Festivals of Mumbai: Dates, Photos, and Travel Tips
When you think of Mumbai, you don’t just think of skyscrapers, bustling trains, Bollywood stars, or the Arabian Sea — you feel its festivals in the air. Mumbai’s real spirit is hidden in its festivals: loud, colorful, deeply rooted in culture, and open to everyone. The city never sleeps, but during festivals, it truly awakens.
In this first part, let’s dive into some of the biggest, most iconic festivals of Mumbai — their stories, when they happen, how they transform the city, and smart tips for travelers who wish to see them up close.
🎉 1. Ganesh Chaturthi: The Heartbeat of Mumbai’s Festive Spirit
When: August or September (10-day festival)
Where: Everywhere, but hotspots are Lalbaugcha Raja, Siddhivinayak Temple, Girgaon Chowpatty.
About: No other festival represents Mumbai’s heartbeat like Ganesh Chaturthi. Every lane echoes with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya! as giant clay idols of Lord Ganesha arrive at homes, pandals, and streets. For ten days, the city turns into a sea of lights, music, devotion, and processions.
Travel Tip: Visit the biggest public pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja or Khetwadi Cha Raja early in the morning or late night to avoid huge crowds. Carry a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking!
Photo Tip: The immersion day, called Visarjan, is a visual treat. Head to Girgaon Chowpatty or Juhu Beach to capture the grand farewell processions.
🎊 2. Gudi Padwa: Maharashtra’s New Year
When: March or April
Where: Across Mumbai, especially in Maharashtrian households, Girgaum, Dadar, Parel.
About: Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year and the onset of spring. Colorful Gudhis (bright silk cloths tied to bamboo sticks with neem leaves and garlands) flutter outside homes as symbols of victory and prosperity. Families wear traditional attire, prepare special food like Puran Poli, and greet neighbors with sweets.
Travel Tip: Walk around old Maharashtrian neighborhoods like Girgaum or Dadar. You’ll spot vibrant Gudhis hanging from balconies. Many local communities organize cultural programs, folk dances, and music shows.
Photo Tip: Try to capture the morning rituals — the rising sun lighting up Gudhis on old heritage buildings looks stunning!
🎆 3. Diwali: Festival of Lights
When: October or November (5 days)
Where: Entire Mumbai — Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Bandra, Dadar.
About: Diwali in Mumbai is pure magic. Markets glow with fairy lights, homes sparkle with diyas (oil lamps) and lanterns. Families decorate doorsteps with colorful rangolis, exchange sweets, burst crackers, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss Marine Drive during Diwali nights — the Queen’s Necklace is lit up even more spectacularly with fireworks across the sky. Markets like Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar are crowded but worth a stroll for festive shopping.
Photo Tip: Focus on capturing traditional rangolis, diyas, and the night fireworks — they perfectly tell the story of Diwali in Mumbai.
🎭 4. Holi: Festival of Colors
When: March
Where: Everywhere — housing societies, beaches, local streets.
About: Holi in Mumbai is messy, wild, and pure fun. Families, friends, strangers — everyone throws bright powdered colors (gulal), water balloons, and dances to Bollywood music. Streets turn rainbow-hued as people gather in open grounds and even at beaches.
Travel Tip: If you want a safe and local experience, join a community Holi party in a housing society or gated area. Be mindful — protect your camera and wear clothes you don’t mind discarding!
Photo Tip: Use a waterproof camera or pouch. The candid joy on people’s faces as they play with colors makes for unforgettable shots.
🎶 5. Janmashtami: Dahi Handi Celebrations
When: August
Where: Dadar, Ghatkopar, Thane, Worli, Lower Parel.
About: Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival’s highlight is Dahi Handi — groups of energetic youngsters called Govindas form human pyramids to break an earthen pot hung high above the street. It’s thrilling, competitive, and watched by thousands.
Travel Tip: Major Dahi Handi events happen at big grounds with stage shows and music. Reach early to get a good spot. Be careful — it can get crowded and slippery.
