Festival

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

This festival is Mumbai’s nine-day extravaganza celebrating all forms of art. It is an expression of the inclusiveness of art where all gather in a joyous spirit of celebration of the finest talents producing momentous and uplifting work. The festival includes children’s events, cinema, dance, food, heritage walks, literature, music, street festival and visual arts. Contests, workshops and seminars also form part of this event. The festival attempts to create ‘One soul, one sound, one taste, one color, one step, one beat and ONE WORLD’ to entertain and enrich everyone who visits.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Venue: The Kala Ghoda Precinct, Mumbai (near Jahangir Art Gallery) Time: February Organised by: Kala Ghoda Association Dr. V. B. Gandhi Marg Fort, Mumbai Tel: +91-22-6505 5034

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Banganga Music Festival

Activity

Every year, in the month of January, the picturesque Malabar Hills comes alive with the sound of music. The Banganga Festival brings to Mumbai each year, performances by leading Indian classical maestros. This is a must see event for all culturally inclined music enthusiasts. The festival owes its name to Banganga Tank, a sacred tank in the complex of Walkeshwar temple. The whole area is lit up and decorated with flowers during the festival.

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Elephanta Music and Dance Festival

Activity

Elephanta Festival, one of the most popular festivals of Mumbai, is celebrated every year under the patronage of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). It is organized in the month of February, with the aim of showcasing the rich culture of Maharashtra, through dance and music performances by artists from the state. Elephanta Island, sited at a distance of approximately 10 km from Mumbai harbor, serves as the venue of the Elephanta Dance Festival. Folk dances performed by the local fisherman have become a popular feature of the event, besides other performances. One also gets a chance to sample local food at this festival. The huge idol of Lord Shiva which is illuminated at this time is also an added attraction and adds to the ambience of the festival.

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Gudhi Padwa

Activity

Gudhi Padwa is celebrated all over the state of Maharashtra. It falls on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated with much gaiety and festivity with people adorning their houses with colorful ‘rangoli’ (intricate design made on floor with colored powder) and bamboo staffs (gudhi) decorated with silk and crowned with a brass goblet. This ‘gudhi ’ is said to protect people from evil forces.

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Mango Festival

Activity

Organized on a yearly basis, this immensely popular festival is eagerly looked forward to by Mumbaikars who get a chance to savor all varieties of mango, the king of fruits, to their heart’s content. This festival, organized by the Konkan Prathistan Sanstha, aims at giving an opportunity to farmers to make maximum profit without going through middlemen. Buyers also are exposed a wide variety of the fruit which they normally would not have been. Some of the famous varieties are Alphonso, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurd, Raigad. Stalls are set up and the best quality of each variety is available at reasonable rates.

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Maharashtra Day, 1 May

Activity

Maharashtra Day commemorates the attainment of statehood of Maharashtra on I May 1960. The state government organizes the main function in Mumbai which is held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. A ceremonial parade is part of the celebrations comprising members of the State Reserve Police Force, Brihanmumbai Commando Force, Home Guards, Civil Defense, Fire Brigade and City Police. The Governor of the state takes the salute at the ceremonial parade.

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Khota chiwadi Festival

Activity

This festival is a celebration of Indian arts and local crafts. Art exhibitions are held, local arts and crafts are on sale, there are plenty of games and of course lots of tasty food on offer. Declared a heritage precinct, the Khotachiwadi area is a small street of 65 Portugese-style houses in Mumbai. Providing a glimpse of the early Portugese lifestyle, the annual Khotachiwadi street festival is held to promote home industry schemes and raise funds.

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Nag Panchami (Snake Day)

Activity

This festival is celebrated late July/early August and involves the worshipping of snakes all around Mumbai. Cobras are worshipped and fed sweetened milk. Snake charmers can be seen dotting the streets and tourists can get a chance to experience a little cobra-feeding too.

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Parsi New Year

Activity

Parsi New Year falls in the month of August-September. It is on this day that the Shahenshahi Zoroastrian community landed in India upon migration from Persia. This festival is celebrated at the fire-temple. People meet and greet friends and relatives and partake of sumptuous feasts.

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Nariyal Purnima

Activity

This festival, dedicated to a coconut (nariyal), celebrates the end of monsoon season. Essentially a fisherman’s festival, this signifies their return to the sea. It is mainly celebrated by the Kolis, the original natives of Mumbai. The fisher folk paint their boats and decorate it with lighted diyas (small clay lamps filled with oil). Coconuts are broken against the bows for good luck. Garlands are offered to the sea to ensure the safety of those who venture into the waters to fish. The Koli community living along the sea front illuminate their homes and celebrate with singing and dancing.

