In what has come as regretful news to Mumbai-based millennials and many amusement park lovers across the country, Essel World announced earlier today that it is temporarily shutting operations. A post on their website read, "We are temporarily closed until further notice." The announcement sparked many fears on the internet that this indefinite closure is permanent. The park was frequently visited by school kids on annual picnics through the year and was a must-visit tourist destination during summer and winter school vacations. It was further popularised by the catchy jingle, "Essel World mein rahunga main, ghar nahi jaunga main," and fondly remembered by many who were children of the 90s in India.
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Many millennials soon recalled the jingle after the news emerged that Essel World has ceased operations until further notice. Their disappointment and nostalgia associated with the beloved park came pouring through on social media.
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Essel World was a world in itself and quickly became popular when Disney World in India was a distant dream. The amusement park with a variety of thrilling rides and adventure sports was known to create magical moments, especially for young children. Located in Gorai on the outskirts of Mumbai, Essel World housed a 22-acre water park called Water Kingdom, a bird park, a skating rink, several rides, a discotheque, and food courts.
While some tweeted that the park had only temporarily shut down for operational reasons, others believe that the theme park has been closed since the pandemic began, with just the Water Kingdom still operational despite its rundown state.
Feeling so nostalgic thinking about my #EsselWorld trip from years ago 😢 Can't believe it's closing down soon, going to miss all the thrilling rides and memories made there #EndOfAnEra #GoodbyeEsselWorld
— Girish™¶∆ (@girishgenxt) May 4, 2023
90s kids can never forget the jingle:
— RKJ (@gumnaam_faaris) May 7, 2023
“Essel World me rahunga mai, ghar nahi jaunga mai” 💦😄#Mumbai #EsselWorld https://t.co/9gr4LJcL2y
@TheEsselWorld may be shut down for good. But the times spent there are etched deep. On the Octopus and in the Horror House. Thank you for making my childhood enjoyable. You'll be missed. #esselworld #Mumbai
— Marlene Alphonse (@MarleneA_) May 5, 2023
It is still unclear what the future of Essel World is, but for many who experienced it, the magic will live on.
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