Mumbai, the most populous city in Maharashtra and the heart of Bollywood, happens to have lots of international and national events. The people here celebrate all festivals with great enthusiasm and gusto. Since it is a multi-cultural state, festivals of all kind are celebrated here. Planning a trip to Mumbai anytime soon? We advise you plan it according to this Mumbai festivals calendar to enjoy Mumbai’s friendliness, culture, and overwhelming exuberance.
15 Mumbai Festivals And Events You Must Attend In 2023
There are a number of religious and cultural festivals celebrated in Mumbai city. From religious festivals to citizens festivals, we have covered everything in our list. Check out the below list of festivals celebrated in Mumbai to know more.
1. Global Citizen Festival
Started in 2012, it aims at ending global poverty and Chris Martin, Coldplay’s lead vocalist is the curator for this massive event. The event has most of the who’s who of Bollywood and Hollywood artists like Coldplay, Jay Z, Demi Lovato, and India’s legend A.R.Rahman. It is indisputably one of the best music events in Mumbai.
When: September
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2. Mumbai International Film Festival
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One of the oldest and largest film festivals in South Asia for non-feature films, the event is organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. This week-long film fiesta celebrates documentaries, short fiction and animation films from all parts of India and the prize money for the Golden Conch Award-winning Best Documentary Film in the International Competition is a whopping Rs 1 million.
When: January
3. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is the main festival of Mumbai among Hindus in Mumbai. In 1893, freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak transformed this festival into a public event to gain India’s unity among castes to rebel against British rule. This week-long festival has prayers, hymns, songs and performances in almost every lane. On the last day (Visarjan), the idols of Lord Ganesha are lovingly taken in processions and immersed in the sea.
When: August
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4. Mumbai Film Festival
The Jio MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) Mumbai Film Festival with Star works on a vision of offering the best of world cinemas to the people of Mumbai and offering the best of Indian cinema to the world. The event showcases world-cinema titles, homegrown indie gems, film-related workshops and movie reunions making it one of the most celebrated Mumbai festivals 2023.
When: March
5. Oktoberfest Mumbai
Another most famous festival of Mumbai. Food, liquor and music… that’s what Oktoberfest Mumbai is all about! This is one of the international Mumbai festivals and is truly a cultural extravaganza of the party hounds of India. This 16 days long annual fest happens at various prominent places in Mumbai like BlueFrog, JW Cafe, The Barking Deer, The White Owl, Woodside Inn, ImBiss and the Hard Rock Cafe.
When: October
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6. Youtube Fanfest Mumbai
Youtube Fanfest Mumbai is one of the most exciting Mumbai festivals to celebrate the budding Youtube stars from India and across the world. The event usually constitutes of Youtube Stars singing, dancing, and performing stand up comedy gigs. Some key performers in the 2018 event include Aksh Bhagla, Ashish Chanchlani, Be Younick, Bhuvan Ram, Collins Key, Matt Steffania, Gabbie Hanna and many others.
When: March
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7. Krishna Janmashtami
According to Hindu Mythology, Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna. Of all the Hindu festivals here, the Mumbai Janmashtami festival holds an important place. The ISKCON temple gets festive with special prayers until midnight. Children dressed as Krishna and Radha and Krishna Janmashtami are undoubtedly the cutest part of one of the biggest Mumbai festivals.
When: August
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8. Dahi Handi Festival Mumbai
This Mumbai Govinda festival is one of the highly celebrated Mumbai festivals by the Hindus every year on the day after Janmashtami to mimic the stealing of butter by Lord Krishna himself. The five must-visit Dahi Handi events in Mumbai are Sangharsh Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane, Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane, Shramik Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Kharghar, Sankalp Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Worli and Ram Kadam Dahi Handi, Ghatkopar. It is indeed one of the best Mumbai festivals 2021.
When: August
9. Holi festival in Mumbai
There is nothing like Holi celebrations in Mumbai! The vibrant colours, lip-smacking food, live peppy DJ performances and unlimited fun can be collectively synonymous with Holi, one of the famous festivals of Mumbai. Indulge yourself in electrifying holi events in Mumbai at the Mumbai Holi Festival Tour 2018, camp at Dahanu Chikoo Farm or play it on the shores of Marine Drive, Gorai Beach and Kalamb Beach with eco-friendly herbal colours.
