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Festivals of Mumbai: the back story
The back story
About Festivals of Mumbai: the back story
Mumbai celebrates almost every faith’s festivals, often on a grand scale. The city’s own guide to them, from the municipal corporation, runs from Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali to Eid, Christmas and the arts festivals of Kala Ghoda and Banganga (BMC).
Ganesh Chaturthi
The ten-day festival of Ganesh falls in August or September. Neighbourhoods build pandals for huge idols, Lalbaugcha Raja being the most famous, and on the final day, Visarjan, the idols are carried in procession to be immersed in the sea at beaches such as Girgaon Chowpatty and Juhu (BMC).
Diwali and Holi
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls in October or November: homes and streets are lit with diyas and lanterns, and the markets of Dadar, Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar are at their busiest. Holi, the festival of colours, comes in March (BMC).
On the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idols are carried to the sea at Girgaon Chowpatty and Juhu.
Eid and Christmas
The dates of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha follow the Islamic calendar: mosques such as Haji Ali are packed for prayers, and the shopping on Mohammed Ali Road and in Bhendi Bazaar peaks in the days before. At Christmas, Hill Road and Chapel Road in Bandra are strung with fairy lights, and Mount Mary and St Michael’s hold midnight Mass (BMC).
The arts festivals
In February the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival fills the art district near Fort with public art, music, dance, theatre and heritage walks. In January the Banganga Festival brings classical music to the ancient tank on Malabar Hill (BMC).
Planning around them
Festival days bring wonderful sights and very large crowds. Roads close for the Ganesh processions, so leave extra time to get anywhere, keep your phone and wallet close, and follow police directions.
Our advice: see a Ganesh procession from a safe spot near the sea, and plan a February trip around Kala Ghoda.
Why it's on our list
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Diwali and Holi
- Eid and Christmas
- The arts festivals
- Planning around them
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Festivals of Mumbai: the back story before you go.