Friday, March 29, 2013

Footpaths

Footpath is a trail one walks on everyday but never actually
ponder upon what actually goes onto creating a legacy that it is. Stepping
on cracks to pass time, sitting on them with friends because standing is
boring. Footpath bears a lot of fruits in Mumbai’s underbelly, its
reclaimed land and its hip SoBo lanes.

From early dawn, idli and poha walas with their carts and boxes walk across
it setting up their wares for the early morning crowd who relish the
pleasure of a bit of hot food before going to work.
Some go to the Vada Pav wala too if there is dislike for the McDonald’s
cheap morning McMuffin. Picking up the crisp dailies of Times Of India with
a free Mumbai Mirror, the cosmopolitan working class of Mumbai is ready to
go work for the biggies of the world and the rich hordes of expensively
dressed joggers and aunties with their pallus tightened make their daily
journey from one footpath to another gossiping about who Ranbir Kapoor
kissed.



Cows are tied to the streetlights and the trees on the pavement, defecating
as the sweepers clean the path for the day, clearing all the untidiness of
the autumn trees and evening hawkers.

Vendors set up their tea stalls on the footpath and start brewing their
well-loved tea, dropping some on the side walk, dogs sleeping on the
footpath slowly get shoved aside and wake up. Homeless people gather their
blankets and sit on the footpath near the vendors for their morning
nourishment, once fed and happy they beg for wares from their shining
offices, the footpath.

Taxi drivers drop off people who've returned home, banging their bags on
the footpath they smile, having reached home. Pipelines puncture the newly
furbished interlocking cheap concrete footways because the BMC does not let
them stay intact for more than a month. Maybe they want people to
experience what plateau trekking is on the footpaths itself. Children walk
sleeping on it with their polished shoes towards the assigned bus stops,
often sliding their feet along, sometimes trying to skid, sometimes falling
down to get picked up by their worrying mums who don’t bother to change
their bowed nighties which bears the aroma of the child’s snack box and
dough marks on the fat-tiered belly. Some of those mothers also use those
paver blocks as a stand for their cooking utensil and the footpath being
their stove.

As the day takes its toll on the footpath it sees a horde of things it
usually does, every day the same thing but everyday something different.
The newspaper vendors are replaced by pirated video disk stalls selling the
latest movie cheaper than then popcorn.

After surviving the vagaries of weather and fickle footwear fashion for
over 70 years, the stones have disappeared from all but a couple of
footpaths in the past few years. Interlocking paver blocks that come off
within months of being laid have taken place of the Victorian Bombay stone
pavements.
For those that still exist, they are as sturdy as any other heritage
structure in Mumbai.

Life expectancy of a footpath has been decreasing.
Blame it on the stone, rain, cows, elephants, trees, garbage, homeless,
shanties, hawkers, hefty Mumbaikars, cars, birds, feaces, concrete, sound,
wind, Rakhi Sawant or even God.
Footpaths need attention, they need TRPs.

They’re there, almost everywhere, present and yet absent like the large
number of Mumbaikars that slowly and in their own way make Mumbai
their own.




Get your TUB of Popcorn and LARGE Coke

So one of the most awaited movie this year releasing in the later in May is, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (This Youth Is Crazy), a Romantic movie, produced by the most influential director, Karan Johar, starring The Heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor & sizzling Deepika Padukone. It is hyped moreover because both these actors were an off screen couple & this Hot Jodi had a break up a few months back.



Naina (Deepika) is a studious girl & Bunny(Ranbir) is a carefree young travel show host, embarks on a journey with his friends, meets Naina, & eventually their journey leads them to the ultimate destination, “Love”.



Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbp2XUSeUNE

National Award Winner for his debut film, Ayushman Khurana is coming up with another Romantic- Comedy film, Nautanki Saala along with Kunal Roy Kapoor, Evelyn Sharma, directed by Rohan Sippy & Abhishek Bachchan doing a cameo in this film.



Ram Parmar (Khurana) one night meets Mandar Lele (Kunal Roy Kapoor) who is lonely, it is a story of their bonding & friendship going through a comedy of errors.



Nautanki Saala
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kzcO_MgpBE


And you think you are a stud? Go & get your tickets booked for this thriller Movie, Ek Thi Daayan (Once there was a witch) starring Emraan Hashmi which is expected to release in mid april. Ek Thi Daayan movie is a supernatural musical entertaining romantic thriller with an electrifying jolt at the end.



The movie revolves around the character Bobo (Hashmi), an India's leading magician. But unknown to even his girlfriend Tamara, Bobo's life is falling apart. His constant hallucinations leave him with no option but to seek psychiatric help.




