About 6 years ago, when British Prince Charles came visiting to India, he made it a point to meet the Mumbai Dabbawalas (tiffin box carriers) and even invited them to his wedding with the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles. This year, these Dabbawalas will hit another high note in their mundane life when  their State, Maharashtra’s tableau to be displayed as part of the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2012  will represent them. The Parade showcases various aspects of daily life in different States of India and the Maharashtrian Government has decided to focus on its Dabbawalas.

1) Clanking Tiffin Boxes

Every day, the Mumbai Dabbawala community, comprising of 5,000 men, distributes tiffin boxes to about 200,000 people working in various offices, factories, etc all over the city. Their daily routine comprises of picking up tiffin boxes from various kitchens, boarding a local train and dropping these to their destinations while also collecting the empty boxes and returning them to the kitchens.

2) World Famous Dabbawalas

M. S. Rajput, who works for the Maharashtra cultural affairs directorate, spoke about the Government’s decision to showcase these dabbawalas. He said, “Mumbai dabbawalas are known all over the world for their time management and accuracy. Every one knows about them and they are a very important part of Mumbai’s bustling business districts.”

3) The Republic Day Tableau 

In its January 26^th representation, the Dabbawalas will be shown in all their glory, comprising of the various aspects of their day-to-day work. The State is hopeful that this unique sight would fetch them the “best tableau award among states.”

4) Glory Aplenty

The Mumbai Dabbawalas, though in the business for the past 125 years now, came to world prominence only when Prince Charles spent an entire day with them, observing their efficient time-management system of work. Since then, the Western world became aware of their amazing rate of growth, which is 5-10% every year. The Republic Day Parade is another chance for these humble Dabbawalas to register their presence on a national platform.

Although there is no dearth of restaurants in Mumbai, still hundreds of thousands of Mumbaikars are dependent on these Dabbawalas for their daily sustenance. For those who would be watching the Indian Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2012, do watch out for this tableau with a difference. Also, do write in to us about your views on these amazing Mumbai Dabbawalas.

Image Courtesy: aahang.wordpress.com, punjabijanta.com