One look at the list of festivals celebrated in Mumbai Bombay reinforces the
multicultural and multiethnic nature of the city. From Diwali to Pateti to Mount
Mary's Feast to Id-ul-Fitr Mumbai celebrates them all with equal gusto.
The one festival synonymous with Mumbai is Ganesh Chaturthi. Celebrated
in the month of August/September, celebrations continue over a period of 10
days. On the last day, gigantic statues of Ganpati as Ganesh are carried out
in processions with loud chants of "Ganpati Bapa Moriya," to be
submerged in the sea this process is known as visarjan. This makes quite a
spectacle specially on Chowpatty beach.
Another unique festival is Gudi Padva held in March/April depending on the
Hindu calendar. Gudi Padva is the Maharashtrian New Year, which is dedicated
to Sahalivan who was a potter's son but went on to overthrow the Gupta Dynasty
of Malwa. Gudi Padva also marks the beginning of the Hindu Solar year.
Ever hear of a day dedicated to a coconut? No? Well, Mumbai has and it is
celebrated in August. Known as Nariel Purnima (nariel means coconut in Hindi)
this day is meant to mark the end of the Monsoon season and is essentially
celebrated by the fisherfolk as it signals their return to sea. It is especially
important for the Kolis, the original natives of Mumbai. Before they embark
into the sea, boats are painted, diyas or small clay lamps filled with oil,
are lit and placed in the boats and coconuts are broken against the bows,
for good luck. Garlands are offered to the sea to ensure the safety of those
who venture out to fish. Beautiful illuminations and singing and dancing can
be witnessed in the Koli villages along the sea front.
Mumbai has a huge Parsi population and Pateti or the Parsi New Year is celebrated
on a large scale in August. It is also significant because it marks the day
the Shahi Zoroastrian community landed in India while migrating to Persia.
All the Christians in Mumbai gather together for a week for the celebration
of Mount Mary's Feast. Festivities begin on the Sunday closest to the Birthday
of Virgin Mary September 8. A huge fair is held near the basilica in Bandra
complete with bands, food, ferris wheels and joy rides. The Church itself
comes aglow with hundreds of candles lit by the sick who pray for recovery.
Christmas is another big celebration in Mumbai. Stars and fairy lights are
strung along the streets and the Nativity scene is recreated on many street
corners. Christmas trees are decorated all over the city and people gather
at restaurants or at home to celebrate.
Another favorite festival in Mumbai is Janamashtmi or the birthday of Lord
Krishna. Clay pots full of the extraordinary combination of curd and coins
are suspended on ropes across the city streets. According to legend Lord Krishna
had a weakness for curd and butter and would go to any extent to steal them.
Young men form human pyramids to break the clay pots but for the coins, not
the curd!
Id-ul-Fitr in November is also big in Mumbai. Marking the end of Ramzan and
fasting, this is the time for gorging on sivaiyan - a vermicelli based sweet
dish.
Last but not the least is Diwali when the city goes berserk with firecrackers.
Mumbai being the hub of business, Diwali is synonymous with gambling. Every
year the stakes rise higher and there are big winners and big losers. But
no one minds taking a chance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth
into their lives on Diwali.
Besides these, Maharashtra Tourism holds many tourist festivals focusing
on the glorious heritage of the region. The Elephanta and Ellora festivals
that are held at the beautifully illuminated caves feature renowned classical
vocal artists from all over India. These festivals provide a platform to experience
the cultural heritage of our country.
