Mumbai Festival 2024: Celebrating diversity and culture

Mumbai is not only the financial capital of India, but also a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and festivals. Among the myriad celebrations that adorn the city's cultural calendar, the newest addition - Mumbai Festival 2024 - stands out as a vibrant showcase of diversity and unity.

The mega event will be held from January 20 to 28, 2024. The fest is a combination of a slew of events like the Kala Ghoda Festival and Tata Mumbai Marathon. The festival is an attempt to cherish the unity and inclusivity of Mumbai.

The Mumbai Festival 2024 logo and the theme - 'Sapno ka Gateway' - were unveiled along with the theme song composed by Shamir Tandon, in November last year. Choreographer and filmmaker Remo D'Souza performed the song along with a group of dancers.

The city is a home to a cross-section of people from different strata of society. Many are attracted to this Maximum City often dubbed as the land of dreams and opportunities. And, the festival serves as a platform to showcase the culture of Maharashtra.

"People's participation in this festival should be increased by effective use of various social media to spread the information about Mumbai Festival to more people," Maharashtra Tourism Minister Girish Mahajan said.

Mahajan said that Mumbai Festival will be organised every year.

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"Various activities have been organised under the 'Mumbai Festival 2024'. Through these events, everyone's perspective towards Mumbai will change. For the successful organisation of this festival, an advisory committee has been formed under the co-chairmanship of well-known businessman Anand Mahindra. This festival has unprecedented and unforgettable events of music, tourism conference, beach festival, food festival, film festival, various adventure sports events have also been organised," he said.

Mahajan also said that a large amount of employment will be generated from this festival.

The nine-day Mumbai Festival 2024 will also boast of events like music concerts, beach fests, an expo, a movie competition and screening, a cricket clinic, a start-up fest, and more.

The events will be held at various locations across Mumbai. One of the major highlights is Mumbai Walks, which will see the city's icons paying tributes to heroes of Mumbai - such as the dabbawalas, the police force, the BEST bus drivers and conductors, civic conservancy employees, and others.

Apart from this, there are events such as Happy Streets, Yoga By The Bay, Kidzathon, and a photo exhibition. The festival will see over 50 events and the organisers are aiming to reach out to 100 million people globally through digital media to take the message forward.

What Mumbaikars think about the Mumbai Festival:

Twenty-six-year-old Nitya Shroff said that she will attend the Mumbai Festival. "It's not only about food stalls but also music events and art exhibitions, which I am looking forward to. Intricately designed handlooms, traditional jewellery, and indigenous crafts are on display, allowing festival-goers to appreciate the artistic skills passed down through generations," she said.

"Music enthusiasts revel in the diverse sounds emanating from various stages set up across the city. From classical Indian melodies to contemporary fusion, the Mumbai Festival's music lineup caters to a broad audience, reflecting the city's eclectic taste," she added.

"For those seeking a respite from the energetic festivities, the festival also hosts cultural forums and discussions. These intellectual exchanges provide insights into Mumbai's history, its ever-evolving identity, and the challenges faced by its diverse populace," Shroff said.

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Twenty-five-year-old Zain Khan is happy with the feeling of togetherness that the festival invokes. "In essence, the Mumbai Festival is not merely a celebration of religious or regional events; it is a testament to the city's inclusive ethos. It brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the diverse tapestry of Mumbai's culture. This annual extravaganza stands as a reminder that in the heart of this bustling metropolis, amidst the skyscrapers and crowded streets, the spirit of Mumbai is deeply rooted in its celebration of diversity and shared heritage," he said.

Some ask why does Mumbai need another festival:

Thirty-four-year-old Rita Vanarse, a working professional from Girgaon, questions the need for such festivals to celebrate Mumbai's spirit. "Mumbai has so many festivals already including Kala Ghoda festival. Why do we need another one?" she asked.

"Festivals in Mumbai often lead to massive processions and parades, causing severe traffic congestion. The already bustling streets become clogged, making it difficult for people to commute or carry out their daily activities. Traffic jams not only waste valuable time but also contribute to increased stress levels among the residents. Emergency services may also face challenges navigating through the crowded streets, putting public safety at risk," the Girgaon resident said.

"Large-scale celebrations during festivals put a strain on essential resources such as water and electricity. The demand for these resources often spikes during festivities, leading to shortages and putting additional pressure on the already overburdened infrastructure. Water scarcity, in particular, becomes a critical issue, affecting the daily lives of residents who may struggle to meet their basic needs," she added.

Here's the full schedule of the Mumbai Festival 2024:

The 'Mumbai Festival 2024' programme will be inaugurated on January 20 from 6 to 10 pm at Cross Maidan Garden near Marine Lines.

'Maha Mumbai Expo' will held at MMRDA grounds in Bandra from January 20-28. The 'Maha Mumbai Expo' will be open from Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, while the 'Maha Mumbai Expo' will be open from 1 pm to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The shopping fest is organised at various places in Mumbai from the 19th to the 21st January and the 26th and 28th of January.

Kala Ghoda is organised from 20th to 28th January at Kala Ghoda.

Beach Fest is from 20th January to 28th January and various activities like yoga, football, volleyball, beach clean up and screening are organised at Juhu Chowpatty from 6 to 7 pm.

Cinema Fest dates from 20th to 24th January and various shows are organised in PVR theaters in Mumbai at 7 pm.

The Tourism Conclave has been organised on January 24 at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina and will continue from 9 am to 6 pm.

Cricket Clinic is being held from 20th to 21st January and 27th and 28th January from 7 am to 9 pm and 10 pm to 12 pm at Oval Ground.

Tata Mumbai Marathon is organised on January 21 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

Turbo Start Forever Planet Challenge is organised on January 25 at BSE Fort from 9 am to 2 pm.

Paramotor Show is organised on 27th January from 5 to 7 PM at Girgaon Chowpatty.

The music fest is organised from 19th to 28th January at 6 pm at various venues. The music festival is organised at Mahalakshmi Racecourse on 27th and 28th January 2024.

The concluding program is organised on 28 January 2024 at 7 PM at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra.