After six years of advocacy, Mumbai’s East Indian community is set to see their cultural legacy honoured in a dedicated space. Bombay High Court has granted final approval for the Kaka Baptista East Indian Theme Garden in Juhu.
The East Indian community, an ethno-religious group of Christians, is considered one of Mumbai’s original inhabitants. Securing the court’s approval was crucial as the proposed site falls within both coastal regulation and mangrove zones. With these legal obstacles now cleared, work on the ₹2 crore project will begin shortly, funded by MLA Ameet Satam. Read on for all details:
A new home for East Indian artifacts
Spanning 1.5 acres, the garden will be named after Joseph ‘Kaka’ Baptista, an East Indian freedom fighter. The space will feature a cultural hub, featuring a pergola with a raised stage for performances, a maquette of a traditional gaothan, and a well. Statues depicting East Indian occupations and tools, as well as one of Kaka Baptista himself, will also grace the garden.
A highlight will be the museum, which will move from its current location in Manori to a larger space within the garden. At present, the museum occupies just 600 square feet in a private home, displaying artifacts such as lugras (traditional attire), jewellery, earthen pots, wedding ghumars, and even a boat. The new museum will be housed in a port-a-cabin, as permanent structures cannot be built on the site, and will be complemented by a library of works by and about the East Indian community.
The garden will also include an amphitheatre, lawns, and a children’s play area. The Mobai Gaothan Panchayat will play a pivotal role in the garden’s development. Further, Architect Samir D’Monte, known for his expertise in heritage projects, has been appointed as a special advisor to ensure its authenticity and cultural integrity.