When: March
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10. India Art Festival
Mumbai is one of the two cities to host the premier INDIA ART FESTIVAL. The event is a huge art festival in Mumbai where art galleries, artists, art dealers, interior designers, architects and art buyers come under one roof. It is a great platform for independent artists to showcase their works to established ones.
When: 26 – 29 May 2023 at Nehru Centre
11. Banganga Festival
Banganga Festival is an annual festival in Mumbai celebrated in the month of January in Malabar hills for 2 days. Conducted jointly by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, it is one of the best upcoming festivals in Mumbai. The aim behind the celebration of this musical carnival is to protect the existing rich cultural heritage of the country. The musical tribute to Lord Ram and other major attractions like praising song for God creates altogether a wonderful atmosphere.
When: Update Soon
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12. Elephanta Festival
Elephanta festival is one of the best festivals of Mumbai organized by the Government to promote tourism and culture in the city. The two-day festival is celebrated on the Elephanta Islands in the evening. You can enjoy the many programs happening throughout the festival like dance and music celebrations, talent shows, rituals, and much more. The major highlight of the festival is the illuminated idol of Shiva which is lit up at night.
When: 13 to 15 February 2023(Dates Unconfirmed)
13. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a cultural festival, nine days long. The festival always commences on the first Saturday of February and closes on the second Sunday in February. It is without a doubt one of the best upcoming festivals in Mumbai. It is a celebration of various forms of dance, art, music and theatre. Some of the top activities to enjoy here are shopping, visiting art galleries, taking part in dance and music performances and seminars.
When: Sat, Feb 4, 2023 – Sun, Feb 12, 2023
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14. Gudi Padwa Festival
Gudi Padwa festival is a Hindu New Year celebrated under different names in different states. It is a spring-time festival that marks the traditional new year for Konkani and Marathi Hindus. It usually falls in the month of March-April, the Hindu month of Chaitra. People celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm for the prosperity of the upcoming year. Some of the top activities to enjoy on this day are making colourful rangoli, hoisting Gudi flags, photography and tasting delicacies. It is one of the most famous festival of Mumbai.
When: March 22, 2023
15. Coconut Day
Nariel Purnima or coconut day falls on the same day of Rakshabandhan. The festival marks the end of the monsoons and is celebrated by Mumbai’s fishermen community. The fishermen offer coconuts as an offering to God of rain, to keep them safe. On this auspicious festival, you can watch fishermen paint and decorate their boats, litting of little oil lamps and take part in processions.
When: July or August
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Intriguing, isn’t it? Who thought there would be that many Mumbai festivals waiting for you in this bustling and exciting city! So, wait no longer and plan a trip to Mumbai and go experience all of these thrilling festivals with your close ones!
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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Mumbai Festivals
Which festival is celebrated in Mumbai?
People in Mumbai celebrate all festivals with great enthusiasm. Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, Eid are some of the festival that the city celebrates. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated here.
What is the culture like in Mumbai?
Mumbai culture is a mix of traditional festivals, food and music. People here are passionate about local street fare and grand celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi famous in Mumbai?
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha and Lord Ganesha is regarded as the patron saint of Maharashtra. This in itself is enough to explain the importance of this festival in Mumbai.
Which festival is celebrated in Maharashtra?
Some of the main festivals celebrated in Maharashtra are Gudi Padwa, Hanuman Jayanti, Narali Pournima, Mangala Gaur, Ganeshotsav, Kojagiri, Diwali, Ram Navami, Janmashtami and Khandoba Festival.
What is the famous food of Mumbai?
Mumbai is truly a magical place for foodies. There are several food to try in Mumbai like Batata Vada, The Bombay Sandwich, Bhel Puri, Ragda pattice, Puran Poli.
What is the famous dress of Mumbai?
The famous traditional costumes of Maharashtra for men are shirt and dhoti while for women it is a 9 yard saree.
What is the main religion in Mumbai?
There is a mix of religion in Mumbai due to diverse culture. Hinduism is the main religion in the city, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism and Jainism.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