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Janamashtmi

Activity

Janamshatmi celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, a popular Hindu diety. Bhajans (religious songs) in praise of Lord Krishna are sung all over the city at special functions; temples dedicated to this god are decorated with lights. An interesting activity takes places on this day. Lord Krishna, it is said, was extremely fond of curd and butter and would go to any extent to steal them. In a replica of this activity, clay pots full of curd and coins are suspended on ropes across the city. Young men form human pyramids to break the clay pots, not just to get the curd, but also take their share of the coins that tumble forth.

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Gateway of India

road

The Gateway of India is the landmark of the city and its most identifiable building. It is located on the waterfront on the southern part of Mumbai. This arch, an architectural delight, was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary of England to Bombay in December 1911. Ironically, it is through this gateway that the last British troops passed to board their ship back to England after India gained Independence. The gateway is built of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The style of architecture is Indo-Saracenic with influences of Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat. This monument is probably the most visited one in Mumbai. From here one gets a fantastic view of the Arabian Sea. The Gateway is also the boarding point for visitors taking the ferry to Elephanta Caves. From here, tourists can also enjoy cruises through the natural harbor of Mumbai. The Gateway of India is also the perfect place to hang around and do people watching as you nibble your way through the assorted snacks sold by roadside vendors.

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Hanging Gardens

Garden

This picturesque garden, also named Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens after a famous barrister of the yesteryears, is laid out in terraces on the slopes of Malabar Hill. From atop here, one can enjoy spectacular sunset scenes over the Arabian Sea. A major attraction of the gardens is the several hedges that have been pruned into the shape of animals. There is also a striking flower clock in the middle of the garden. The vast expanse of verdant green offers a soothing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city below.

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Flora Flountain

Fountain

Flora Fountain is located in the Fort business district of South Mumbai. Its name originates from Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. This stone fountain was built of imported Portland stone in the year 1864. The square where the fountain stands was named in 1960 as Hutatma Chowk or Martyr’s Square. Today, this well-preserved fountain has been declared as a heritage structure

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Churchgate

Town

Churchgate, South Mumbai’s downtown business district is a busy area filled with several banks and offices. This area gets its name from Churchgate Railway Station, a very busy and focal point as it is the terminus of Western Railway line of Suburban Railway and caters to an influx of a large number of passengers daily who com to this area to work. The Income Tax Office is located at Churchgate while Nariman Point is just about a kilometer away. This area is dotted with educational institutions like University of Mumbai, Government Law College, Jain Hind College, K.C. College, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Sydenham College, SNDT Women’s College and Indo-German Training Center. Wankhede Cricket Stadium, Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and Oval Maidan are some of the prestigious sport complexes in the region. It is worth taking a stroll around this area to admire the architecture of the buildings and get a feel of the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Haji Ali

Mausoleum

Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and shrine on an island off the coast in Worli. It was built in memory of Haji Ali, a rich Muslim merchant who gave up all worldly pleasures before embarking on a pilgrimage. Popular not just with Mumbaikars but also people from all over the country and abroad, this mosque (dargah) is built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture and looks stunning amidst the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. It is linked to the mainland Mahalaxmi area by a narrow walkway bereft of railings and is prone to sea water during high tide which makes it accessible only during low tide. A walk on the causeway with the sea on both sides is one of the highlights of a trip to the shrine. Haji Ali Dargah has a tomb that is always covered with a brocaded red and green sheet, supported by a delicate silver frame. The marble pillars inside the main hall are decorated with multihued mirrors and embrace the ninety-nine names of Allah. On Thursdays and Fridays, the shrine is visited by at least 40,000 pilgrims from all faiths who seek blessings of the legendary saint. This shrine is more than 500 years old.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum, built in 1872, is the oldest museum in Mumbai. It has now been named as Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Here you discover the history of Mumbai through archaeological relics, maps and photographs. The museum also contains artifacts like clay models, costumes, finely shaped silver, copperware etc. Some of the most valuable articles relating to industrial and agricultural interest are housed here. The museum also serves as sort of reference center on the history of the country, with its compilation of over 4,000 books and manuscripts. This museum stands in the midst of the picturesque Jijamata Udyan, Mumbai’s beautiful botanical gardens.

