of figures symbolising Jain faith. The flight of stairs leading to the main temple is embellished with colorful stones and white marble.

To the left of the steps is the puja area and on the right are idols of deities.

As I entered the main temple, the peaceful environment envelops you, and fills you with reverence and admiration of the place. The main deity of this temple is Lord Neminath, whose idol was adorned with flowers and jewelery, a custom followed by Jains.




The pillars had colorful carvings of various figures, the dome-shaped ceiling was well designed and the floor shone with the glow of marble. There were very few people offering prayers, and the pujari was busy cleaning the main worship area, he of course stopped me from taking pictures of the idol.

Swastika carved on the wooden door.

There is also an upper level, the main deity being Lord Shantinath. After offering my prayers, I made an exit and was glad to have visited this peaceful shrine in the narrow lane of a busy road.

Baba Dairy has become a must stop for us on our way to Karjat. Situated few kms before chowk in Vavarle village, the dairy churns out some mouth-watering food and milk products.



Baba Dairy has come up recently in the past 6-7 months, and since its away from Karjat city you get a good view of the mountain range from there.
Each time we visit the place we find ourselves sipping on the delicious thick lassi (Rs 15) or gobbling up the delectable paneer parathas. The Paneer parathas are stuffed with Paneer mixed with Coriander and Chilli, making the filling inside greenish in colour. The soft Paneer is made at the dairy itself and it literally melts in the mouth, and its served with Curd and Pickle. All it comes for just Rs 35.

We have tried all the sweets available there and can vouch for the Malai Sandwiches, Chum Chum, Milk Cake and Rabadi, which is my favorite. The thick Rabadi is rich, heavy and definitely affordable. Priced at Rs 10 for 50 grams we end up bringing it back to Bombay to have it as a dessert after meals. If you want to binge and don't mind eating rich Indian sweets, then try out rabdi with milk cake, its a delicious combination. All the Baba Dairy products are priced at a very reasonable rate, that's why we like to eat there often. The other sweets like Malai Sandwich etc. cost Rs 10 per piece. The Pedas are unique, they are milkier than any other Pedas we have consumed, its kind of an acquired taste and you may not like it instantly. This was the fourth time we had visited Baba Dairy, and we were really keen to visit the huge tabela (cow shed) behind the eating area and shop. So we asked the manager there, and with a friendly smile he gave us permission to stroll through the premises that holds buffaloes and prepares these delicious sweets from fresh milk.

The bovines were huge as you can see, all of them had tags on their ears and they occupied two sheds, placed in a row. There were other rooms as well, in some the workers were sleeping while in others they were making sweets.
Next time you go to Karjat, make sure you drop by to have some fresh lassi and paneer parathas!