Dhobi Ghat facts for kids
A Dhobi Ghat (pronounced DOH-bee GAHT) is a unique outdoor laundry area. You can find these places in parts of South Asia, like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It's where professional washermen and women, known as dhobis, traditionally wash clothes. While many Dhobi Ghats are near rivers or streams, some are not.
What is a Dhobi Ghat?
The word Dhobi Ghat combines two parts. Dhobi refers to a person whose job is to wash clothes. Ghat means a set of steps leading down to a body of water, like a river or pond. So, a Dhobi Ghat is essentially a washing place for clothes.
These special areas are often very large. They have many concrete washing pens, each with its own flogging stone. The dhobis use these stones to beat the clothes, helping to remove dirt. After washing, the clothes are hung out to dry in the open air.
The Famous Mumbai Dhobi Ghat
The world's largest Dhobi Ghat is believed to be in Mumbai, India. It is located near the Mahalaxmi railway station. This huge open-air laundry has been operating for over 140 years, since 1890.
Thousands of dhobis work here every day. They collect dirty clothes from homes, hotels, and hospitals all over Mumbai. They then bring them to the Dhobi Ghat to wash, dry, and iron them. Finally, the clean clothes are returned to their owners. It's a very busy and organized system!
The Mumbai Dhobi Ghat is so famous that it has even appeared in movies. One well-known film that featured it was called Dhobi Ghat, released in 2010.
Images for kids
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Mumbai Dhobi Ghat Laundry District
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Individual wash pens at Dhobi Ghat
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Mumbaikar dhobis at work in the Mahalaxmi area
See also
In Spanish: Dhobi Ghat para niños
