Bombay chamber to revive bandstand culture in city

Mumbai, Aug 28 (UNI) Come September 27, the World Tourism Day, and all the eight bandstands in the city will relive their past glory with military bands performing as a part of the initiative by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

The initiative is aimed at reviving the age-old culture of bands playing in all the promenades of the megapolis.

The bandstand culture dates back to 17th century when different bands playing along the sea stretch was a regular feature. It was only because of this tradition these stretches came to be known as ''bandstands''.

''Antiquity and modernity in Mumbai runs parallel. On one hand, you have modernity touching every aspect of life, and on the other, the island city boasts of a tradition which dates back to centuries back. One such tradition was bands playing in along the sea-face,'' said Sanjay Bhide, convenor and secretary of Trans Asian Chamber of Commerce, who is spearheading the initiative.

''We want to revive this age-old culture as well as to woo the tourists to these bandstands,'' he added.

It may be recalled that in earlier years, every Thursday bands playing was a major attraction, but over the years the tradition seems to have become lost in oblivion.

Under the initiative, youth bands from across the city will be roped in to perform various shows which have been planned on all these promenades of the city.

UNI