Worli Koliwada is a historic settlement of the indigenous Koli community, where its built environment, traditions and stories form an important part of Mumbai’s living heritage. Research and cultural mapping helped document the community’s history, stories and needs, while a tourist-friendly map, children’s book and research book were created to make this heritage more accessible to wider audiences.
To make the Koliwada safer, more accessible and easier to navigate, 71+ streetlights and 30+ informative signageswere installed across the neighbourhood, alongside improvements to community spaces and infrastructure. 7+ public murals were also created with artists from across the country, bringing stories of Koli life and culture into the neighbourhood through art. The project also worked with the government on improvements to roads, drainage and other infrastructure, strengthening access and everyday use of the neighbourhood.
Beyond the physical interventions, the project has focused on strengthening livelihoods within the community. 120+ women have been supported through livelihood and skills programmes, including entrepreneurship, tailoring, healthcare and food-related training. Through Chefs of Koliwada, women have been supported to revive traditional recipes, develop business skills and share their culture through curated dining experiences. Collaborations with platforms such as Supper Clubs of India by Swiggy and Mumbai Foodie, as well as opportunities to cook at the Marriott Executive Apartments and Masque, have helped the women gain valuable culinary and hospitality experience. Today, the women also run their own food truck, taking authentic Koli cuisine to festivals, exhibitions and showcases across Mumbai.
Worli Koliwada has also been activated through heritage walks, cultural evenings, art trails, food events and other experiences, engaging thousands of visitors every year and creating opportunities to experience the neighbourhood beyond its physical heritage. The Common Ground, an annual musical and cultural evening held at the Gora Dapkal Ground, has become an important community event, bringing people together through music, culture and shared experiences. Local youth have also been trained to become heritage walk leaders, enabling them to share their own histories and stories with visitors. Together, these initiatives have helped strengthen community ownership around cleanliness, visitor engagement and stewardship, bringing the community, government and other partners together in the continued care of the Koliwada.