Photo Tip: High-action shots are a must! Capture the pyramid in progress and the moment the pot breaks — it’s Mumbai’s spirit of teamwork and fun in one frame.
🎨 6. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival: Creativity on Every Corner
When: February (9 days)
Where: Kala Ghoda District, Fort, South Mumbai.
About: The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is Mumbai’s biggest celebration of art and culture. The charming heritage precinct of Kala Ghoda turns into an open-air art gallery with giant installations, street performances, literature readings, workshops, and film screenings. Local artists, students, and tourists flock here to experience Mumbai’s contemporary creative pulse.
Travel Tip: Weekends get extremely crowded. If you prefer less rush, visit on weekdays during the day. Many events are free but need online registration — check the official website beforehand.
Photo Tip: Don’t just focus on the installations — candid moments of artists painting murals or kids engaging with art make great frames!
🌙 7. Eid-ul-Fitr: Feasting in Mohammad Ali Road
When: Depends on lunar calendar — end of Ramadan.
Where: Mohammad Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar, Mahim.
About: After a month of fasting, Mumbai’s Muslim community comes together to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers and lavish feasts. Mohammad Ali Road and Bhendi Bazaar transform into food paradise — kebabs, biryani, malpua, phirni, and sizzling sewai stalls keep the aroma in the air all night long.
Travel Tip: Visit after Iftar (sunset) when streets truly come alive. Dress modestly and respect local customs. Be prepared for late-night crowds — Eid feasting often continues till 2–3 AM.
Photo Tip: The bustling food stalls and neon-lit streets make for excellent night photography. Be polite if clicking portraits — always ask.
🎄 8. Christmas: Bandra’s Lit-up Streets and Midnight Mass
When: December 24–25
Where: Bandra, Colaba, Byculla churches.
About: With its strong Goan, East Indian, and Christian communities, Mumbai celebrates Christmas with warmth and charm. Streets like Hill Road and Chapel Road in Bandra glow with fairy lights. Homes put up twinkling decorations, and bakeries sell plum cakes and marzipan. Churches hold beautiful midnight masses.
Travel Tip: St. Michael’s Church (Mahim), Mount Mary Basilica (Bandra), and Afghan Church (Colaba) are stunning for midnight mass — but go early to find seating. Shop for Christmas goodies at old bakeries like American Express Bakery and Kyani & Co.
Photo Tip: Walk around Ranwar Village in Bandra for cute decorated bungalows — they look magical at night!
💃 9. Navratri: Nine Nights of Dance and Devotion
When: September or October
Where: Borivali, Malad, Kandivali, Vile Parle — basically everywhere!
About: Navratri is Mumbai’s festival of dance and color. For nine nights, people gather to perform Garba and Dandiya Raas in huge grounds decorated with fairy lights. Women wear vibrant chaniya-cholis, men don colorful kurtas, and live bands belt out popular Gujarati folk songs.
Travel Tip: Many housing societies host their own Garba nights, but big public events at Borivali or Malad are grander. Tickets sell out fast — buy in advance. Carry comfortable shoes and join in!
Photo Tip: The swirling dancers in colorful attire are a photographer’s delight. Use a slow shutter for dynamic shots!
🌊 10. Sankashti Chaturthi at Siddhivinayak Temple
When: Every month (4th day after full moon)
Where: Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi.
About: While Ganesh Chaturthi is massive, Mumbai’s devotion to Lord Ganesha is visible every month during Sankashti Chaturthi. Thousands line up for darshan at Siddhivinayak Temple, one of India’s richest temples. Devotees believe fasting on this day and praying to Ganpati removes obstacles.
Travel Tip: If you want to visit, go early morning or late at night to avoid long queues. Dress conservatively and leave shoes outside.
Photo Tip: Photography is restricted inside, but the temple’s beautiful architecture and the colorful crowd outside make lovely shots.
🌺 11. Mahashivratri at Babulnath Temple
When: February or March
Where: Babulnath Temple, near Girgaum Chowpatty.