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Mount Mary's Basilica

Churches

Mount Mary’s Church, a Roman Catholic church, is probably Mumbai's most famous church. It is visited by people of all faiths. Perhaps the oldest church in Mumbai, it was built by the Portuguese around 1640 AD. It is situated on a hillock about 80 m above sea level and from there one can get magnificent views on the waters of the Arabian Sea. A week-long fair held annually on the Sunday following September 8 (which is the Feast of Our Lady of the Mount) draws visitors from all religions. At this time the whole area is gaily decorated with festoons and buntings. The current structure is about a hundred years old but the current statue of Our Lady was bought from Portugal by Jesuit priests in the 16 century when they placed it in a chapel which was constructed at the present location. The exquisite interiors and stunning architecture also make this place worth visiting.

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Film City

Building

Want to see your favorite stars in flesh and blood? Then head to Film City of India, the venue for the shooting of many Bollywood movies. The movie sets there are sure to fascinate you with authenticity of construction that you can hardly manage to distinguish fake from real. Sprawled over a large area, Film City has fountains, gardens, lakes, helipads and real looking buildings. In addition, there are well appointed indoor and outdoor shooting facilities, editing and recording rooms. To visit you need prior permission from relevant authorities. Some tour operators organize trips to Film City so be sure to contact them.

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Juhu Beach

beach

Juhu Beach is located in the central suburb of Mumbai. The beach is clean and the waters are a beautiful shade of turquoise blue which turn into shades of red and orange as the sun dips into the Arabian Sea. This spectacular sight is worth watching. Every evening, hordes of people converge at Juhu Beach and enjoy local snacks as they watch dancing monkeys and acrobats while children buy toys and balloons from the vendors or go on horse or donkey rides. Juhu Beach has also been featured many a time in Hindi movies so don’t be surprised if on your visit there you find a film shooting going on!

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Dharavi

Town

Dharavi, slated to be Asia’s biggest slum, lies on prime property right in the middle of Mumbai. Some travel operators offer guided tours through Dharavi showing the residential as well as the industrial parts. This area is home to a number of small scale industries and it is interesting to see how they operate from here. Some of these industries produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic. Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets. The annual turnover of business here is estimated to be more than $650m (£350m) a year. Dharavi has been featured prominently in a number of movies including Danny Boyle’s Oscar winning movie, Slumdog Millionaire!

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180 Degrees

If the salad is anything to go by, this place is amazing with over 25 varieties. The desserts too are exceptional with a lovely blend of Indian and Western. The buffet is a great hit with diners.

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Asia 7

This restaurant offers a wide range of pan Asian delicacies. The Dimsums are above average and the sushi delectable. Highly recommended are the Singapore Chilly Crab, Chicken in Black Bean (Chinese) and Phad Thai Noodles.

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The Dome at the Intercontinental Marine Drive

The terrace area of the hotel serves as an open area cocktail lounge. The view from here is breathtaking and one can enjoy spectacular sunsets and exotic views of the Arabian Sea and Marine Drive. The bar located in the center of the Dome serves an international selection of cigars and wines. In the evening guests can enjoy an international selection of grilled items cooked live in the open. The stylish combination of white sofas with blue skies and the sun reflecting off the glass of the dome gives this place a romantic and intimate air.

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Aurus

This celeb frequented, fine dining place has an open air beach facing lounge and an indoor restaurant. Head there for partying out the night. Aurus means ‘gold’ in Latin and the place is certainly very elegant and sophisticated with crystal chandeliers, blue and gold silk wall tapestries and warm ambient lighting. The bar has a dance floor and unusual drinks tangerine caipiroshka and an over-chilled cucumber and melon cooler. For dinner, the chef recommends chilled zucchini soup with sun dried tomato sorbet, beef ravioli infused with wasabi mash or grilled chicken stuffed with spinach and feta and dusted with Zatar, a Middle Eastern spice. Everything from duck and quail to escargot is featured on the menu.

