THANE

The name of the district "Thane" originates from the Sanskrit word sthana, which means "place." Historically, Thane has been known by various names, including Sristhana and Taana, as recorded in ancient texts and by travelers like Ibn Battuta.

The Warli community, known for their rich oral traditions, lived in the village of Sogwe in Thane district. In the dense forests around Sogwe, there was a young and brave Warli hunter named Bhiku. He was respected as a skilled and wise member of his community. One day, a sacred deer, believed to be a messenger from the gods, went missing. The village seer had a vision that this deer was vital for the village's success.

With his eyes closed, the seer described his vision to the villagers: "The sacred deer rests in the depths of the forest, where the tallest banyan tree stands. But beware: those who seek it will face a great challenge."

Determined to find the sacred deer, Bhiku set out at dawn with his bow and arrow. As he ventured deeper into the forest, he faced many challenges, rough terrain, fierce animals, and strange sounds that tested his courage. Guided by the seer's vision and his desire to restore prosperity to his village, he pressed on.

After several days of searching, Bhiku finally found the towering banyan tree. There, he saw the sacred deer with eyes shining brightly. As he approached, the deer spoke: "Brave hunter, to take me back to your village, you must prove your worth. I am not alive, but I grow; I do not have lungs, but I need air; I do not have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?"

Bhiku thought hard, recalling what his elders had taught him. He answered confidently, "You are fire." The deer's eyes glowed with approval as it transformed into a celestial being that blessed Bhiku and his village. "Your wisdom and bravery have saved your people. Sogwe will flourish and find peace."

Bhiku returned to the village with the sacred deer, where he was welcomed with joy by the villagers. The seer's prophecy had come true, and under divine protection, the village thrived.

One of the region’s most chilling urban legends comes from Vrindavan Society in Thane district, often spoken of as one of the country’s most haunted places. Over the years, residents and visitors alike have felt shivers run down their spines after hearing eerie tales of an angry spirit said to linger behind its walls.

According to local accounts, the haunting traces back to a man who took his own life in Building 66B of the sprawling residential complex. Since that tragic event, his restless spirit is believed to have remained, delivering a chilling punishment to those who cross its path, a sudden, stinging slap in the dead of night.

The security guards patrolling the premises are said to be the most frequent targets of this unseen assailant. Many have described the shock of feeling an invisible force strike their faces, leaving behind not only a sharp ache but also frayed nerves. No matter how hard they look, they can never see what, or who, is behind it.

But it’s not just the guards who suffer this phantom aggression. Several residents of Building 66B have spoken of sensing a heavy, unseen presence inside their homes, followed by the unmistakable sting of a slap on their skin. Some even claim to have seen a translucent figure lurking in the corners of rooms, only to watch it disappear before their eyes.

Despite these terrifying encounters, many long-time residents dismiss the stories, claiming to have lived peacefully in Vrindavan Society for years. But for those who have faced the wrath of the unseen slapper, the fear is unforgettable. Why this anguished soul lashes out remains a mystery, and whether it can ever be put to rest is a question that continues to haunt the community.

Today, the ominous reputation of Vrindavan Society persists, with Building 66B at its dark heart. For those who value their peace of mind, staying away might just be the wisest choice.

Arnala Island, located off the coast of Thane district, is recognised for its beautiful scenery as well as the old Arnala Fort.

Long ago, there was a courageous and compassionate fisherman named Jivant. He was recognised for his reverence for the water and its wonders. Jivant thought that the sea was a living creature, ruled by a great Samudra Devi who controlled the tides and storms.

One terrible day, a strong storm struck Arnala Island without warning. The clouds darkened, and the winds howled, threatening to destroy the settlement and wash away the fishing boats. The locals, afraid and helpless, gathered on the shore, gazing in dread as the storm intensified. Jivant moved forward, determined to preserve his village. He understood that only the Samudra Devi could quiet the raging storm. With a faith-filled heart, he plunged into the rough waters and began praying. He murmured old prayers, requesting the devi to be merciful and protect the community.

As Jivant's prayers echoed across the lake, a remarkable event occurred. The storm started to diminish. The winds calmed and the seas receded. The sky cleared to reveal a beautiful sea. The locals were in wonder as Jivant emerged from the sea, his face glowing with the Devi’s holy radiance. They understood that his strong faith and the Devi's blessing had saved them.

The locals, grateful for Jivant's valour and the Samudra devi's mercy, established a Mandir in his honour on Arnala Island. They believed that Jivant's aatma, blessed by the devi, continued to protect them on their sea travel.

Every year, the fishermen of Arnala Island hold a huge festival to honour Jivant's memory. They assemble at the Mandir to pray and tell the epic story of Jivant, who saved their community. The event is distinguished by vivid processions, music, and dance, and it serves as an opportunity for the community to unite in joy and revelry.

In the forests and villages of Thane and Palghar districts, the Warli community has kept its oral storytelling traditions alive for generations. These tales, passed down by elders, reflect the community’s deep connection with nature and animals. One such story, shared by Prof. Pradip Prabhu, former Dean at Tata Institute of Social Sciences and founder of Kashtakari Sanghatana, shows how animals and humans share a relationship of care and survival. Often featured in Warli paintings, this story is remembered not just for its magic, but for its lesson in harmony with the natural world.

The story begins with a poor man wandering the forests of Thane in search of food. One day, he saves a pig from a tiger. In gratitude, the pig leads him to a hidden cave and gifts him a magic ring. The pig instructs him to tie the ring to the roof of his hut for good fortune. That very night, the man and his wife awaken to find their home filled with grains, spices, and vegetables. Their poverty ends, and they generously share their meals with their cat and dog.

But soon, a greedy villager notices their sudden wealth. Sneaking in at night, he steals the magic ring. Their fortune vanishes, and hardship returns. Unable to feed their pets anymore, the family tearfully asks the cat and dog to leave.

Determined to help their humans, the cat reminds the dog of the ring’s importance, and together they embark on a difficult journey through the rugged hills and forests of Palghar and Thane. After crossing streams and braving the wilderness, they discover a village unusually filled with riches. A rat wedding taking place nearby reveals the home of the thief. Thinking quickly, the cat captures the rat bridegroom. To save their groom, the rats strike a deal and return the stolen ring from the thief’s roof.

As the animals head back, the monsoon rains cause the local streams to flood, and the dog accidentally drops the precious ring into the swirling waters. Spotting a frog wedding nearby, a familiar event during the rainy season, the cat once again uses wit, capturing the frog bridegroom. The frogs, eager to help, dive into the stream’s depths and retrieve the ring.

With the ring finally restored, the cat and dog return home and tie it back to the roof. The family’s fortune is revived once again.

For the Warlis of Dahanu and Talasari, this story carries more meaning than just good fortune. It teaches that animals, whether pigs, cats, dogs, rats, or frogs, are partners in human survival, not just creatures to be used or discarded. Warli art often shows animals side by side with humans, reinforcing this bond. Through such stories, elders teach children that caring for animals is not charity, it’s a way of living in balance with the world, ensuring the well-being of both humans and nature.