Mumbai has always been known for its diversity, inclusivity and for being a melting pot of cultural influences. Over the decades, Mumbaikars have come together to celebrate art, culture, music, and festivals, which serve as a platform to unite people from all walks of life. This truly signifies the spirit of the city. As BT turns 30, we take a quick look at some of these festivals and events that are now part of the city’s history and cultural fabric.
Bandra Fair
The Bandra Fair, which is believed to be around 300 years old, is a week-long affair held annually at Mount Mary Church. It starts on the Sunday after September 8 every year in celebration of Mother Mary. Celebrities are seen soaking in the festivities at the Bandra Fair every year.
There would be a magic garden and social gatherings at the Bandra Fair: Helen
Recalling memories of attending the fair since the 1940s, veteran actress Helen says, “I moved to Bandra in 1948 and have been attending the fair ever since. Back then, they would have a magic garden and social gatherings at the fair. A man from China would come down each year to make dolls, there would be music programmes and so on. The area has gone from being covered in mangroves to skyscrapers. I still attend the novenas at Mount Mary and pray that I have strength to attend it year after year.”

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
The festival reflects Mumbai’s vibrancy, emotions and cultural ethos. Be it creative installations, quirky pop-ups, riveting music and dance performances or sharing thoughts with some of the top literary minds in the country, it all unfolds at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Since last year, the buzzing destination (the Kala Ghoda area) was made a pedestrian-only zone during weekends when the festival is on, given the huge footfalls seen at the event.
We have had all the big singers performing for us: Brinda Miller
Brinda Miller, who is the honorary Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association, says, “I’ve been associated with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival since the beginning and we’ve seen happy as well as tough times. We’ve had some special music programs at the steps of the Asiatic Library. From Sonu Nigam to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Shaan, all the big singers have performed there. During COVID, we didn’t have the festival for three years and we suffered due to lack of funds, but that is all in the past, and we are happy to move forward now.”
Prithvi Theatre Festival
The iconic Prithvi Theatre Festival that was launched in 1983 is the beating heart of Mumbai’s theatre community. The two-week festival has been a great platform for theatre enthusiasts to converge to watch veterans perform on stage and root for new, upcoming talent. The festival, which is held in November every year, is a part of our city’s legacy and is one of the most anticipated events among the theatre community. Many members of the Kapoor family come together to join in the festivities.
We plan to stay the same, yet keep evolving: Kunal Kapoor
At the helm of all the action at Prithvi is Prithviraj Kapoor’s grandson, Kunal Kapoor. He says, “So many memories of the festival come to mind. Among the more recent ones is our 40th-anniversary festival opening in 2018 at Mumbai’s Opera House with the play Deewar. It’s the same location where Prithviraj Kapoor had an office and had performed with his sons Raj, Shammi and Shashi. It’s the honest energy of the festival that makes it so loved. We plan to stay the same, yet keep evolving.”
Mumbai Marathon
The Mumbai Marathon truly embodies the spirit of the city. It kicked off in 2004, and since then, it has been one event that sees Mumbaikars from all backgrounds, age groups and professions running together. The annual international marathon is held on the third Sunday of January every year. It is the largest marathon in Asia as well as the largest mass participation sporting event on the continent.
The positive energy at the Mumbai Marathon is amazing: Rohit Roy
Rohit Roy, who has been a regular participant since its inception, says, “The first time I ran the Mumbai Marathon was for Shabana Azmi’s NGO. I have been running the marathon for many years and have realised that only Mumbai can generate such positive energy. It is just amazing. Completing the full marathon has been on my bucket list, and I will surely do it in the coming years.”