Mumbai Dabbawalas are taking six days off starting today. No, it has nothing to do with LPG crisis

Speaking to The Indian Express, Ramdas Baban Karvande, president of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association, said this is a long-standing annual practice and has nothing to do with the ongoing LPG crisis. “Every year, during the Chaitra month, we take leave to attend the jatra in our villages,” he said.

Mumbai’s dabbawalas deliver nearly 80,000 tiffin boxes daily. Addressing concerns around disruption, Karvande pointed out that the break coincides with public holidays. “During these six days, there are occasions like Mahavir Jayanti, Shri Hanuman Jayanti, as well as an off for Good Friday. Hence, we are effectively taking only four additional leave days,” he said, adding that patrons are informed in advance and regular customers are familiar with the schedule.

Services will resume from Monday, April 6, 2026.

In its notice, the association also apologised for any inconvenience caused and urged patrons not to deduct wages. “Please do not deduct wages for four days’ vacation and two bank holidays,” it stated.