Going through regression hypnosis, a terrifying story about his childhood surfaces involving a sinister power called Daayan who has not only destroyed his family but also promised to return to haunt Bobo.
Bobo is convinced that she is the daayan. But is she, really? Or is he just losing his mind?

Ek Thi Daayan
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN5Ss-EV_qc



Aamchi Mumbai Sexy

Mumbai or Bombay or Bambai(as it was known as fondly, formerly), is a city of contrasts. Steeped in historical heritage yet famously modern, home to millionaire business tycoons as well as the biggest slum in Asia, this city is a people’s party until dawn, and yet pray at day break. People say it is too crowded, too fast, too polluted…and yet Mumbai is still the choice of many.

For visitors, there will never be a dearth of interesting things to see and do on a fine day in Mumbai; though, to truly experience the city, you need to let go of any inhibitions you may have and just dive in!



Talking about Shopping, Mumbai is not only famous for the international renowned haute couture brands and labels, but is also home to frightfully cheap one-season wonders, intricate jewellery, antiques and textiles, boutiques and shopping malls that sell almost everything that a soul needs! The markets are exquisite and if you are good at bargaining, you can get items for half the price! Yeah, you read it right! So, In Mumbai, you can find the latest outfits, unique furniture, delicate brass work, exquisite paintings, home furnishings and so much more! There are many malls in Mumbai that not only comprises of shops but food courts and entertainment zones as well. A shopper's paradise, Mumbai is truly a great shopping destination for all!!
Markets (Bazaars)

Mumbai has several bazaars selling everything from fruits and “imported’ items, to antiques, clothes and shoes. At most of these bazaars do not be afraid to “bargain”. However, be beware of fake goods on offer.

Crawford Market: Mumbai’s oldest market, completed in 1869 in a blend of Flemish and Norman architectural styles, is the largest municipal market in Mumbai. One will find an odd mix of fruits, vegetables, imported food, household and cosmetic items, a pet store and even endangered species (sold illegally, of course).

Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market, literally): Locally known as the market for stolen goods, in Mumbai’s biggest flea market you will find rows of antique shops selling everything from Ming vases to colonial era lamps to art deco clocks. Victorian furniture and even old Bollywood posters are on display. Haggling is a mandatory shopping requirement; foreigners can find some amazing treasures at throw-away prices.



Street Stalls: There are many areas in Mumbai where the streets are lined with shops selling clothes, shoes and jewellery at reasonable prices. Fashion Street at Fort in South Mumbai and the suburb of Bandra (Hill Road and Linking Road) are famously known, and prices are quite reasonable.

High-End Boutiques
The high-end brands for fashion or household goods are generally located in shopping malls situated in South Mumbai or in-house shops at five-star hotels like Taj Mahal Hotel & Palace and The Trident. Indian designers generally have their stores on Peddar Road, Kemps Corner and Breach Candy locations in South Mumbai, and at Bandra or Juhu in the suburbs.

Malls
The number of malls in Mumbai has mushroomed in recent years. Phoenix Mills at Lower Parel and Atria Mall at Worli are two of the most prominent shopping meccas. The suburbs have a larger concentration of malls, like Infinity Mall, Oberoi Mall, Inorbit and Hypercity located at Malad.
Mumbai, a Shopping paradise, it is! Shop till you drop, yeah!



Pani Puri


The one chat (snack) of Mumbai that completely describes all the attributes of Mumbai would be "Pani-Puri" Its a spicy, colorful, tempting, crispy snack that makes you want to have more of it.

Pani-Puri is one of the most famous snacks found in Mumbai, there are many restaurants that serve Pani-Puri in a sophisticated fashion but the best type is found along the road side.



It was originated in the Hilly parts of Nepal, Bihar & Kolkata and it found it's way to Mumbai, Pani-Puri is know by various names in various parts of India like, Pani Ke Patashe in Haryana; Gol Gappa in New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Pani ke bataashe / Patashi in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh; Pani-Puri in Maharashtra (Mumbai and all the parts of Maharashtra), Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat(Mainly in Ahmedabad), Andhra; and is known as Pakodi in Gujarat.

In Mumbai the recipe is usually spicier in comparison to the other parts of India and contains boondi (Sprouts) in addition to other ingredients. Panipuris are also eaten with curd and different types of masalas such as onion, sev (a type of besan vermicelli without any spices & seasoning) (a fried snack shaped like thin noodles made from besan flour), and mixture (a mix of different types of fried snacks mixed together) or Bhujia along with available seasonal nuts, as the base of the snack.

