MUMBAI: Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), a paint company , has an ongoing initiative at the Maha Kumbh Mela, blending tradition with innovation to empower local vendors. Understanding the challenges faced by small business owners and street vendors, Kansai Nerolac is giving out storefronts inspired by the hues of Nerolac colours. These storefronts not only aim to help the vendors stand out amidst the bustling crowds and transform their space but also protects them and their merchandise.
As the world’s largest religious gathering, Maha Kumbh attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims. Given its grandeur, small vendors find it difficult to make their presence known. Kansai Nerolac’s initiative provides vendors with shade card-inspired storefronts, that allow them to personalise their shops with colours that best reflect their services.
Adaptable to various business needs, they transform into overhead canopies and are being used for multiple small businesses. These storefronts offer shelving, menu boards, signage, and product displays, ensuring each vendor enjoys a distinct and unmistakable presence. Each shopfront also features the selected Nerolac shade name and number, while seamlessly integrating business utility with aesthetic enhancement.
Made with DIY corrugated sheets and transparent acrylic boards, the structures are easy to set up and tailored as per individual vendor needs, ensuring both convenience and durability. For example, display racks for tea vendors or fold-out menu cards for food stalls.
A company spokesperson said, commenting on the initiative, a company spokesperson said, “At Kansai Nerolac, we believe that colours are more than just aesthetics. They tell stories, create identity, and enhance experiences. By bringing this concept to Maha Kumbh, we aim to uplift vendors who form the heart of this cultural gathering, while demonstrating the impact of colour in real-world applications”.
“This innovative initiative reflects our commitment to providing community-driven solutions. By empowering vendors with customised storefronts, we want to contribute to the livelihoods of small business owners and vendors, ensuring they have a better space to sell their wares and thrive in a competitive environment”.