Kala Ghoda Festival 2026 Pays Tribute to Mumbai’s Beloved Kaali-Peeli Taxis

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The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 wasn't just about art, music, dance or performances this year. It also turned into a quiet, emotional throwback for Mumbaikars. Among the many installations, one stood out instantly, a tribute to the city's beloved Kaali-Peeli taxi.

For many years, the black and yellow Premier Padmini taxis, popularly known as Kaali-Peeli, were a part of Mumbaikars' daily lives. Whether it was the office-going crowd or the late-night rides home, or even the many Bollywood films, the Kaali-Peeli was always there. However, since late 2023, they have slowly been vanishing from the roads of Mumbai because of age restrictions.

From Streets to Art: The Kaali-Peeli's New Role

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The artwork, placed in the heart of the Kala Ghoda Arts precinct, was created by artist Hetal Shukla. Through it, she tried to capture the memories and emotions Mumbaikars associate with these taxis.

While the old Premier Padmini Kaali-Peeli cabs no longer run on the roads, they haven't disappeared from people's hearts. At the festival, they returned as art, a classic black-and-yellow taxi displayed with a sign that read "Kaali Peeli Forever," a small but powerful reminder of the city's deep emotional connection with this everyday icon.

Why the Kaali-Peeli Taxi Matters to Mumbai

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The black and yellow colour scheme of the taxis was inextricably linked with the pulse of the city that is Mumbai.

Although the Kaali-Peeli taxis have been removed from the roads in recent years due to government regulations and the improvement of transport services, they are still remembered with nostalgia. The Kala Ghoda Festival installation gave people the opportunity to remember the significance of these taxis to the city.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Heritage

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is one of the most sought-after cultural events in India, where the South Mumbai region is transformed into a vibrant outdoor festival of art, performances, heritage, and creativity.

Organised over a period of several days every year, the festival draws thousands of people with its diverse offerings, which include visual arts, music, theater, workshops, and heritage walks. Free and accessible to all, it has become the hallmark of cultural festivals in Mumbai.

In 2026, during the various installations and performances that were organised as part of the festival, the Kaali-Peeli taxi tribute was one of the most moving reminders of how the city's symbols are imbibed in the city's identity.