The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at Mahalaxmi is starting 2019 by looking at the world through the queer eye. Come January 27, the 'stodgy' establishment will throw open its doors to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender+ (LGBT+) community. For the first time ever, the club's lawns will host the Gulabi Mela or Pink Fete, an annual fair held by the city's gay community.

The Gulabi Mela is being organised by Yaariyan, an LGBT+ youth support group by the Humsafar Trust. At the fete, visitors can expect stalls of entrepreneurs from the gay community and outside of it, showcasing everything from food to costume jewellery to tarot card readings. The event will also have performances like plays, book readings, dances and workshops. All of this will be packed in a day's time, from 12 pm to 10 pm.