KHAKI Lab

KHAKI Lab Team Khaki’s own lab to incubate the ‘heritage bug’ and infect Mumbaikars with it. It has a library a

KHAKI founder Bharat GOTHOSKAR hoskar has been quoted in yesterday's MiD DAY Day on the ongoing restoration of the iconi...
21/05/2026

KHAKI founder Bharat GOTHOSKAR hoskar has been quoted in yesterday's MiD DAY Day on the ongoing restoration of the iconic dome of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). He emphasises that conserving the UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just about preserving a historic building, but safeguarding one of Mumbai’s most powerful public symbols while balancing the demands of a busy working railway station. Read the entire article here: https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-unesco-listed-csmt-undergoes-extensive-restoration-work-23631274

At our Online Talk  , architect and conservation professional Neeraj Godse explores the different philosophical framewor...
21/05/2026

At our Online Talk , architect and conservation professional Neeraj Godse explores the different philosophical frameworks that shape the way we conserve heritage. Through fascinating examples and reflections on both Eastern and Western approaches to preservation, he discusses how ideas of time, authenticity and cultural continuity influence conservation practices today.

📍Sat | 23rd May | 6 PM | Zoom
Admission Free.
Register now at: https://khakitours.com/itinerary/preservingthepast/
Pic: Trip Central

“CHAI CHAI CHAI….”Today is International Tea Day! If there’s one thing that truly keeps Mumbai moving, it’s the humble c...
21/05/2026

“CHAI CHAI CHAI….”

Today is International Tea Day!

If there’s one thing that truly keeps Mumbai moving, it’s the humble cutting chai. Tea arrived in India during the British era, but Mumbai eventually gave it a street-style makeover of its own. Unlike the delicate English teas, Mumbai’s chai is unapologetically ‘kadak,’ boiled over and over with loads of milk, ginger, cardamom, sugar, and lemongrass, made to match the energy of the Maximum City. While North India swears by the earthy flavour of the terracotta kulhad chai, Mumbai’s fast-paced tapri culture runs entirely on glass cups.

? The word “cutting” likely originated when busy Mumbaikars with little time to have a full pot of tea, began “cutting” one cup into two small glasses – a quick, affordable caffeine fix before rushing back to work!

Pic: YourStory

FROM PORTUGUESE RAJ TO BRITISH RAJThis day, 363 years ago, Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal got married to Kin...
21/05/2026

FROM PORTUGUESE RAJ TO BRITISH RAJ

This day, 363 years ago, Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal got married to King Charles II of England in a secret Catholic ceremony followed by a public Anglican service. Her dowry included two million gold coins, trading rights in Brazil, the city of Tangiers in Morocco, and the seven islands of Mumbai!

  – Hues Of Hindustani & Carnatic Music | A musical morning with Nithya RajendranDifferent ragas evoke different moods a...
19/05/2026

– Hues Of Hindustani & Carnatic Music | A musical morning with Nithya Rajendran

Different ragas evoke different moods and emotions. At the lecture-demonstration at Khaki Lab, Fort, classical vocalist Nithya Rajendran will introduce you to the expressive world of Indian classical music through the lens of ragas from the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. Through guided listening, demonstrations, and relatable musical examples, participants will gain a basic understanding of raga structures, signature phrases, and their influence on popular music, including Bollywood melodies. Designed for both beginners and music enthusiasts, the session is a musical journey that makes Indian classical music engaging, accessible, and enjoyable.

📍Sun | 31st May 2026 | 11 AM - 12.30 PM | Price - ₹499 pp | Khaki Lab, Fort
Book your seat now at: https://www.townscript.com/e/raagkedorang-hues-of-hindustani-carnatic-music-a-musical-morning-with-nithya-rajendran-414342

About the performer
Nithya Rajendran is among the few Indian classical vocalists professionally trained and performing in both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions. With over three decades of training under eminent gurus, she brings depth and versatility to her musical practice. Nearly a decade ago, she founded Music Vruksh - Indian Classical Music, Spirituality And More to make Indian classical music more accessible and relatable to wider audiences. Through this initiative, she continues to create immersive musical experiences that balance classical depth with emotional accessibility for the lay listener. Her work bridges traditional artistry with contemporary understanding, allowing audiences of all backgrounds to appreciate the richness of Indian classical traditions.

At our Online Talk  , architect and conservation professional Neeraj Godse explores the different philosophical framewor...
19/05/2026

At our Online Talk , architect and conservation professional Neeraj Godse explores the different philosophical frameworks that shape the way we conserve heritage. Through fascinating examples and reflections on both Eastern and Western approaches to preservation, he discusses how ideas of time, authenticity and cultural continuity influence conservation practices today.

