D'Souza Chawl in Mumbai, Maharashtra is a place filled with paranormal evidence and horrific stories. From mysterious deaths to bone chilling accounts of unblessed souls, its past is shrouded in mystery and fear. Read on to find out more about this notorious spot and its dark history.
Horror Story of D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Once upon a time, there lived a family in the crowded place of D'Souza Chawl in Mumbai. It is said, however, that since the family moved in, strange occurrences began to take place.
Nobody ever saw the father around, as he had a habit of disappearing for days without a trace. But that was the least of this family’s worries.
Every night, a ghostly figure was seen underneath the street light in the middle of the chawl. Locals claimed it was the spirit of the old woman who used to live in the building before them.
At first, the family was only bothered by the eerie feeling they got by the presence of this figure. Until one day, their beloved daughter began to awake at night from terrible nightmares. The family could only assume, if not certain, that the figure was bothering her during her sleep.
The family took matters into their own hands and tried to get rid of the figure. They persuaded the local temple priest to come and perform rituals to expel the spirit. But instead of leaving the chawl, it seemed to stay put, taunting them with a sinister presence.
As time went on, the family slowly started to lose their sanity, and eventually succumbed to the terror of the mysterious figure lurking in the shadows of their home.
Till this day, it is said that the ghost of the old woman still roams the streets of D'Souza Chawl at night. For those brave enough to pass through its shadows, the legends of the ghostly figure still haunt the streets of Mumbai.
Its architecture dates back to the 80s and is considered one of the scariest places on Earth History & Information of D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai, Maharashtra
D’Souza Chawl is a cluster of housing units on the Avenue Road, in Grant Road, in south Mumbai. It was developed in the mid-18th century, as the slum of Mumbai, to give shelter to the migrant laborers of nearby mills and shops. The traditional Portuguese-style building was initially inhabited by people from Udupi and the Konkan region of India.
The buildings, comprising of 1, 362 hutments and surrounding narrow lanes, are still inhabited by the original tenants who have settled there nearly a century ago! People living in this area are mostly from working class communities, such as carpenters, mill workers, vegetable vendors and construction and labour workers. Most of them are first-generation migrants to the city.
D’Souza Chawl has a unique cultural identity, over the years, thanks to its inhabitants, several street plays and theatre groups have been formed and a vibrant sub-culture and atmosphere have come alive within the community of the chawl. The residents have consciously kept away from any kind of development of the area. They are also united against any kind of eviction.
In 2013, the residents of D'Souza chawl protested against the redevelopment proposals of the local developers in order to save their housing unit. This protest had gained in significance since the whole of the Central Mumbai was being overthrown by the surge of many new residential projects and giant malls.
In 2014, the then Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at that time, visited D’Souza Chawl. He highlighted the importance of such old city neighborhoods and their contribution to the city’s diversity and community life.
D’Souza Chawl is a place full of culture, stories and most importantly, it is home to thousands of people. Despite the challenges of the developer-driven development in Mumbai, the residents of D’Souza Chawl have managed to protect and preserve their heritage with grit and determination. The chawl continues to provide shelter to those who need it the most.
This place tops the list of one of the most mysterious places in the world. Paranomial Activity of D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai, Maharashtra
D’Souza Chawl is a locality in Mumbai, Maharashtra located near the King's Circle station in Matunga. It is known for the famous Catholic social and religious center located in the area, which is a major landmark in the locality. The center is located in the heart of the neighborhood and is considered to be one of the oldest Catholic social service centers in the city. The social center has been instrumental in connecting the Christian community of D’Souza Chawl to Mumbai and the larger society. The center provides basic social services such as health care, housing, employment, education, and legal advice among other. Apart from being the main center of religious activity, the center is also a prime spot for cultural activities such as musical and dance performances, religious lectures, and regular prayer meetings. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife with several bars and pubs located in the vicinity. The popular "Matunga Cultural Arts and Entertainment" (MCAE) gathering spot is also located in the area.
Experience of people & Reviews of D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai, Maharashtra
D'Souza Chawl in Mumbai is a 5-storey flat structure located in Govandi, which is famously known as the slum of Mumbai. It is a small area with a population ranging from 500-700 people. The area does lack basic civic facilities like running water and electricity. The place is known to be a breeding ground for communal violence and local gang wars. People who visit D'Souza Chawl usually come to visit the local market or to gain some information about the area. The locals, despite the area's poor state, are known to be very friendly and welcoming.
Many people who have visited D'Souza Chawl have positively spoken about the warmth and hospitality extended by the locals. They have noted that the locals are very friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. Tourists have noted that D'Souza Chawl is a great place to visit to get a first-hand experience of the slum life in Mumbai. The locals are proud of their area and are always willing to share their stories and experiences with visitors.
The locals have also shared their struggles and hopes for an improved lifestyle in the chawl. They are hopeful that improved civic facilities and a better standard of living might be provided on a large scale. While most people visiting D'Souza Chawl are impressed with the place and its people, a few have noted the presence of dangerous gangs and criminals in the area.
Overall, D'Souza Chawl is a unique place to visit for its interesting mix of people and culture. Tourists have appreciated the hospitality of the locals and the chance to have an eye-opening experience of the slum life in Mumbai. However, it is important to remember to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings due to the presence of dangerous gangs in the area.
FAQ'S of D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Q. What is Place D'Souza Chawl?
A. Place D’Souza Chawl is a historical residential complex located near Byculla, Mumbai, India. It consists of a cluster of 19th century chawls, each offering affordable housing solutions to the surrounding population.
Q. Who is the founder of Place D'Souza Chawl?
A. Place D’Souza Chawl was founded by Dozario D’Souza, a local businessman and philanthropist who bought the land in 1893.
Q. What is the architecture of Place D'Souza Chawl?
A. The architecture of Place D’Souza Chawl is of the traditional colonial era chawl pattern, which consists of four storeys of large unidirectional units, with the lowermost floor having the most open space for accessing common resources.
Q. What is the benefit of living in Place D'Souza Chawl?
A. Place D’Souza Chawl offers residents a safe and affordable housing solution in a vibrant culture-rich atmosphere, with easy access to local amenities. It has a strong sense of community, and is a great place to live for those on a modest budget.