Bandra Mount Mary Feast 2025: A Celebration of Faith, Food and Festivity

Every September, Bandra undergoes a remarkable transformation. The usually bustling neighbourhood turns into a carnival of devotion, community and celebration as the Bandra Feast, centred around the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, unfolds its vibrant charm. In 2025, the tradition continues with the same spirit that has endured for over three centuries, blending religious devotion with the unmistakable buzz of Mumbai’s cultural fabric.

About the Bandra Feast

The Bandra Mount Mary Feast traces its roots to the Mount Mary Basilica, where the novenas began on September 5 and will continue until September 13. These days of prayer and reflection build up to the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary on September 14, a day marked with deep reverence by the faithful. Yet, what makes the Bandra Feast truly unique is how it spills out of the Basilica and into the neighbourhood itself, transforming the streets into a lively fairground. From September 14 to 21, the Bandra Fair spreads across the slopes leading up to Mount Mary, weaving together an atmosphere of piety and merriment that only Mumbai can host.

The Basilica itself is alive with activity, with masses held in multiple languages to reflect the diversity of the city. Services in Hindi, Konkani, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Gujarati ensure that every community finds a place in the celebrations. For many, attending Mass here during the Feast is as much about tradition as it is about personal faith, a ritual passed down through generations.

Dates, Days and Timings

Once the first Mass concludes on September 14, the fair comes alive. Stalls line the streets, open from early morning until 10 at night, creating a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas. The fragrance of roasted choris pav mingles with the sweetness of Calicut halwa, while children tug at their parents’ hands for toys, trinkets, and colourful rosaries. Traditional East Indian and Koli delicacies such as kala channa, kadio bodios, and sugar-dusted petha find their way into the hands of eager festival-goers. 

This year, the Feast also introduces a more immersive cultural experience with the newly inaugurated Pranam Maria Exhibition Centre, located opposite the Basilica. Here, visitors are taken on a 45-minute audiovisual journey called “Creation to Redemption,” which uses light, sound and sculpture to narrate biblical stories in an engaging and modern way. With tickets starting at just fifty rupees, it adds a contemplative yet contemporary dimension to the Feast, appealing to pilgrims and casual visitors alike. A restored pilgrim cottage also provides accommodation for those travelling long distances, ensuring the event remains accessible to all.

In many ways, the fair is also a living testament to Mumbai’s spirit. It welcomes everyone, regardless of faith or background, to take part in the celebrations. For some, it is an act of devotion; for others, it is about nostalgia, memories of visiting the fair as children. And for many first-timers, it is simply about experiencing the infectious energy of Bandra at its most alive.