Worli residents plan fest to save fort

They plan to draw on art and culture to save history. More than 500 residents of Worli village have got together to revive the historic fort in their locality, through a cultural event on the lines of the Kala Ghoda festival.

They plan to draw on art and culture to save history. More than 500 residents of Worli village have got together to revive the historic fort in their locality, through a cultural event on the lines of the Kala Ghoda festival.

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“The Worli Koliwada Fort is one of the architectural wonders that Britishers have left behind,” said Sharad Koli, co-ordinator of the Worli Village Association, which is promoting the cause. “The Britishers built the fort around 1695,” said city historian Deepak Rao.

The Association plans to kickstart the event next year and hopes to raise funds to restore the Fort, which you can see as you drive along the Bandra-Worli sealink. “The fort needs restoration,” Koli said.

“The festival will display various traditional art and craft exhibits and have events that will explain the life and culture of Worli fishermen, one of the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. It will also give Mumbaiites a taste of Koli food,” said Koli.

The Association has already put up information online detailing its plan and explaining the importance of saving the fort. It has invited Mumbaiites, experts and sponsors to help it in its cause.

“By saving a fort, we can save a culture,” Koli said.