Self-help group run by transgender persons clocks sales worth Rs 90,000 at Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda festival with BMC support

The ‘Umang’ self-help group sold handcrafted items including jewellery, jute bags, and decorative products. PIC/BMC

A transgender self-help group supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded sales worth Rs 90,000 at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, the civic body said on Friday.

The ‘Umang' self-help group, set up by the civic body's planning department, sold handcrafted items including jewellery, jute bags and decorative products during the three-day event.

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Formed in February 2024 in the K-West Ward (Andheri West, Versova, and Jogeshwari West), the group was started by Yogi Rani along with nine others to provide livelihood opportunities to transgender persons. The Mumbai civic body had provided the group with an initial grant of Rs 10,000 and training support.

Kala Ghoda Festival: Stall allotted by BMC draws steady footfall, records Rs 90,000 in sales

According to civic officials, the group was allotted a stall at the festival on the initiative of planning department director Prachi Jambhekar. The stall received a steady response from visitors, with sales touching Rs 90,000 during the festival.

Speaking about the experience, Yogi Rani said the platform helped the group reach a wider audience. "Selling our products at such a festival gives us confidence and helps us earn with dignity," she said.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is known for showcasing emerging artists and craftspeople. Civic officials said similar platforms would continue to be provided to self-help groups to help them access larger markets.