Mumbai

Mumbai is a vibrant, bustling city situated along the western coast of India, on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Formerly known as Bombay, the city is made up of seven connected islands and boasts a population that exceeds 13 million; it is among the world’s fastest-growing cities. As the business and financial capital of India, all the major financial institutions, banks and stock exchanges are based here. Mumbai is also home to the glamour and intrigue of Bollywood, India’s renowned movie industry.

To truly experience Mumbai, all one has to do is wander through the myriad neighbourhoods and markets alive with the sights and sounds of this unique city. This multicultural metropolis is characterised by an eclectic mix of traditional huts and skyscrapers, age-old customs and modern traditions – capturing the spirit of change and diversity that is India today.

From distinctive shopping experiences and exotic dining to an exhilarating afternoon of cricket or sightseeing, Mumbai offers something for everyone. At Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, with its desirable location in the emerging Worli district, unparalleled service and hospitality will shape your visit to India.

The Hotel’s central location allows guests to take advantage of a wide range of excursions and leisure activities. These are best enjoyed when accompanied by a personal guide, which can be arranged by the Concierge.

January

• The Banganga Music Festival is a two-day event celebrated at the historic Banganga Tank. Artists from across the country perform live music for everyone to enjoy.
• Makar Sankranti – The opening festival of the year is celebrated across India as the harvest festival. It invariably falls on 14 January and this year too the tradition will continue. In Mumbai it is customary to exchange sesame and jaggery balls and recite a Marathi phrase. Ask our concierge about the phrase and they shall recite it with you.
• Mumbai Marathon – Inaugurated in 2005 on the third Sunday of January, this event gathers every Mumbai resident as well as international athletes to compete between 7 to 41 km run. This event is popular for breaking barriers of religion, social status and nationality and has been considered as a humanitarian run where charities and regular locals participate to show their solidarity towards Mumbai’s relentless spirit.
  

February

• The Indian Derby is held annually at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The country’s most popular horse race is considered to be the highlight of the year's racing calendar in Mumbai.
• The Elephanta Festival involves a 90-minute boat ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Islands. During the festival, renowned classical dancers and musicians perform outside the caves of Elephanta.
• The Kala Ghoda Fair brings the sights and sounds of rural India to Mumbai. Held for a week in February, the fair makes the pedestrian plaza alive with a colourful celebration of music, arts and crafts.
• Vasant Panchami – The kite flying festival of India has everybody from 6 to 60 on the rooftop trying to beat the neighbours in a kite flying competition.
• Mumbai International Film Festival – Fondly called as MIFF, it is one of the most prestigious festival in the documentary, short and animation genre at par with International Film Festivals like Leipzig, Berlin, Oberhausen, Cracow and Tampere. This is its 13th year and would take place at the National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA) between 3 – 9 February,
  2014.
  

March-April

• Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a joyous celebration where people throw coloured water (gulal) at each other, singing and dancing throughout the occasion.
• Gudi Padwa – New Year of Maharashtra that is celebrated with good food and jewelry. This year it will celebrated on 31 March, 2014 with traditional homes raising a wooden stick hoisting a copper urn, sugar and marigold garlands

May-July

• Maharashtra Day is held at the Shivaji Park in central Mumbai with a ceremonial parade featuring the governor of the state, members of the state reserve police force, Brihanmumbai Commando Force, home guards, civil defence, fire brigade and city police.

August

• Nariyal Poornima is a festival where the fishermen of Mumbai make offerings of coconuts and flowers to the sea god Varuna, in an effort to calm the turbulent monsoon waters. Held on the last day of the rainy season, freshly painted boats are launched and a new fishing season kicks off. This festival is best experienced at fishing communities in Colaba and Versova.

September

• Ganesh Chaturthi is Mumbai’s largest annual festival. It is a 11-day celebration of the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesh.

October–December

• The exciting Navaratri Festival is marked by nine nights of dancing, making it one of the liveliest Hindu festivals. Symbolising the triumph of good over evil, Mumbai's clubs and stadiums come alive each night throughout this event.
• Diwali is the popular and illuminating five-day festival of lights. Decorative oil lamps are lit at night and placed in the waters of the Banganga Tank. On the third day, fireworks light up the sk
  
  

Holidays marked above with an * are national, all others are regional holidays.