Mumbai’s event calendar is dominated by religious festivals, most tied to the Hindu lunar calendar and shifting dates each year. The two largest events, Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, transform the entire city. Confirm exact dates before booking travel, as they shift by 2 to 3 weeks annually.
Mumbai Events and Festivals by Season
Mumbai Marathon , Third Sunday of January
Asia’s largest marathon and one of the world’s top 10 by participation (55,000+ runners in 2024). The course starts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and runs along Marine Drive, past the Haji Ali Dargah, up to Bandra and back. The full marathon (42.2km) and half marathon are timed events requiring prior registration (fees: 2,500 INR / US$30 for the half, 3,500 INR / US$42 for the full). The Dream Run (6km) is open to all with registration at 500 INR (US$6). Major roads including Marine Drive close from 05:00 to 12:00 on race day. If you are not running, plan to be on foot or use the local train. Spectating is free and best along Marine Drive between 07:00 and 10:00 when elite runners pass.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival , Early February
Mumbai’s largest street arts festival, held over 9 days in the Kala Ghoda district of Fort. The festival features approximately 200 events: art installations, dance performances, literature panels, heritage walks, and food stalls. Most events are free. The main installations occupy the Rampart Row street and the Horniman Circle garden. The festival draws 150,000+ visitors, with weekends being extremely crowded. Specific venues include the CSMVS museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, and the Asiatic Society Library steps. The full schedule is published on the Kala Ghoda Association website in late January. The children’s literature section and the weekend food stalls are the most popular elements. Arrive before 10:00 on weekends to avoid the worst crowds.
Ganesh Chaturthi , August or September (10 Days, Lunar Calendar)
Mumbai’s biggest festival, celebrating the elephant-headed god Ganesh. For 10 days, the city erects approximately 150,000 Ganesh idols in public pandals (temporary shrines) and private homes. The most famous pandals are at Lalbaug (Lalbaugcha Raja), which draws lines of 5+ hours for darshan (viewing), and GSB Seva Mandal in King’s Circle, known for its opulent gold and silver decorations. The final day (Anant Chaturdashi) sees processions carrying the largest idols to immersion points along the coast: Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, and Versova Beach. The main immersion procession at Girgaum Chowpatty starts around 14:00 and runs past midnight. Streets in South Mumbai are gridlocked. It is the most crowded event on Mumbai’s calendar. Be prepared for hours of standing in dense crowds, deafening drumming, and colored powder thrown in the air. Do not bring valuables into the procession areas.
Navratri and Durga Puja , September or October (9 Nights)
Navratri is celebrated across Mumbai with garba and dandiya raas dancing. The largest garba events are organized in the western suburbs: Borivali, Kandivali, and Goregaon. The Bombay Garba Festival at the Nesco Complex in Goregaon draws 10,000+ dancers nightly. Entry ranges from free (community events) to 500 to 2,000 INR (US$6 to US$24) for ticketed events with live bands. Simultaneously, Mumbai’s Bengali community celebrates Durga Puja with elaborately decorated pandals, the largest at the Bombay Durga Bari Samiti in Tejpal Auditorium (Grant Road) and the Lokhandwala Garden pandal in Andheri. The final day (Dussehra) sees Durga idol immersions at beaches, smaller in scale than Ganesh but still significant.
Diwali , October or November (5 Days, Lunar Calendar)
Diwali is the festival of lights and India’s biggest holiday. In Mumbai, it is primarily celebrated in homes rather than public spaces. The city glows with oil lamps (diyas) and electric lights on windowsills and balconies. Fireworks are set off from streets and rooftops throughout the 5 days, peaking on the third day (Lakshmi Puja). The air quality drops sharply from firework smoke , PM2.5 readings often exceed 300 (hazardous) on the main night. Marriott and Taj hotels host lavish Diwali dinners (5,000 to 8,000 INR / US$60 to US$96 per person). Most shops, restaurants, and attractions remain open during Diwali, unlike other parts of India where businesses close. The stock market holds a special one-hour Muhurat trading session on Diwali evening, a unique Mumbai tradition.
Holi , March (Lunar Calendar, 2 Days)
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with less abandon in Mumbai than in northern India but still enthusiastically. Public Holi events with music, colored powder, and water guns take place at Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, and in housing society compounds. Several paid Holi parties cater to tourists and expats: the Rang Barse Holi at JVPD Grounds in Juhu (1,500 to 3,000 INR / US$18 to US$36) is the most established, with DJ sets, organic colors, and food stalls. Wear white clothes you are willing to discard, protect your eyes with sunglasses, and apply coconut oil to your skin and hair before going out , it makes the color easier to wash off. The main celebration day is a public holiday, though essential services continue.
Coordinate your visit with these dates using our best time to visit Mumbai guide. See what weather to expect at Mumbai weather by month.
