Mumbai celebrates two festivals that perfectly encapsulate its spiritual devotion, cultural richness, and vibrant, competitive community spirit: Navratri (The Nine Nights) and Dahi Handi (The Curd Pot).
1. Navratri: The City of Dance
Navratri is the nine-night festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Shakti), celebrating the triumph of good over evil. In Mumbai, the observance is dominated by the energetic folk dances of Gujarat.
- The Dance Floor: The city transforms into a massive open-air ballroom. Millions dress in colorful, traditional attire (chaniya cholis and kediyas) and gather in large grounds and halls to participate in Garba (a graceful circular dance) and Dandiya-Raas (a lively dance using decorated sticks).
- The Queen of Garba: Mumbai is famous for hosting events featuring celebrated singers like Falguni Pathak, often referred to as the “Queen of Garba,” whose performances draw crowds of tens of thousands to massive venues like the NESCO Grounds in Goregaon or the Kora Kendra in Borivali.
- Spiritual Significance: While the dances are highly social, each night of Navratri is devoted to a different form of the Goddess, with devotees fasting and visiting temples before heading out to dance.
2. Dahi Handi: The Ultimate Test of Teamwork
Dahi Handi is a spectacular, adrenaline-charged event celebrated on the day following Krishna Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday). It symbolizes the playful childhood antics of Lord Krishna, who loved stealing butter and curd (dahi) from pots (handis) hung high up in neighboring homes.
- The Govindas: Young men and women form teams known as Govindas or Mandals. Dressed in colorful attire, they travel across the city to participate in contests.
- The Pyramid: The challenge involves forming multi-tiered human pyramids—sometimes up to nine tiers high—to reach and break an earthen pot filled with curd, butter, and often cash prizes, suspended high above the ground.
- The Atmosphere: The streets echo with the rhythmic beating of Dhol-Tasha drums and the thunderous cheer of “Govinda Ala Re!” Spectators playfully spray the Govindas with water to make the climb harder, adding to the competitive thrill.
- High-Stakes Competition: Dahi Handi has evolved into a highly professional and competitive sport in Mumbai, often backed by political parties and celebrities, with prize money running into lakhs of rupees.
Witness the Spectacle
- Navratri Hotspots: Look for large, organized Dandiya events at Jio World Convention Centre (BKC), NESCO Grounds (Goregaon), and the grounds in Borivali and Thane.
- Dahi Handi Hubs: The most massive and high-profile Dahi Handi events take place in areas like Dadar, Worli, and Thane’s Tembhi Naka, featuring professional teams and attracting huge crowds.