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Wasabi by Morimoto

The ultimate in Japanese dining experience courtesy celebrity chef Masahuru Morimoto, Wasabi has been rated as one of the world’s top 100 eateries. The extensive sushi and sashimi menu features sea urchin, flying fish roe, sweet shrimp, jackfish and fatty tuna. There’s extensive vegetarian selection too. Other dishes worth trying are miso marinated black cod and the Chilean sea bass in black bean sauce, ginger and shaved scallion. They have a good selection of sake as well. End your meal with the tofu cheesecake. Some of the newly added dishes are Shimaji Salad, Enoki Tempura, Snow Crab and Kobe Beef Green Tea Tiramisu and Wahabi Crème Brulee. No doubt this place is way expensive but it’s definitely worth a visit. Cuisine: Japanese Address: Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder Colaba, South Mumbai Tel: +911-22-6665 3366 Timings: Daily 12:30 – 2:45 pm and 7:00 – 11:45 pm Reservations essential for dinner

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Indigo

With a number of awards tucked under its belt (including Conde Nast’s World’s Hottest 60 Tables and Times Food Award for Best Continental Restaurant 2010), Indigo offers you a unique dining experience. Tucked in a little lane near Gateway of India, Indigo offers fine dining in an aura of warmth and style in a restored Colonial bungalow. This place is hugely popular with international celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and the Clintons to name a few. The aura of hospitality and restrained elegance and refinement punctuated with sunlit spaces and chic interiors makes dining at Indigo a memorable experience. Indigo offers a varied menu which changes frequently to avoid boredom. Some of the dishes on the first course are saffron ravioli of curried pumpkin, gravid of tuna loin, tea-grilled quail with basmati biryani, seared balsamic mushrooms. The second course offers risotto of fennel, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes flavored with chili vodka, curried leek, Camembert soufflé sun dried tomato, etc. The desserts served are also scrumptious and include Indigo’s famous hot dessert soufflé (changes daily, allow 20 mins), espresso bitter chocolate flan hazelnut ganache, crème brulee with biscotti, chocolate fondant with jalapenos crème Anglaise, etc.

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Kandahar

For those who love traditional rich cuisine of the northwest frontier, Kandahar is the place to go. Kandahar restaurant is also known for its beautiful view of the sea. It has a display kitchen where you can see your food being cooked. The restaurant seats 82 people. The soft, fragrant and succulent Kabuli Raan served here is considered the best in the city. It is prepared a day in advance allowing the meat to simmer in the juices and assorted spices. The kebabs are also very popular. The vegetables served here have their own special flavor. Try the dahiwali bhindi, okra cooked in yogurt or lasuni palak which is the delicately flavored garlicky spinach dish. The butter-soaked Kandahari or kaali daal is best eaten with pudina paratha (mint bread) or zaafrani naan (bread cooked with saffron and poppy seeds). Kandahar regularly hosts food festivals where you’re sure to get some lip-smacking surprises. For dessert there’s malpua with rabri, a variety of homemade kulfis…… Indian classical instrumental music creates the perfect ambience.

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Olive Bar & Kitchen

Yummy food on offer here. You must try their great salads- grilled vegetable Caesar salad in a parmesan cheese dressing, traditional Greek salad with feta and olives with dill vinaigrette. One of the favorite dishes is Gambas Piccante, prawns in a spicy tomato cream. and butter sauce. Also popular is the Tomato, Basil and Garlic Bruschetta, a garlicky bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil and feta.

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Gaylord

Half a century after opening, Gaylord restaurant continues to be the ‘talk of the town’ for its ostentatious décor which is very much Raj-era its Indian and club-style continental fare and its immense popularity which has never waned in all these years. This is the place where yesteryear actors of Bollywood used to frequent for a casual rendezvous. Chef Gilbert Gomes continues to dish out exotic fare. Some of the all time favorite dishes are Chicken a la Kiev, creamy, buttery, stuffed boneless chicken breast rolled and deep fried and served on a bed of rice. This dish is also called Chicken Bomb referring to the explosion of butter upon slicing it! Another favorite is Lobster Thermador, poached and shelled lobster baked with a mixture of white sauce, cheese and mushrooms. Chicken Chasseur, Chicken with bacon, Mutton Rogan Josh and Fish Meuniere are as good as ever. Recently added dishes are Spaghetti Carbonara, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Moussaka. Baked Alaska, the traditional old dessert, retains its charm even today.

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Trishna

Touted as the best seafood restaurant in town, Trishna specializes in Magalorean seafood dishes and its signature dish, Butter Pepper Garlic King Crab promises to be as delectable as it sounds. Other hot favorites are Pomfret Hyderabadi and Kholapuri Prawns. While you wait for your order, spend your time ‘people watching’ as this place is popular with Mumbai’s ‘in’ crowd. A lot of tourists also frequent this place.