An Alibaug trip in sketches

A map of Alibaug

For siblings Siddharaj and Priti Thale, Alibaug is home. They could never wrap their heads around the fascination that tourists had for the coastal town. The forts, beaches and temples were part of their everyday life. "And so, we never realised its importance," says Siddharaj, 23. This changed during the pandemic. The law graduate from Mumbai returned to Alibaug, when the lockdown was announced in March last year, and gradually fell in love with its history. Priti, a designer and illustrator, also turned homewards for inspiration.

The facade of Mayur bakery

The result is a new illustrated series on Alibaug, which the Thales have been sharing on their Instagram page. "During the lockdown, we found ourselves interacting a lot more with the elderly in the town," he says, adding that they are a gold mine of lore and legend. Piqued by these stories, Siddharaj began researching online and documenting the local history nuggets for his Instagram account. From the Athavda Bazaar, a rural market held in different locations each day of the week and which has its roots in the 1800s, to the legend about how the Bene Israelis made Alibaug their home, and the famed Mayur Bakery that introduced residents to cakes and pastries, Siddharaj says he discovered unknown facets about home. For Priti, 30, the Instagram page was an eye-opener. "I decided to illustrate some of these stories, to make them more accessible and enjoyable."

Monsoon vegetables from the region. Pics/@shaipen.art, Instagram

One of her first illustrations was that of Kanakeshwar Hill Temple, situated at a height of 1,200 feet. Her sketch takes you through the lush-green forests and hills, up the paved stone steps, and through the rich fauna surrounding the premises. She recently drew a map of the town, illustrating the iconic places of interest. With monsoon soon approaching, the duo has also created a portrait of the wild produce eaten by the locals only during the rainy season. There's kulu, commonly known as white mulshi, kantola (spiny gourd) and shevala (dragon stalk yam) among others.

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Siddharaj Thale

The pre-monsoon period, locally known as agota, marks the beginning of the farming season. "But before that, they [farmers] celebrate with the famed spicy mutton curries; many traditional households, prepare meals with this wild harvest and offer it to their family deities, praying for a prosperous year. For many, it not only symbolises heritage, but also family bonding," Siddharaj says in a post.

Priti Thale

Through the illustrated series, the siblings are not only hoping to throw light on Alibaug's rich culture, history and heritage, but also create awareness about conservation. "We grew up around mangroves, and have witnessed the splendor of migratory birds, who'd visit the town during specific seasons. We want people to see this side of Alibaug, too."

What: Alibaug in sketches
Where: 96 km from Mumbai via NH 66
Follow: @siddharaj_thale and @shaipen.art, Instagram