Mumbai Mania

In the narrow gullies of Bhuleshwar, in South Mumbai, lies a tiny little shop filled with earthen treasures. As luck may have it we were suppose to find a shop selling safas (wedding turbans) for our wedding.

Just outside this gully was a woman selling some interesting earthen ware, not captivating but enough to attract any one looking for some ethnic home decor or gift items. As we walked down this tiny by-lane, that could barely accommodate two people walking side by side, we reached a shop displaying a lovely range of assorted pottery , besides that were vast range of oil lamps, which was fascinating.


Outside the shop there were piles of the common earthen lamps or diyas used especially by Hindus for Diwali, Pujas or other festivals as oil lamps.

The entrance to the shop was tiny, so you might have to hunch a bit to avoid banging into the hangings at the door. Once in you have to avoid carrying any baggage cause every turn you make, there's a good chance to bring down some art work to the ground.

Assortment, variety, unique, beautiful, simple, it was all there in a shop that spanned not more than 6 by 10 feet. Every corner had a spot for something, every something had a spot of beauty, some had many.

There were flower pots, fruits and vegetables, lamps, lanterns, chandeliers, Gods, wind chimes, vessels, wall hangings, decorations, candle stands, jugs, piggy banks, everything made out of clay. Some of them were painted, while some were plain and they also take orders if you want a piece in a specific colour.
An attractive and yet simple oil lamp was priced at Rs 35 while a wind chime, which we picked up included 9 bells, parrots, leaves and beads, was priced at Rs 360. Yes it seemed very steep even to us, but there's a sign that said fixed price and the owner stuck to it.
Working with earthen ware to him was an expensive task, he had to recover the cost for the goods that broke during the manufacturing process. Plus he has to get his stuff transported from his kiln on the outskirts of Mumbai in Badlapur.
According to him 40% of his produce is worthless, a figure too high for us to believe, but we choose to take the wind chime any way. The sad part, its been 6 days since we have put it up and there hasn't been any breeze strong enough to make it chime!
If you perhaps have a fetish for earthenware we definitely suggest a visit to this place. Although we have no clue what the rates are elsewhere, but we assume this place is cheaper than most. The earthen ware shop can be found at Bhuleshwar, Bhagat Wadi, Shop No. 11, (its close to Kabutar Khana) have fun shopping there!