Socio-cultural Infrastructure

Navi Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city housing millions of people with diverse socio-economic and cultural background. To boost their socio-cultural interaction and to strengthen the harmony, CIDCO took the initiative of bringing them together under one umbrella. To achieve this feat CIDCO allotted plots for worship places of all communities or community halls; developed various cultural centers in each node, amphitheaters in gardens and open spaces.

The need to promote the socio-cultural demand of Navi Mumbai's citizens gave birth to one of the finest landmarks of the city - Vishnudas Bhave Auditorium, named after the pioneer of Marathi theatre, Shri Vishnudas Bhave. Located at the heart of the city, Vashi it is the multipurpose auditorium with state-of-the-art design. It has the capacity of 1072 seats. The 6000-seat mega amphitheater at Central Park is yet another such public place that provides recreational facilities for the people of all age groups.

CIDCO has also developed some unique features such as the Agri and Koli Bhavan and the Urban Haat. Agri and Koli    communities are the original inhabitants of Navi Mumbai. Along with its adventurous and prosperous occupation of fishing, this community is gifted with a vibrant culture and traditional customs. With the noble objective of preserving the ethnicity of the community a common centre for its cultural activities and exhibitions named as Agri Koli Bhavan has been developed in Nerul node. It has large museum with library facility and viewing gallery at the first floor for displaying the Agri Koli culture, a multipurpose hall at the second floor and the state-of-the-art auditorium at the third floor.

Urban Haat is an ever-permanent fair for Crafts, Food and Cultural Activities. The craftsmen from

various areas and the cultural happenings provide a panoramic view of richness and diversity of Handicrafts and artefacts. It aims to be a place to choose and eat from a variety of food stuff available from across the country, a place for craftsmen, artists, performers to exhibit their skills and for visitors it is a place to relax and enjoy.The main purpose of establishing Urban Haat is to generate awareness and promote Indian handicraft and emerging arts. Not just handicrafts, but cuisines from different states of India also form part of the fairs at Urban Haat.