Mumbai is India’s financial capital and home to merchants, bankers, and Bollywood. Although commerce has traditionally been the focus, the city has recently developed a cultural calendar including events such as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and the Mumbai Film Festival. Religion also plays a significant role in daily life, leading to many religious-themed events featuring revelry in the streets. Visitors can find a plethora of events in various categories, such as art, food, literature, theatre, and much more. If you are looking for an exciting event in Mumbai, you have come to the right place. We are sure you will find an event in Mumbai that caters to your interests and lets you have a great time.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Mumbai celebrates a 10-day long festival honoring Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity. Elaborately decorated pandals (temporary structures) house beautifully designed idols, and visiting these pandals is a popular activity. Notable pandals to visit include Parel’s Lalbaugcha Raja and Matunga’s GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav. On the 10th day, immersions take place all over the city, with the best views at Girgaum Chowpatty in South Mumbai.
When: August/September
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which celebrated its 24th anniversary in 2023, is a highly-anticipated event in Mumbai’s cultural calendar. The festival features diverse creative art installations, live music, dance performances, and opportunities to purchase handmade goods and artisanal food. In addition, the festival includes heritage walks, photography workshops, urban design discussions, a children’s program, and much more. All events are free to attend.
When: Late January/early February
Bandra Fair
The 18th-century Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, also known as Mount Mary Church, is located in the trendy suburb of Bandra, Mumbai. The church is the site of the annual Bandra Fair, which begins on the first Sunday following September 8, the Virgin Mary’s birthday. During the Bandra Fair, the streets surrounding the church are adorned with decorations, and vendors set up stalls offering a wide range of products, including trinkets and delicious food. These are best concerts, amusement rides and event in mumbai creating a lively carnival atmosphere.
When: September
Navratri
After the celebration of Lord Ganesh concludes, the city gears up for another grand event in honor of the Goddess Durga. Like the Lord Ganesh festival, pandals are set up, and the goddess is honored through religious chants and offerings. The festivities begin in the evening when people adorn themselves in vibrant traditional attire and participate in the Garba and dandiya dances. Both of these dances involve intricate spinning and the use of wooden batons.
When: September/October
Mumbai Film Festival
The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) hosts the annual MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the city’s most prominent film event, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018. The eight-day festival features more than 200 films, from independent cinema to Bollywood and Hollywood classics. The festival takes place at theaters across the city. Still, the most popular venues are the historic theatres like Matterden in Central Mumbai and Liberty and Regal Cinema in South Mumbai.
When: Late October/early November
Elephanta Festival
The Elephanta Festival is set to hold its 34th edition in 2023 at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves, a collection of 5th-century cave temples. The island, located just a 90-minute boat ride from Mumbai’s Gateway of India, features pillared caves and rock-cut sculptures as a stunning backdrop for a two-day celebration of traditional dance forms, folk music, and Sufi music.
When: Late January/early February
Maharashtra Day
Maharashtra officially became a state on May 1, 1960, and the capital city, Mumbai, hosts annual celebrations to mark the occasion at Shivaji Park, a significant sports ground in Central Mumbai. The festival starts with speeches by important figures, followed by a parade featuring local police, firefighters, and traffic police. The event’s highlight is a traditional Lavani performance accompanied by a dholki hand drum beat.
When: May 1
Mumbai International Literary Festival
The Mumbai International Literary Festival, also known as Tata Literature Live!, is held annually in November and attracts many literary stars from India and internationally. The festival features book launches, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities to meet and get books signed by favorite authors. Additionally, there are also performances to enjoy throughout the four-day event. The event is free to attend and takes place at various venues throughout the city.
When: Mid-November
NCPA International Jazz Festival
Every November, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), a renowned theater venue in the city, transforms into a jazz lover’s paradise. The event, which lasts for three days, features a lineup of talented Indian and international jazz musicians and a mix of sax and percussion performances. The festival attracts performers from countries such as Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, France, and more, making it a truly world-class event and the best jazz experience in the city.
When: Late November
Koli Seafood Festival
Mumbai is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, including unique delicacies such as bangda fry, bombil pakoda, and sol kadi. These dishes are often served at various event in Mumbai city, including food festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.
When: Late January
If you have previously attended any of the above events, please share your experience in the comments section. We have greatly enjoyed participating in these event in Mumbai.
