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Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and communities - and this diversity is beautifully reflected in the festivals celebrated throughout the year. Below is a list of major festivals in Mumbai:
Mumbai, being a vibrant and multicultural city, celebrates a wide range of festivals
throughout the year. These festivals reflect the diverse communities living in the city
and bring people together in joy and unity.
Significance: A celebration of Mumbai's art and cultural scene.
How It's Celebrated: Public art displays, music concerts, dance, theater, and heritage walks.Free entry; held in the Kala Ghoda district near Fort.
Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI)
When: October-November
Significance: Showcases Indian and international cinema.
How It's Celebrated: Screenings at various cinemas around Mumbai. Red carpet events and celebrity panels.
Banganga Festival
When: January
Significance: A classical music festival by MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism).
How It's Celebrated: Held near the historic Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar. Features Indian classical music performances in a serene setting.
Ganesh Chaturthi
When: August - September (10-day festival)
Significance: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
How It's Celebrated: Grand processions, massive idols, and community pandals across the city. Lalbaugcha Raja is Mumbai's most famous Ganpati. Final day (Visarjan) features a grand immersion in beaches like Girgaon Chowpatty and Juhu. Cultural programs, bhajans, and community meals are common.
Diwali
When: October - November
Significance: The Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
How It's Celebrated: Homes and streets are decorated with diyas, lanterns, and rangoli. Firecrackers, sweets, and new clothes are the norm. Markets like Dadar, Crawford Market, and Zaveri Bazaar buzz with shopping. People perform Lakshmi Pujan for prosperity.
Holi
When: March
Significance: The festival of colors, marking the arrival of spring and triumph of good over evil.
How It's Celebrated: Color throwing, water balloons, and music fill the streets. Eco-friendly Holi is now encouraged. Residential societies organize DJ parties, rain dances, and food stalls.
Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha
When: Based on the Islamic calendar
Significance: Celebrates the end of Ramadan and the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice.
How It's Celebrated: Mosques like Haji Ali and Bandra's Jama Masjid are packed for prayers. Traditional feasts (like biryani and seviyan) are shared. Shopping at Mohammed Ali Road and Bhendi Bazaar peaks before Eid. Community service and charity (zakat) are emphasized.
Janmashtami (Dahi Handi)
When: August
Significance: Birth of Lord Krishna.
How It's Celebrated: Human pyramids formed to break the hanging "handi" (pot) filled with curd or butter. Areas like Dadar, Thane, and Ghatkopar see large public celebrations.
Navratri & Dussehra
When: September - October
Significance:Celebrates Goddess Durga's triumph over evil and Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
How It's Celebrated: Nine nights of Garba and Dandiya dance, especially in suburbs like Borivali and Malad. Ramlila performances and effigy burning of Ravana on Dussehra day. Temples see special aarti and puja ceremonies.
Christmas
When: December 25
Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
How It's Celebrated: Streets like Hill Road and Bandra's Chapel Road are lit with fairy lights. Midnight masses at churches like Mount Mary and St. Michael's. Plum cake, carols, Santa Claus, and Christmas markets fill the air with cheer. Many non-Christians also join in the festivities.
