I love the owner who gives me bangles when I make a purchase! Such a kind man. One time, I refused a paper bag and he said, "May the trees bless you on this day!" I will always remember that. read more

The experience in this store is nothing short of magical. I immediately made friends with the sweet manager running the shop, and we had a nice conversation. She made me feel welcome and right at home, and assisted me with finding anything I needed. This place is well-stocked and very stylish. The prices are reasonable and the inventory unique. I particularly enjoyed browsing the fine clothing and tapestries. I will definitely be back. read more

this store is really a delightful little treasure. it's reminiscent of a store called culture in Pittsburgh, if anyone is familiar. they have a delightful selection of beautiful clothes (as mentioned previously, anything from bellydance outfits to hoodies, lots of gorgeous 'hippie' type skirts and dresses, and the loveliest selection of adorable little hats!), incense, perfume, some small musical instruments, books, indian spices, some tapestries, figurines (buddhas & kalis & ganeshas, etc), an overwhelming preponderance of beautifully hand-carved little boxes made from wood, stone, and fabrc, stones, baubles, a ton of jewelry, etc etc -- the list goes on. it's a very cool little store that one could easily get lost in. some items are pricey, and some are very cheap -- the prices are absolutely correspondent to the materials & quality of the items. i can't echo the others' sentiments about the owner, Jagdish, wholeheartedly enough. he was very kind to me, and made a wonderful effort to get to know me, asking about my hometown, my family life, what brought me to providence, etc. i mentioned the great reviews this place has -- both on yelp and google -- and i specifically mentioned the warmth and admiration with which people speak of him. he was so flattered, he gently offered me his hand, and squeezed mine when i reached out to him, and told me how kind it was of me to say that. there was nothing creepy about it... it was a simple and wonderful gesture of kindness that touched my heart. i told him i was just reporting the facts! :-) i think Jagdish is a person who really cares about all people he meets, which is all too rare these days. best of all, when i mentioned that most of my purchases were gifts for my son at home, he asked me his age. when i told him, he gave me a (complimentary) little set of 'magic rings' to bring home to my son along with his other gifts. :-) i try to stagger my gift-giving to draw out the excitement and fun, so i haven't given him the magic rings yet, but i know that he is going to love them, and i will make sure to tell my son that they were a gift from Jagdish and Lara in Providence. providence was not on my radar. it was a detour of a plan i'd had to visit Boston, which i was unable to do in the wake of the recent tragedy (my heart goes out to everyone in Boston). but people like Jagdish and Lara (the girl who was working in the shop with him) made it a truly delightful little detour, and now i am eager to find an excuse to visit Providence again. :-) thank you, Jagdish and Lara, for making me feel so welcome in your store and in your town! i hope to return someday, perhaps with my son... maybe by then he will have some tricks to show you with his magic rings! :-) read more

I recently stepped into Spectrum India on a cold rainy day. As soon as the door closed behind me I immediately felt welcome. It was a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of Thayer street. I was greeted by the owner, Jagdish, a wonderfully pleasant man who is full of bits of wisdom that he loves to share. The store is full of treasures from India, from belly dance costumes to jewelry and books. It's so much fun to browse through everything. Each time I circled the store I noticed something different that I hadn't seen the first time around. I picked out some earrings and a dress that I was uncertain about. I told Jagdish I liked the dress but I didn't love it. He told me I must never buy something unless I love it. How true that is and how honest of him to tell me so! I was very happy with my purchase (just the earrings). He does not let anyone leave his store empty handed. He gives everyone 2 bangle bracelets. What a nice gesture. I left there with a smile on my face that day and I know I will be back at Spectrum India soon! read more

I was passing by and this store caught my eye. I had to explore. No surprise, as I'm typically attracted to any store filled with jewelry, incense, and Eastern and Bohemian style merchandise. I was greeted by Jagdish, the owner. We chatted about the rare warm weather we've been having in February and he asked me about myself (where I'm from, my profession, my family). He offered a warm handshake and a glass of orange juice. He also offered me a free sample of packaged Indian food and a couple discount coupons since the store is celebrating its 50 year anniversary. Additionally, since I explained I've only been in RI for a couple months, he shared an Indian tradition of giving somebody new to town a peacock feather for good luck. He told me to go pick one out from the back corner. All of this kindness and generosity with no pressure to purchase anything. Although I did purchase a ring and a lion bumper sticker. I had a lovely experience, as it appears many other customers have, and I appreciate Jagdish's kind and hospitable character. I definitely want to come back and explore the store some more! read more

Aside from all the fun stuff I really like the signs offering to negotiate instead of people stealing. Meanwhile the prices are fair. Oh and parents it's a fun place to take your kids when they outgrow toy stores and start to think they're teenagers read more

I have to say, I'm just not the biggest fan of this store. I suppose their prices are good on random odds and ends, but not everything ( or anything Id really feel compelled to get.) Furthermore, the owner sketched me out to the point that it was clear that he thought I was sketchy (laughable) and I just bought something to get out the door all the while feeling insulted. I would not recommend. Sure you'll find some cheap nonsense, but is the poor treatment by the owner worth it? No. ZERO STARS. read more

Wonderful store, owner is just a peach. Ask him about his newspaper cart, and why he leaves his jewelry cases unlocked, and he'll tell you one of him many childhood stories. He is kind, and always extending his happiness to others. Great selection of items, the clothing is so beautiful. It is pricey but worth it for the quality. He also has a unique collection spiritual, and astrological items. It's an experience simply to visit the store and I recommend it to anyone! read more

I always leave this store in a better mood than I arrived great atmosphere , awesome selection of merchandise ... GREAT henna artists :) the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and go above and beyond to make your experience a positive one. :) read more

Oh, Spectrum-India, how I love thee. The owner is the BEST. Seriously, such a nice guy. He recognizes you if you come often. Yes, it does have a bit of a voodoo vibe, but where else can you buy a single orange balloon? It's really fun to look around. read more

This place has some really cool stuff! A bit cluttered and very pricey, but the staff are so sweet and it's a very comfortable environment! One of my favorite places on Thayer! read more

What a cool shop! Has tons of odds and ends, a huge collection of incense and body oils, and some beautiful carved stone and wood boxes. The owner is very friendly, too. read more

I love the atmosphere and always look forward to talking to Jagdish(owner). Chrissy, and everyone that works there are really lovely too.

I love everything they have at spectrum india, the people who work here are some of the nicest people I know and some are even friends they almost always greet you with a smile and sometimes a hug and when it's your birthday they give you a peacock feather! read more

I visit this place every time I go to Thayer. It never disappoints. With the peaceful vibes, sweet workers, and random freebies; from food to rings, I would live here if I could. read more

Early in my current and forever relationship, my boyfriend and I were strolling Thayer Street sipping hot chocolate. We ducked in to Spectrum India because we are old hippies and had always frequented the shop of the 70's. We were just looking around when the owner engage us in charming conversation. Within no time he learned that we were new in love and helped us to find spinner rings that we would wear forever to remind us of this night and our new love. (it was just a very special night) There is a velvet cape I need to return for and to say hello to the owner. This man was incredibly insightful. When our hands touched, as did when he gently held mine, I could feel the greatness in this man. Reincarnation may be showing here. I felt as if I were in the presence of a holy man, a shaman, a teacher, a giver of perspective and wisdom. Can't wait to go back. He gave us mood rings, I still have mine. read more