About: Mahashivratri celebrates Lord Shiva. Mumbai’s Babulnath Temple, over 200 years old, draws lakhs of devotees on this night. The atmosphere is spiritual and serene, with chants, flowers, and lamps lighting up the steps.
Travel Tip: Visit at night — the temple stays open till early morning. Stay patient — lines can be long. There are small stalls selling flowers and prasad.
Photo Tip: Respect devotees. Capture the temple facade lit up at night.
✨ 12. Dussehra: Effigies and Fireworks
When: September or October
Where: Shivaji Park, Azad Maidan, various grounds.
About: Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil — the day Lord Ram defeated Ravana. Mumbai celebrates with grand Ram Leela plays and burning huge effigies of Ravana. The biggest celebrations happen at Shivaji Park where local families gather for the dramatic show.
Travel Tip: Arrive before sunset for a good view. It gets crowded, so watch your belongings.
Photo Tip: Don’t miss the moment when Ravana’s effigy goes up in flames!
🎉 13. Banganga Festival: A Musical Evening by Ancient Waters
When: January
Where: Banganga Tank, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill.
About: Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Department, this 2-day music festival takes place beside the sacred Banganga Tank — a 12th-century freshwater spring surrounded by ancient temples. Classical musicians perform under the open sky while the tank’s steps turn into an amphitheater.
Travel Tip: Seating is on the stone steps — carry a small mat. It’s a peaceful, soulful vibe unlike Mumbai’s usual chaos.
Photo Tip: Arrive before sunset to capture the heritage setting with golden light.
🎭 14. Prithvi Theatre Festival
When: November
Where: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.
About: Celebrating Indian theatre and performing arts, the Prithvi Theatre Festival draws actors, directors, and audiences from across India. From experimental plays to poetry nights and workshops, it’s an intimate look at Mumbai’s creative community.
Travel Tip: Shows sell out fast. Book tickets online well in advance.
Photo Tip: Photography is not allowed during plays, but the café and theatre exteriors are very photogenic.
🎇 15. Fireflies Festival
When: Pre-monsoon (May–June)
Where: Outskirts of Mumbai — Purushwadi, Rajmachi, Bhandardara.
About: Not in the city proper, but Mumbaikars love this magical escape. Villages near Mumbai light up with thousands of fireflies before monsoon. Locals host overnight stays where you can watch entire trees blinking like stars.
Travel Tip: Book homestays or campsites ahead. Wear full sleeves and carry mosquito repellent.
Photo Tip: Use long exposure for stunning shots of glowing fireflies in the dark woods.
🎈 Traveling for Festivals: General Tips
- Stay close to the action: Book hotels in South Mumbai or Bandra for easy access to major festival spots.
- Plan ahead: Festivals mean huge crowds — plan transport and routes in advance.
- Be respectful: Always follow local customs. Dress modestly and don’t block processions for photos.
- Keep valuables safe: Pickpockets can target crowded gatherings.
- Keep an umbrella handy: Many festivals coincide with the monsoon — sudden showers are common!
📸 Extra Tips for Festival Photography
- Always ask permission for close-up shots of people.
- Night shots need a steady hand or tripod.
- Use wide angles to capture the scale — Mumbai festivals are all about crowds and colors.
- Be mindful not to disturb rituals for photos.
🧳 Essential Tips for Experiencing Mumbai Festivals
✅ Plan ahead: Hotels fill up quickly around big festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. Book in advance.
✅ Dress comfortably: Respect local traditions — modest clothing is recommended for temple festivals and Muslim feasts.
✅ Stay safe: Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas — carry only essentials.
✅ Public transport: Local trains, BEST buses, and auto-rickshaws are the best way to navigate festival traffic.
✅ Keep cash handy: Many local stalls still prefer cash over digital payments.
✅ Capture stories: Don’t just snap monuments — festivals are about people. A smiling devotee, a child dancing in color, or a street vendor deep in work can tell a Mumbai story better than any guidebook.
“Mumbai’s festivals are not just dates on a calendar — they’re a heartbeat echoing through every street, lane, and heart that calls this city home.”
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