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The city of Mumbai, which serves as the financial hub of India, is home to businesspeople, bankers, and Bollywood superstars. In addition to being the state capital, the centre of the Bollywood film industry, and the most populated city in Maharashtra, Mumbai hosts a number of important national and international events each year. The locals here really get into the spirit of whatever holiday they celebrate. Being a melting pot of cultures, the state celebrates every sort of holiday. Though art and culture have always taken a back seat to business, a cultural schedule of sorts has begun to take form in recent years. Although spontaneous gatherings are common in India, only a few, such as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and the Mumbai Film Festival, have become regular occurrences.
Expect a good portion of the greatest events in Mumbai to happen around religious holidays, since religion plays an essential part in everyday life across India and the city. There is an event for everyone in Mumbai, whether they are interested in the arts, cuisine, alcohol, literature, theatre, or simply some impromptu street dancing. Have you been thinking about visiting Mumbai? If you want to experience the warmth, diversity, and overwhelming exuberance of Mumbai, we recommend booking flights to Mumbai and scheduling your trip around its many festivals. Throughout the year, the city of Mumbai has a variety of religious and cultural celebrations. We have included all kinds of celebrations, from religious ones to ones celebrated by common individuals. See the list of events below to learn more about the many festivals that take place annually in Mumbai.
When it comes to film, the Mumbai Film Festival in partnership with Star has a clear mission: to bring the best of international cinema to the residents of Mumbai while also showcasing India`s finest works of cinematographic art to the rest of the world. This is one of the best Mumbai festivals since it has films from all around the globe, as well as some of the best independent films from India and other countries.
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For Mumbai`s Hindu population, the most important holiday is Ganesh Chaturthi. Lokmanya Tilak, a freedom fighter in India, made this celebration a public event in 1893 so that the country might unite across castes in its resistance to British tyranny. Prayers, hymns, music, and performances fill almost every corner of this weeklong celebration. Lord Ganesha statues are carefully carried in processions and submerged in the ocean on the final day called Visarjan.
Locals refer to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount as Mount Mary Church, and it was built in the 18th century in the trendy Mumbai neighbourhood of Bandra. The Bandra Fair, which lasts for a full week, begins on the first Sunday following September 8 (the birthday of the Virgin Mary). The streets surrounding the cathedral are transformed into a carnival thanks to the starlings, shops offering inexpensive souvenirs and wonderful food, and street performances, music, and rides.
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The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has established itself as the premier cultural event in Mumbai. The event includes creative art installations, live music, theatre, dance acts, and artisanal food and goods. In addition, there are children`s activities, photography classes, panel talks on city planning, and more. All activities are completely free to attend.
The Elephanta Festival takes place in the otherworldly setting of the Elephanta Caves, a World Heritage Site that has a complex of cave temples dating back to the 5th century. You can reach the island in around 90 minutes by boat from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. This two-day dance and music extravaganza includes traditional dance styles, folk music, and Sufi music, all of which looks stunning against the background of the caverns` pillars and rock-cut sculptures.
Just another one of Mumbai`s renowned celebrations. Oktoberfest Mumbai has a wide variety of foods, drinks, and musical performances. One of Mumbai`s many foreign celebrations, this event is a cultural spectacle for India`s hedonistic revellers. This 16-day event takes place in a number of well-known Mumbai establishments every year.
When the state of Maharashtra was officially recognised on May 1, 1960, the capital city, Mumbai, hosted festivities in Shivaji Park, a large sports venue in Central Mumbai. Beginning with opening remarks from various dignitaries, the day continues with a ceremonial procession including local law enforcement, fire, and emergency services. The traditional Lavani (a kind of folk play) performance set to the rhythm of the dholki, a type of hand drum, is not to be missed.
Image Resource: en.wikipedia.org
The Hindu festival known as Janmashtami also goes by the names Gokulashtami and Govinda and commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. On the second day, known as Dahi Handi, young men create human pyramids to try to grab clay pots laden with curd and cream that are hung between houses. As the pyramid teams go from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, vying for as many pots as they can, you can be sure that the competition will be tough.
The Banganga Festival lasts for two days in January in the Malabar hills near Mumbai. This is one of the finest events that happens in Mumbai, and it`s hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. A musical carnival is held with the intention of preserving the country`s extensive cultural history. All in all, it`s a great time, thanks to the musical homage to Lord Ram and other big attractions like the worship songs to God.
One of the newest additions to Mumbai`s dining scene, the Koli Seafood Festival (also known as the Versova Fish Festival) is a must-visit for seafood aficionados. The original residents of the city were the Kolis (fishermen), and this festival gives visitors a chance to try out some of the Kolis` traditional dishes that aren`t seen on restaurant menus very often. Don`t leave without trying the bombil pakora, sol kadi, and bangda.
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