Mangaldas Market — Attraction in Mumbai

🏛️ History & Background . 1. Mangaldas Market was established in 1893. 2. It is named after Mangaldas Nathoobhoy, a prominent Gujarati businessman. 3. The market was built during the British colonial era. 4. It was originally a textile trading hub.

The land was donated by the Mangaldas family.

Mangaldas Market was once part of the Bombay Presidency's trading circuit.

It predates many modern markets like Phoenix Mall.

The market played a key role in Mumbai’s textile boom.

Before malls existed, it was the go-to place for fabric shopping.

It was built with cast-iron columns imported from the UK.

The market is over 130 years old.

Mangaldas Market is part of the Kalbadevi commercial district.

It originally served the Gujarati and Marwari communities.

It was known for bulk buying for weddings and festivals.

It has always been known for its honest pricing system.

🧵 Textiles & Goods (16–35)

The market specializes in wholesale fabrics.

You can find everything from cotton to raw silk here.

Popular for sherwani, saree, and lehenga fabrics.

Also sells lace, sequins, borders, buttons, etc.

One of Mumbai’s best spots for custom tailoring fabric.

Houses over 600+ fabric shops.

Many Bollywood designers buy fabric from here.

Famous for handloom and ethnic wear materials.

You can bargain in most shops.

Offers readymade garments too, though limited.

Many shops also sell blouse pieces and lining cloth.

Traders source fabrics from Banaras, Surat, Kolkata.

Also stocks imported fabrics from China and Korea.

Some shops sell only embroidered dupattas.

Perfect for buying material for festive outfits.

Shops have kept ledgers for decades.

Many use old-style manual calculators.

Some shops let you buy fabric in quarter or half meters.

Businesses here often work on long-standing trust.

A few shops also sell zari borders by weight.

🛍️ Shopping Experience (36–55)

Mangaldas Market is mostly non-air-conditioned.

The narrow lanes inside are labyrinthine.

Most shops are family-owned for generations.

It’s closed on Sundays.

Best time to visit is 10 AM to 2 PM.

Gets crowded in the festive season (Diwali, Eid, weddings).

The market accepts UPI and digital payments in many shops now.

Some shops offer tailoring referrals nearby.

It is extremely popular among designers.

Personal shoppers often visit for bridal trousseau planning.

There is no formal signage, but locals can guide you.

There are no trial rooms.

No loudspeakers or flashy advertising inside.

You’ll often be offered cutting chai or water while shopping.

Many shops maintain loyalty books for regular customers.

Some senior shopkeepers don’t use smartphones.

There are female-only fabric stalls in some corners.

It’s safe to walk alone, but stay aware of your belongings.

Some shops even ship fabrics internationally.

Ask for “latest patterns” to get fresh seasonal designs.

🏙️ Location & Structure (56–70)

Located near Crawford Market.

Walking distance from Marine Lines and Masjid Bunder stations.

The market is nestled between Zaveri Bazaar and Kalbadevi Road.

Accessible via Charni Road station as well.

It shares proximity with Mulji Jetha Market (for more fabrics).

Not easily visible from the main road.

There are multiple entrances, some are hidden behind shops.

The lanes are barely 3 feet wide in places.

Overhead fans are common instead of ACs.

The structure is partly heritage-grade.

Fire safety measures have been improved in recent years.

Surrounded by other markets like Dawa Bazaar and Chira Bazaar.

No official parking – use public transport or paid parking nearby.

It has a slightly uneven flooring, typical of old markets.

Many walls are lined with mirrors or...

This is essentially a complex or rather maze of hundreds of shops in many lanes in the area called mangaldas market. Most shops are wholesalers and this is the best place to shop for most non-perishable items in bulk. Right from safety pins to sandals to purses to wigs to umbrellas to utensils to upholstery to clothes to stationery to cosmetics to toys to costume jewelry to crockery, you name it and you will get it here. You need to hunt for the shops that sell what you are looking for. Many shops sell only a few items. Most lanes are also specific product lanes so you have a lane that is lined with shops selling only stationery or another selling only toys so on and so forth. Ask where to go to buy an item. Shop owners are helpful. Roadside stalls sell items at retail and usually for less that what you would get elsewhere. But bargain hard. Bargain with everyone actually except the shops that clearly state they are wholesalers and have fixed price. If you bargain with them, they will shoo you out. This is a place, where if you have the time, hunt a little, know how to bargain, you can save yourself a LOT of money and I do mean a LOT. Keep in mind parking is an absolute nightmare. So either have someone come pick you up or be prepared to wait a very long time to get a taxi. Most radio taxis don't accept pick up rides from here. And if they do, they won't wait more than a minute for you. You do get "patiwalas", basically porters but keep an eye on them or they will disappear with your shopping. Keep an eye on your wallet and your purse. This is pickpocket zone. This is also an EXTREMELY crowded place. Not for the faint hearted. While you walk, watch your step. The roads are not in the best state. Sprained ankles are very common here. For tourists, this is an experience of a lifetime. If possible, come the first time to get a feel of the market and the second...

Mangaldas Market is your go-to destination for a wide variety of fabrics and so much more. This bustling marketplace boasts an extensive selection of fabrics, including ghagras, kurtis, sarees, blouses, shirts, pants, and numerous other items. The market operates from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

Getting to Mangaldas Market is a breeze, as it's accessible by various means of transportation, including local trains, bikes, buses, and cars.

If you prefer to take the train, head to CSMT station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Station). From there, it's just a short 5-7 minute walk to Mangaldas Market. Feel free to ask the friendly locals for directions.

For those arriving by car or bike, simply locate the CSMT railway station and inquire with the locals for directions to Mangaldas Market. Convenient pay-and-park facilities are available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free parking experience close to the market.

While Mangaldas Market is renowned for its fabric offerings, it's not limited to textiles alone. You'll also discover a treasure trove of other items, including crockery, beauty products, children's clothing, hats, caps, shoes, sandals, lighting fixtures, shorts, trackpants, stationery, water bottles, jewelry (including jhumkas, earrings, kadas, and chudis), embroidery laces, latkans, decorative flowers, bedsheets, organizer boxes, mugs, and a plethora of other products. This market truly offers a diverse and extensive...