Mumbai, 22/12/25— Before the Aqua Line Metro started taking people across the city, Mumbai had another network of public water structures, neighbourhood pyaus, and charitable fountains that showed compassion and community care.
KHAKI Heritage Foundation has released AquaLine, a limited-edition 2026 desk calendar that shows this forgotten infrastructure of giving. The calendar makes a clear comparison: while today’s Aqua Line connects modern Mumbai through rapid transit, KHAKI’s AquaLine reconnects the city with its water heritage by mapping twelve historic fountains and drinking-water structures that once defined urban life.
A Year of Rediscovery
Every month, Mumbai-based studio Aaiba Design brings to life a beautiful heritage fountain or pyaus. Along with the pictures are short historical stories that explain the architectural style, social purpose, and exact location of each building. This turns the calendar into both functional art and a walking guide to Mumbai’s hidden landmarks.
Together, the twelve stories chart how access to clean water was once treated as a sacred public responsibility, woven into the fabric of Mumbai’s streets, markets, and neighbourhoods.
“These fountains and pyaus are not just relics—they are markers of compassion, urban planning, and community spirit,” said Bharat Gothoskar, Founder, KHAKI Heritage Foundation. “AquaLine is our way of reminding the city that long before modern pipelines and metros, water shaped Mumbai’s daily life and values. Through this calendar, we hope to bring them back into public consciousness.”
Where Heritage Meets Craft
The collaboration with Aaiba Design—known for work that bridges culture, craft, and contemporary storytelling—ensures each illustration balances historical authenticity with visual appeal.
“History has always been close to my heart. Over the past four years, working with KHAKI has been a deeply meaningful way to explore Mumbai’s heritage creatively,” said Saurabh Chandekar, Founder and Creative Director, Aaiba Design. “AquaLine honours the city’s water structures that once embodied a culture of generosity and shaped everyday community life.”
How to Own a Piece of Mumbai’s Water Story
You can get the AquaLine calendar at Khaki Lab (Fort) or online. The KHAKI Heritage Foundation uses the money from the sale of this item (₹499 plus shipping) to support programs that raise awareness about heritage, preserve it, and store it.
