One of Mumbai’s most colourful and cherished festivals is lighting up the lanes of Bandra once again. Bandra Fair 2025 brings the historic neighbourhood around Mount Mary Basilica alive with a joyful mix of faith, food, music, and celebration.
With roots stretching back nearly 300 years, this week-long festival is a living piece of Mumbai’s cultural fabric. Pilgrims, locals, and curious travellers gather here each year to honour tradition—and to indulge in everything from nostalgic Goan sweets and spicy street snacks to handcrafted souvenirs and festive tunes.
Whether you're drawn by the spiritual pull of the basilica or the irresistible charm of Bandra’s festive chaos, this is a must-experience moment in the city’s cultural calendar. Dive into our insider guide to make the most of Bandra Fair 2025.
Steeped in nearly 300 years of history, the Bandra Fair is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most iconic religious celebrations. According to local legend, the festival traces its origins to the early 18th century, when a statue of St Mary was found floating in the Arabian Sea—an image that had reportedly appeared in a dream to a Koli Christian fisherman even before its discovery.
Bandra Fair welcomes lakhs of pilgrims each year, drawn by deep devotion to Our Lady of the Mount. The hilltop shrine becomes a place of prayer and reflection, attracting people of all faiths—many offering thanks, others seeking blessings or healing. Lining the path to the basilica, stalls sell religious souvenirs and distinctive wax candles shaped like hands, feet, and other body parts. These symbolic offerings represent specific ailments, chosen by the faithful in hope of recovery. Placed at the church with heartfelt prayers, they reflect the enduring belief in divine intercession and the sacred spirit of the fair.
At the heart of the festivities stands the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, fondly known as Mount Mary Church. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way up to this serene hilltop shrine, especially during the week of the fair, which coincides with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mumbai's Bandra Fair is a treasure trove for shoppers. Stalls brim with religious artefacts, including idols, rosaries, photo frames, and cross pendants—perfect keepsakes for those seeking a spiritual memento. For trend-savvy visitors, there’s no shortage of affordable accessories: think chains, rings, bangles, bracelets, and colourful hair clips. Whether you’re browsing for devotion or style, these charming trinkets offer a tangible piece of the fair’s vibrant atmosphere to take home. Adding to the fair’s vibrant vibe are tattoo artists who offer visitors a chance to pick up some unforgettable, artistic souvenirs.
One of the biggest draws at Bandra Fair is its mouth-watering array of traditional foods. The lanes around Mount Mary Church come alive with the aromas of East Indian and Koli favourites like choris pav, kala channa, kadio bodio, Calicut halwa, and sweet petha, alongside festive snacks such as chakli, namkeen, crisps, and regional sweets. Don’t miss the stalls selling homemade cakes and pies.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra reopened in August, following a major restoration project. Although services were initially set to continue, the church was fully closed in October 2024, with religious activities moved outdoors. The restoration was led by conservation architect David Cardoz, with support from Ainsley Lewis, and focused on preserving early-20th-century architectural elements. Original woodwork, cast iron features, and other historic details were carefully revived, restoring the basilica’s spiritual and cultural significance just in time for this year’s Bandra Fair. This year’s Bandra Fair is even more special, as pilgrims return to a beautifully restored basilica that blends spiritual heritage with architectural splendour.
The Bandra Fair takes on a magical glow in the evenings, when the church and surrounding streets sparkle with festive lights. With the celebrations starting this Sunday, expect large crowds on the opening day. For a more relaxed and enjoyable visit, plan your trip on a weekday evening—when the atmosphere remains vibrant but the crowds are thinner, allowing you to soak in the festive spirit without feeling overwhelmed.
When does Bandra Fair 2025 take place?
Mumbai’s iconic Bandra Fair, also known as the Mount Mary Feast, will start on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and continue until Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Where is the Bandra Fair held?
The fair centres around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount (Mt Mary Church) in Bandra West, Mumbai, a scenic hilltop spot overlooking the Arabian Sea.
How old is the Bandra Fair?
With roots stretching back nearly 300 years, the Bandra Fair is a week-long festival and a living part of Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage.
What can visitors expect at the fair?
Thousands visit the Mount Mary Basilica during the centuries-old fair to offer prayers. Perched on a scenic hilltop overlooking the Arabian Sea, the basilica offers a peaceful refuge amid vibrant festivities. The fair also features colourful stalls with Goan sweets, handmade cupcakes, religious artefacts, and trendy accessories, creating a lively and memorable experience.
When is the best time to visit?
The fair shines brightest in the evenings when the church and streets glow with lights. To avoid crowds on opening day, weekday evenings offer a festive yet relaxed experience.
