It began at Mumbai’s domestic airport itself. Keen to sample cutting chai, which, according to the signboard, would be served in a clay pot (kullad), I approached the counter, only to be told by the attendant that they had run out of it (this, in the evening) and one would have to wait for an hour, at least, until the tea - arguably the most easily available beverage in India - would arrive at the kiosk. We settled for instant whatever.

Looking around, there was very little trace of any Indian, let alone Maharashtrian or Mumbai, connect at the airport as far as food went, barring a tiny section that sold Chitale’s bakarwadi and Mapro’s famed strawberry jams. I managed a half smile. As we strolled around the retail section in the departure zone, we were hoping to find the odd Warli painting or artifact as a souvenir to pick for friends in another city. Sigh. No trace whatsoever. Even the bookstore didn’t sport a separate section on Mumbai and the home state. This reality - or the lack of it - was on display in one of India’s largest airports, where passenger traffic is among the highest. A golden opportunity lost to showcase and highlight the rich history and culture of the city and state.