Bombay Now Mumbai, But Name Slow To Catch On

This major port city has officially changed its name to Mumbai. But the new title has had some trouble catching on, even with the federal government.

“Bombay or Mumbai - I will not enter into this issue,” a Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said.

This city of 12 million changed its name to Mumbai (pronounced moom-by) - in honor of a Hindu goddess - two years ago.

The federal government gave its approval last week, but warned the change will create confusion in international circles, where Bombay is recognized as India’s financial center.

Mumbai has yet to catch on everywhere.

Indian airlines refer to the city as Mumbai. The national newspaper, The Times of India, uses Mumbai. But its city supplement is still called Bombay Times.