Early every morning, Sassoon Dock—Mumbai’s first commercial wet dock, located at the city's southernmost tip—comes alive with energy and structured hustle as fishing boats arrive with their fresh haul. Boat owners auction off their catch to vendors who supply local markets and companies. Once sold, the ‘paati kamgars’ (dock workers) load baskets of fish onto handcarts or carry them on their heads, pack them in crushed ice, and transport them to buyers' locations.

What an outsider experiences today are the result of a 2018 revamp. After years of neglect, the docks underwent renovations to support modern fishing practices while preserving their rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant colors.