LGBTQ+
India's blue city Jodhpur turns a rainbow leaf with Rajasthan's first LGBTQ-run cafe
Sambhali Sarai, a 200-year-old haveli located in the blue city of Jodhpur, is now home to Sambhali cafe – Rajasthan’s only cafe run by the LGBTQ+ community.
The majestic Mehrangarh fort serves as the perfect backdrop to this quaint café serving local delicacies, finger foods and beverages.
Visitors can also browse through local handicrafts at Sambhali boutique located in the Sarai.
Sambhali Sarai, a centre of refuge for those facing discrimination and marginalization was inaugurated in 2024.
Sambhali Sarai provides emergency shelter for women escaping gender- based violence and for members of the LGBTQ+ community facing violence or family rejection. The centre also offers vocational and educational training to help individuals re-establish their lives and serves as a drop-in center for the LGBTQ+ community.
Sambhali cafe and Sarai are run by Sambhali Trust. The trust has been granted special consultative status by the economic and social council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 2015.
Sambhali trust was founded by Govind Singh Rathore in 2007 with the objective of empowering women, children and other marginalised communities of Rajasthan.
On the opening of the cafe, Govind said, “Having worked with the LGBTQ+ community through Sambhali Trust, I strongly feel that true progress lies in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued."
"Sambhali Cafe, Rajasthan's first cafe run by the LGBTQ+ community, is more than just a cafe—it’s a step toward building an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and promotes equality for all”.
So next time you are in Jodhpur, visit Samhali cafe for food and inclusivity.
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