A glance at the list of festivals
celebrated in Mumbai/Bombay reinforces
the multicultural and multiethnic
character of the city. From Diwali
to Pateti at Mount Mary’s
feast or Id-ul-Fitr Mumbai celebrates
all with the same enthusiasm.
Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai The festival
synonymous with east Mumbai is Ganesh
Chaturthi. Celebrated in the month
of August / September, festivities
continue over a period of 10 days.
The last day, giant statues of Ganesh
are carried out in processions with
songs of Ganpati Bapa Moriya, to
be immersed in the sea. This process
is known as visarjan. It makes a
special sight on the beach at Chowpatty.
Another festival is Gudi Padva
held in March / April according
to the Hindu calendar. Gudi Padva
is Maharashtrian New Year, which
is dedicated to Sahalivan who was
a potter’s son.Gudi Padva
also marks the beginning of the
Hindu solar year.
Ever hear of a day devoted to a
coconut? No? Well, in Mumbai it
is celebrated in August. Known as
Nariel Purnima (nariel means coconut
in hindi), this day is intended
to mark the end of the monsoon season
and is mainly celebrated by fishermen
as it signals their return to sea.
It is particularly important for
the Kolis, the original indigenous
people of Mumbai. Before embarking
on the sea, the boats are painted
and diyas or small clay lamps filled
with oil are lit and placed in boats
and coconuts are broken against
the bows, for good luck. Garlands
are available at sea to ensure the
safety of those who go to fish.
Beautiful lights and singing and
dancing may be assisted in the Koli
villages along the seaside
Mumbai has a huge population and
Parsi Pateti or Parsi New Year is
celebrated on a large scale in August.
It is also important because it
marks the day the Zoroastrian community
Shahi landed in India while migrating
to Persia.
All Christians in Mumbai gather
for a week for the celebration of
Mont-Marie 's festivities. Festivities
begin on Sunday for the anniversary
of the Virgin on September 8. A
large fair is held near the Basilica
in Bandra complete with bands, food,
Ferris wheels and joy rides. The
Church itself has glows with hundreds
of candles lit by patients who pray
for recovery.
Christmas is another big party
in Mumbai. Stars and fairy lights
are strung along the streets and
the nursery is recreated on many
street corners. Christmas trees
are decorated throughout the city
and people gather in restaurants
or at home to celebrate.
Another favorite festival in Mumbai
is Janamashtmi or the anniversary
of Lord Krishna. Some clay pots
filled with the extraordinary combination
of curd and coins are suspended
on ropes through the streets of
the city. According to legend Lord
Krishna had a weakness for cheese
and butter and would go as far as
to steal. Young men form human pyramids
to break the clay pots, but also
for parts, not dough!
Id-ul-Fitr in November is also
big in Mumbai. Marking the end of
Ramzan and fasting, it is time for
gorging on sivaiyan - vermicelli
sweet dish.
Last but not the least is Diwali,
when the city goes berserk with
firecrackers. Mumbai is the hub
of business, Diwali is synonymous
with gambling. Each year, the stakes
are high and there are big winners
and big losers. Diwali is a chance
to welcome the goddess Lakshmi,
the goddess of wealth in their lives
Diwali.
In addition, Maharashtra Tourism
has many tourist festivals focusing
on the rich heritage of the region.
The Elephanta and Ellora festivals
which take place in caves have renowned
classical artists from all over
India. These festivals provide a
platform to experience the cultural
heritage of our country.