Typically, 4–8 panipuris are served over a portion on a circular plate made from dry sal leaves. Some places offer panipuris prepared on a whole plate, but the popular way for them to be served is one-at-a-time from a roadside vendor. Customers hold a small plate or bowl (katori) and stand around the vendors cart. The server then starts making one panipuri at a time and gives one to each individual. Panipuri servers have to remember each customer's preferences such as sweetened pani, more filling or extra onions, for example. The server must keep count of how many panipuris each person has had.

Traditionally, panipuris are eaten by placing the entire puri into the mouth in one go and biting into it. This releases a barrage of tastes and textures. Panipuris may be finished off with a cup of the pani, sweetened or made tarter to taste.

Just like Cricket and Bollywood, Pani-Puri also is one of the many crazes of Mumbaikars.

If you don't have a sharp ringing sensation in your ears while you stuff your mouth with Pani-Puri, you haven't enjoyed it at all XD

Pani-Puri nahi khaya toh kya khaya?! :P




Life in Mumbai


What are the first things that come to our mind when we think of Mumbai?? Maybe the local trains, the crowd, the hustle bustle and the never ending rat race. But a true Mumbaikar knows that Mumbai’s definition is way beyond that. Mumbai from a romantic’s point of view would appear stunning…..

It comprises of the fusion of cultures, the mystic monsoons, lazy sunsets at the sea shore, the never-ending night life and the innumerable dreams that each Mumbaikar possesses. From the young heart to the aging one, from the rich to the poor, everyone has a dream and Mumbai is the medium of fulfillment.

At the first look what strikes most people is the population here. But what they tend to overlook is the unity with which Mumbaikars spend each day. One can never get lost in Mumbai as people around you will always be glad to help you with directions.
For daily commuters the local train and bus networks come as a boon. Their execution is truly fascinating as their cover the entire span of the city with such ease. People may have a hard time finding a seat on the train, but that doesn’t restrict them from making friends, sharing ideas and knowledge during the short span of their journey. It’s all a large well-knit family.



For foodies, the small roadside stalls are a paradise. Khao galli had some mouthwatering pao bhaji to offer where as Bade Miyan is a treat for non-veg lovers. Food brings me to one of the best run services in our city, the famous “dabbawallah” network. More than 175,000 to 200,000 lunch boxes get moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 dabbawallahs, all with an extremely small nominal fee and with utmost punctuality. Once you hire a dabbawallah be assured that you will receive your lunch, smoking hot, straight from the kitchen at lunchtime everyday.

Coming to hang-outs, an enthusiast will never run out of places to visit. Cafes, restaurants and clubs are common but to taste the true essence of Mumbai, there is no better place than the sea shore. There are multiple options for that too. The Juhu chowpatty and Girgaum chowpatty are a major tourist attraction and are bustling with people, whereas Aksa beach, Marine drive, Bandra bandstand and Carters road are quieter and provide ample space for reflection. Madh Island is lined by beaches too and is a perfect weekend getaway.

Lastly, my personal favourite is the Mumbai Monsoon. The first rain hitting your face dispelling the scorching heat comes as a pleasant relief. One can easily be lost to the charm of Mumbai monsoon. It brings with itself a sense of retrospection and brings out all pent up feelings. Not only does it portray Mumbai in all its grandeur but also lets one spend quality time with self.

Do come and indulge in Monsoon rains along with “Ek vada pao cutting chai”…….

Friday, March 22, 2013

KA-KA-KARAOKEEEEE LIKE PARA- PARA - PARADISE

What’s one thing that trainees know about AIESEC in Mumbai even before they come here?
What’s the one event that our ENTIRE LOCAL COMMITTEE is always up for?
It’s got to be the Karaoke Nights!!
Every Wednesday, AIESEC in Mumbai, holds a Karaoke Night for its members and the trainees who have come down to Mumbai for their internship at Three Wise Monkeys, Khar.
Three Wise Monkeys, the most conveniently located and the dark ambience along with the woody touch really catches your attention. Also, with the reasonably priced liquor, ONE SIMPLY DOES NOT NEED MORE!



The Karaoke Night is a diversified event with members getting a chance to meet, interact and spend a jovial time with the International Interns.
AIESEC in Mumbai provides this unique opportunity for the interns to know more about the AIESEC happenings - current events, updates, pick-ups, house parties, festivals….well WHAT NOT!
Apart from being the oldest Local Committee in India, AIESEC in Mumbai is known for its peculiar deliveries which they provide to these interns.
Definitely an evening you’ll cherish, one you’ll not want to miss out on AT ANY COST!

