11 Famous Festivals of Mumbai That You Got To Experience
Mumbai festivals are definitely a thing. And they’ve got plenty – we mean PLENTY – of variety too. Mostly because it’s one of the most multicultural cities in India, and not to mention, the most cosmopolitan too. So you can find people from all across the country and from all walks of life here. So whether you wanna headbang at the front row of a concert or watch a slow arthouse flick on a projector screen, there’s something for everyone.
Top 11 Mumbai Festivals & Events
So if you’re planning a trip to the city soon, make it a point to be there in time for one of the main festivals of Mumbai. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. And to give you a bit of a preview, we’ve made a list of the 11 most important festivals of Mumbai that you should definitely experience. Check ‘em out.
1. Global Citizen Festival
If you were in Mumbai in the mid 2010s, you know exactly what a big deal the Global Citizen Festival is. It’s the reason that major international artists like Coldplay, Demi Lovato and Jay Z have performed in the city. It’s absolutely unmissable for any music lover as the show always involves some of the best talents of the Bollywood and international music scene. Plus, the festival is in aid of global poverty so you’ll also be contributing to a good cause.
When: 25 September, 2023
2. Mumbai International Film Festival
You can’t talk about Mumbai without thinking about movies so it makes sense that one of the largest film festivals in the world takes place in this very city. It’s a week-long festival for movie lovers, celebrating the best of feature films, documentaries and animated shorts from all across the country as well as South Asia. Tickets are usually very affordably priced and there are student discounts available too.
When: January/February
3. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is the main festival of Mumbai. And it’s more than a religious celebration. In fact, it’s a cultural event where people come together and celebrate with music, dance, and good food. The atmosphere of the whole city is completely different at this time of year and the Visarjan day is not to be missed either.
When: September 19, 2023
4. Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
Another popular festival of Mumbai is the Jio MAMI one in association with Star. It is one of the events that provides the best of world cinema to the people of Mumbai while also highlighting the newest and best in Indian cinema to the rest of the world. Along with the screenings it also offers workshops on acting and film-making as well as reunions of movie casts, making it the mecca of film buffs.
When: TBA
5. Oktoberfest Mumbai
If you thought you had to go all the way to Germany to experience Oktoberfest, think again. One of the new and popular festivals of Mumbai is its own version of Oktoberfest. Full of food and music, this is the perfect place for people who love to party. It usually happens over a period of two weeks in association with some of the city’s most famous bars and restaurants like Blue Frog, The Barking Deer, Imbiss and Hard Rock Cafe.
When: October
6. Dahi Handi Festival
The Dahi Handi Festival that is celebrated on the day after Janmashtami is another important festival of Mumbai. It has emerged as a competitive sporting event in which teams from different neighbourhoods of the city re-enact the stealing of butter by Lord Krishna by forming human pyramids and performing aerobic activities. There are many famous teams who draw large crowds but you’re sure to find this celebration in almost every locality.
When: September 7, 2023
7. India Art Festival
Apart from Delhi, Mumbai is the only other city in India which hosts the famous India Art Festival. A huge event which features art, sculpture and architecture from the premier artists of the country, with incredible gallery shows and workshops. It’s also a great opportunity for independent artists and newcomers to showcase their work.
When: January
8. Banganga Festival
It’s not just the cosmopolitan city which celebrates different festivals. We’ve got to tell you about the celebrations of the coastal folk too. The Banganga Festival is one such that takes place in the Malabar hills for two days. It’s conducted with the support of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. The festival involves a musical tribute to various deities, folk songs and dance, and local art stalls.
When: January
9. Elephanta Festival
A visit to Mumbai is incomplete without a visit to the Elephanta caves and what better time to go than during the two day festival on the islands. This festival is organised to promote tourism in the state and involves various programmes of music, dance, talent shows and more. Don’t miss the gorgeous site of the illuminated idol of Lord Shiva that’s decorated and lit up at night.
When: February
10. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is probably the favourite time of the year for most Mumbaikars as it’s one of the times when the true cosmopolitanism of the city is visible. A nine-day long cultural festival, it celebrates the best of dance, music, art and theatre. The entire Kala Ghoda area of the city becomes a live exhibition of talent, and there are also great live performances, food, and shopping stalls. Best of all, it’s completely free.
When: February
11. Gudi Padwa Festival
One of the most important festivals of Maharashtra is the celebration of the traditional new year in the springtime. Although it started out as a celebration for the Konkani and Marathi Hindus, it has evolved into a city-wide festival and is marked by colourful rangoli, seasonal delicacies and the hoisting of lanterns and gudi flags. Definitely one of the best introductions to the festive spirit of Mumbai.
When: March 22, 2023
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