: "'Necking nooks' of Bombay
Couples: New sexual freedom and chronic housing problems have forced romance outdoors to scenic areas in India's cramped city of 18 million.


By Jehangir Pocha
Originally published Sep 16, 2003
BOMBAY, India -- Along Marine Drive, a sweeping ocean promenade ringed by fading art-deco buildings, lovers gather along the sea wall, kissing and caressing each other, seemingly oblivious to the showers of sea spray and frenetic traffic around them.
Couples publicly displaying their affection may seem out of place here, where traditionally the first time a bride saw her groom was on the conjugal bed. But as a new sexual permissiveness has seized this cramped city of 18 million, Bombay's chronic housing problem is forcing many seeking passion out to the city's few scenic spots.
At the lush hanging gardens, another popular 'necking nook,' scores of couples lie strategically between the dense flower patches. Many are completely or partially covered by colorful dupattas, ladies' long scarves, and lie feet away from each other. Teen-agers on a dare often snatch the scarves away, causing much embarrassment and occasionally fisticuffs.
'People always came here to romance,' says Vimal Saave, a reedy man in a fraying khaki uniform who has tended the garden for 22 years, 'but now there are so many more ... and they do so much more.'
Romances and prenuptial liaisons were once considered horrifying social sins and remained largely within t"