Mumbai City Guide - events

Banganga Music Festival
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation funds, arranges and encourages the celebration of the many festivals on the State's calendar, ensuring that Mumbai is seldom without an attractive religious or cultural event to enthrall visitors. The Banganga Music Festival is one such. The two-day festival of music is held at the historic Banganga Tank, dating from the 13th century but rebuilt in the 1700s, in aid of conserving the Banganga Temple Complex situated in the oldest part of downtown Mumbai. Classical vocal and instrumental music performers provide delightful concerts in a beautiful setting enhanced by magnificent sunsets.
Venue: Banganga Tank, Walkeshwar
Date: January 2009, TBC
Website:

Elephanta Festival
A motor launch carries visitors from the Gateway of India Monument to Elephanta Island, a small island about an hour and a half's journey from the city, to enjoy the very special annual experience of the Elephanta Festival. A selection of renowned Indian dancers and musicians perform against the dramatic backdrop of the island's cave temples, which are dedicated to Shiva, beneath a star-studded sky.
Venue: Elephanta Island
Date: 15-16 February 2008
Website:

Kala Ghoda Bazaar
Street musicians and performers add to the colourful atmosphere of the Sunday street bazaars held near the Jehangir Art Gallery in the pedestrian plaza, which becomes a hive of activity with stalls selling a variety of handcrafts, art and food.
Venue: Kala Dubash Marg (formerly Kala Ghoda)
Date: Every Sunday from November 2007 to January 2008
Website:

Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Wisdom and Prosperity. Celebrations are held throughout India and this is one of the highlights of the year for tourists visiting the country. The festival culminates in the murti of Ganesha being submerged in the Arabian Sea.
Venue: Throughout the streets and on Chowpatty Beach
Date: 3 September 2008
Website: festivals.iloveindia.com/ganesh-chaturti/index.html