Mumbai’s ‘Blue Synagogue’ restored, but it’s not blue anymore

The newly restored Knesset Eliyahoo or Knesset Eliyahu Synagogue in Mumbai was inaugurated Thursday. Also known as the Blue Synagogue, its sky blue facade has now been painted in white and indigo (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

The synagogue was built in 1884 by Jacob Sassoon who was the grandson of former leader of the Jewish community in Mumbai, David Sassoon. The synagogue was named after Jacob's father Eliyahoo Sassoon. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

The restoration of stained glass was donated by World Monuments Fund which was about Rs 20 lakh while the Kala Ghoda Association donated Rs 45 lakh and was used for structural repairs. A major chunk of the restoration cost was donated by JSW Foundation which was over Rs 5 crore. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

This famous neo-classical structure is located in the Kala Ghoda neighbourhood, not far from the 150-year-old landmark David Sassoon library. Israel's ambassador to India Dr Ron Malka inaugurated the structure on Thursday. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

According to Solomon Sopher, chairman of the Sir Jacob Sassoon and Allied Trust,non-jews can not only visit the place of worship but they will also be welcomed to take part in the prayers. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue is a significant Jewish synagogue which is a place of worship for Mumbai's Baghdadi as well as Bene Israeli Jewish community. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

The interiors of Blue Synagogue have been painted in a palette of gold and Victorian pale green. It also features Minton tiles which were imported from England and carvings in Porbandar stone. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)

The women's gallery has a glass screen printed with motifs which adds to the overall design. (Express photo: Prashant Nadkar)