Mumbai was not always a city. It was once seven islands, separated by mangroves and tidal waves, each home to several goddesses, who were fed fish, chicken, mutton and toddy by the local residents -fisherfolk, toddy tappers, salt makers and rice farmers.
Two goddesses deserve mention: Gauri and Ekavira. Every year, during the rains, Gauri follows her son, Ganesha, into people's houses. While Ganesha receives only vegetarian offerings, Gauri relishes fish, crabs, prawns and clams, food she ate before her marriage to the hermit Shiva.