📍Sat | 23rd May | 6 PM | Zoom
Admission Free.
Register now at: https://khakitours.com/itinerary/preservingthepast/
Pic: Etsy

Today is International Museums Day!  ? Mumbai’s first museum was neither the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahal...
18/05/2026

Today is International Museums Day!

? Mumbai’s first museum was neither the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya nor the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum! It was the fore-runner of the latter, and was called the Government Central Museum. It was located in Fort, where the Reserve Bank of India building stands today. And the reason for its existence was that London couldn’t stop talking about the brilliance of Indian art.

At the Great Exhibition of 1851, Indian textiles, metalwork, wood carving, ceramics, and decorative arts completely captivated global audiences. The response was so overwhelming that the Government in Mumbai decided to create a museum to preserve and display a similar collection back home. The museum was subsequently relocated to Byculla and renamed as the Victoria & Albert Museum, now the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum.

Pic: The Heritage Lab

INDIA’S FIRST FEATURE FILM?This day, 114 years ago, Pundlik-Pundlik, a silent film made by Dadasaheb Torne, Nanasaheb Ch...
18/05/2026

INDIA’S FIRST FEATURE FILM?

This day, 114 years ago, Pundlik-Pundlik, a silent film made by Dadasaheb Torne, Nanasaheb Chitre and Ramrao Kirtikar, released at Mumbai’s Coronation Cinematograph. Though it preceded Raja Harishchandra by almost a year, it was never accorded the honour of being India’s first ever feature film for reasons ranging from its length (around 20 minutes) to the film being shot by an Englishman and processed abroad.

At our heritage conversation   last evening at Khaki Lab, columnist and chronicler , in her typically engaging style, na...
17/05/2026

At our heritage conversation last evening at Khaki Lab, columnist and chronicler , in her typically engaging style, narrated amazing stories of the people who made Mumbai’s past so memorable, and what drove her to chronicle the city using the oral anecdotes of its citizens. She brought history alive with warmth, feeling, and emotion while conversing with . The evening was filled with stories, memories, laughter, and conversations that reminded us that a city is ultimately shaped by its people.

The audience was enthralled by the stories and experiences, engaging actively through thoughtful questions and even sharing their own memories of walking the streets of Mumbai and meeting friendly strangers along the way.

We are planning many more events around Mumbai’s heritage and culture at Khaki Lab. Stay tuned in to our social media handles for more information.

HeritageStories CulturalEvents

 Yesterday’s Mumbai Mirror reported that the 450-year-old Portuguese-era watchtower at Shirgaon near Virar is under seve...
17/05/2026



Yesterday’s Mumbai Mirror reported that the 450-year-old Portuguese-era watchtower at Shirgaon near Virar is under severe threat from quarry blasting, neglect, and encroachment. Once part of the Portuguese defence network guarding the Vasai coast, the crumbling structure now stands dangerously close to disappearing entirely, raising urgent concerns about the loss of yet another forgotten heritage site in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Read the entire article here: https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/history-erased/articleshow/131125491.html

Announcing Talk 319 : Understanding The World Of Temples | Online Talk by Anuradha GoyalTemples come in many forms; from...
17/05/2026

Announcing Talk 319
: Understanding The World Of Temples | Online Talk by Anuradha Goyal

Temples come in many forms; from the grandest to the humblest, from ancient to medieval to modern, with varying degrees of access. We look at temples as living entities, as abodes of deities, and not merely as monuments. What completes a temple, and how does it serve people? At our Online Talk , author and Indic expert Anuradha Goyal invites you to understand the universe of temples — what they stand for, and the purposes they serve. Given the vast number of temples in India, she also offers a framework to understand which temples may hold significance for you.

Sat | 30th May | 6 PM | Zoom
Admission Free
Register now: https://khakitours.com/itinerary/sacredspaces/

About the speaker:
Anuradha Goyal is an author, speaker, and founder of IndiTales, known for documenting India’s sacred geography through travel, storytelling, and research. Her work explores temples, yatras, and Indic knowledge systems, reconnecting modern audiences with India’s civilisational roots. She has curated India’s first national Yatra Conference and serves as Visiting Faculty at the Bharat Adhyayan Kendra, Banaras Hindu University. Author of books such as How to Read Indian Scriptures, Devi Temples of India, and Lotus in the Stone, her work makes Indic traditions accessible, experiential, and relevant for today.

Address

302, Hari Chambers, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road
Mumbai
400001

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+918828100111

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