A weekend bazaar and flea in Bandra lets you explore the culture of an indigenous community through its food and fashion
Quill gift tags by Arlene D’Sa from Maria’s Musings
The East Indians (EI) are a vibrant community, so if you haven’t been to an EI bazaar until now, we suggest you head to The Mobai Gaothan Panchayat’s (MGP) upcoming event, which will be a deep dive into the culture with traditional books, clothes, food and handmade products by small businesses, many of which are run by the community’s women.
Make a beeline to stalls offering fugias, deep-fried balloon bread, before they sell out. We like ours served fresh on the sweeter side and with a good crisp on the outside. We also hear about the possibilities of a live fugia counter, a crowd-favourite; ensure that you turn up on time because the goods sell out faster than you can say, hot fugia!
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Fugia and waria
The bazaar will have a range of stalls from MGP’s in-house Gaothan Store Initiative and home businesses. It’ll be a chance to pick up traditional garments including lugras — the EI saree, and kurtas, shirts, baby clothes, and bags made from this pattern.
Feast on potato chops, sorpotel and hand bread. Maria Gomes from Maria’s bake shop and kitchen, among other food stalls will offer a mix of pick-and-go savoury and sweet treats. Arlene D’Sa from Maria’s Musings will showcase her handmade artworks including quilling décor on cards, Diwali diyas, Christmas decorations and more.
MGP stall at a previous event
We suggest picking up a book on EI culture, history and recipes while you’re there. And grab a pack of bottle masala while you’re at it. Alphi D’Souza, chief, MGP concludes, “I’m looking forward to another EI bazaar, it brings the community together. I’m proud of our efforts.”
On: November 18; 5 pm to 9 pm
At: St Andrew’s College, Bandra West.
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