This initiative aims to sell East Indian products from a chain of nine outlets in Mumbai

The shop stocks material for traditional EI sarees called lugra (Rs 2,200), as well as for baby dresses and kurtas (Rs 750 for two metres, stitched length-wise). A skilled designer, Kinny also offers embroidered fabric (Rs 3,700 for lugras and R1,300 for kurtas, Rs 1,800 for three yards of pleated fabric) in unique and adoring patterns that extend beyond traditional designs. While usually made from silk cotton, you’ll find synthetic fabric lugras here

It's a no-brainer that access to any community's secret recipes, mom-run cloud kitchens and traditional fabrics can be a tough task if you are looking at it from the outside in. And while East Indians (EIs) might be tight-lipped when it comes to sharing the contents of their bottle masala or the ingredients of heirloom recipes, they surely have no qualms with sending you a topli full of fugiyas. With the view of sharing EI culture with the city, promoting entrepreneurship, and also doubling down on their aim to bring the gaothans of Mumbai together, the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat (MGP) launches their latest initiative Mobaikar-The Gaothan Store. The chain of nine outlets will operate from homes, shops, village festival stalls and even stores on wheels at Kalina, Kurla, Thane, Bandra, Vakola, Manori, Naigaon, Amboli and Kharodi. The stores under the initiative will have in-house wares on sale and stock products procured from members of the community and EI self-help groups, making it a comprehensive curation and a one-stop-shop. We head to the first of the shops that's up and running at Kalina for a first-look.

Draped lugra; potlis, scrunchies and bags (Rs 100 to Rs 250) from lugra material

Carol Kinny's fabric store at Santacruz East has been running since 2014, and has now been added as a Gaothan Store outlet. The initiative's poster on its boundary wall makes it easy to spot the store. Curtained by potted plants, the store within is a small and neat space that will more often than not be packed with aunties sitting on the couch surrounded by a selection of green, orange, red and pink fabric.

Men's traditional shirts (Rs 1,000) and tees (Rs 350)

When we step inside, the chatter from shoppers greets us before the sight of the store's bright pink walls. Considering that the store primarily sells fabric for sarees, it feels like a familiar setting, a feeling that perhaps won't be limited to folks from the community, but extend to all women. A warm vibe greets us as we enter. This is bound to make any new customer arriving at the store feel at home. While the store is yet to stock up on products like masalas, food items, calendars, and traditional imitation jewellery from other sellers, we scan through a list of colourful apparel on sale.

Time 11 am to 10 pm; Monday to Sunday
At Jacinto House, Next to Chris Chinese Corner, Kalina Masjid Lane, Kolovery Village, Kalina, Santacruz East.
Call 9321335674
Log On to mobaigaothanpanchayat