WORLD'S LARGEST LAUNDROMAT - MAHALAXMI DHOBI GHAT
- maria04126
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Mumbai, India
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is a bustling laundry hub in Mumbai, India, where clothes are washed by hand rather than machines. During my visit, I was struck by the hard work and dedication of the dhobis - men and women - as they washed clothes the traditional way. It made me appreciate my washing machine more than ever before – a convenience that I've always taken for granted.
Known throughout India as a hub for washers, this place serves as an essential service center for neighborhood garment dealers, wedding decorators and caterers, mid-sized hotels, restaurants, clubs, and more.
Although some washermen utilize modern machinery, this remains an exception rather than the norm.
Unlike traditional businesses, the Ghat is not owned by a single entity but is collectively managed by its residents – a community of washermen and women.
Each family member plays a crucial role in the laundry process, from sorting clothes to drying, ironing, and folding them for delivery. Some families start as early as 4 AM.
The troughs and washing platforms within Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat were built during the British era, with a total area of around 2 kilometers, fitted with approximately 1,000 tubs.
While walking the narrow walkways of this world's largest laundromat you are always reminded that they are entering someone's home.
Life here carries on with its daily routines, as wives cook and clean while children study in the narrow alleys doubling as yards.
Doors to many homes remain open, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who live and work here.
Despite the challenging conditions, everyone I met at Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat was friendly and welcoming. My only word of caution to any visitors is to avoid wearing flip-flops or open sandals, as the ground can be covered in soapy water.