Can't Keep Calm and Keep Shopping


There is a lot more to Mumbai than the mouth-watering food (If you can handle the spice, that is), Bollywood movies and dance “numbers”, the beautiful story behind every monument, the festivals and traffic that just doesn’t seem to lessen. I mean, where are all these vehicles coming from?



Anyway, I’m going to talk about, and pay attention ladies, shopping. Because I think it’s one of the best things you can do. Shop. ‘Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.’ right? Speaking of, I can tell you one thing- Shopping in Mumbai takes skill. It’s more of an art, if you please. But once you get the hang of it, you may find it extremely difficult to get rid of it. I sure as hell do.

Mumbai is not only known for its shopping malls, brands like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra and Manish Arora and some particularly shady boutiques, but also (and ESPECIALLY, to us locals) for its local markets that sell just about everything from bags to vintage gramophones. Who knew? Shopping for women here usually begins and ends with Colaba Causeway. Or Linking road. Or Hill Road. Or Fashion Street. Or Crawford Market. I am not going to discuss all of these places at length. Got to give the other topics a chance, right?

Colaba Causeway is a place that is often frequented by locals and firangs. I don’t blame them, really. Beautiful clothes, accessories, books, antiques and cozy little cafés to go to after a long, tiring day. What’s not to love? But like I said, it takes skill. We all know Mumbai’s hawkers love to trick people into buying things for a cost much higher than what is necessary. So.. You bargain. You bargain like your life depends on it! In my mother’s words, ‘Show them who’s boss’. Now, that is not for everyone because these hawkers can be really persistent and over time have learnt the art of face reading (Or whatever Cal Lightman stuff it is they do). So, the trick is to act all cool and pretend like there are better things to do in life even though head goes all ‘I WANT IT! I DO!!!’. If that doesn’t work, you go to another guy and compare prices. It rarely ever happens that you don’t get something you‘ve set your heart on. Chill out! There’s always better stuff out there. Trust me, there always is.



Crawford market is another fun place to go to for shopping. This is not the place you go to to find fancy shmancy clothes though. This place if for ‘Fresh fruits madam, imported food madam, party items madam. Very cheap. Come, have look’. I remember buying some real funny “party items” from here for my best friend’s eighteenth birthday. And if your pet’s been a real good boy, this is where you come for his favourite treats.

But more than anything, I like Mumbai for its sarees and kurtis or any piece of ethnic clothing, for that matter. Because that is what defines us. The intricate designs, the material, the ability to look good on anyone. It bothers me that women and men here pay less attention to what’s their own just because there is a Zara outlet at the end of the street. But no, we just won’t stop. We shall never back down. We shall.. Make dhoti pants and jhodpuris and sarees that come in the form of shorts (what?). Because we will never stop loving what the city has to offer. Even if we don’t wear sarees everywhere, we sure as hell will incorporate at least a little Mumbai to whatever it is we have on.



Mumbai may still be the home of Vada Pavs, cutting chai and crowded (Understatement much?) trains. But some of us need to shop now. So, see you at Causeway?

Bombay : History of a City


Ancient yet modern, fabulously rich yet achingly poor.

Bombay, now known as Mumbai, is home to around 10 million people. It is a thriving cosmopolitan, multi-cultural city, and is the centre of India's entertainment industry.

The city of Bombay originally consisted of seven islands, namely Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga-Sion. This group of islands, which have since been joined together by a series of reclamations, formed part of the kingdom of Ashoka, the famous Emperor of India.

In 1534 AD, the Portuguese rulers took Bombay islands by force from the Muslim rulers. The Portuguese built forts at Sion, Bandra, Mahim and Bassien which are still standing. They named the city as “Bom Baia” which in Portuguese means “Good Bay”. The Portuguese could not find any use for them and in 1661 the island of Bombay was given to Charles 11 of England as part of the dowry when he got married to Catherine of Braganza, sister of the Portuguese king.

A few years later Charles 11 took possession of the remaining islands. In 1668,the East India Company a trading company based in Surat (Gujarat), took over on lease the island of Bombay due to its strategic location and port advantage, Bombay soon became an important trading port. Development and reclamation started and the then Governor Gerald Aungier (1672-1677) encouraged business men from all over to come and settle. Historians have given him the title of "Father of Bombay" because it was in this period Bombay boomed to become a prime commercial centre..

The Zorastrian Parsis were the first to arrive and settle and build their first tower of silence in 1675. Many streets are named after successful Parsi businessmen, industrialist and philanthropists. In 1687 the presidency of the East India Company shifted from Surat to Bombay and finally in 1708 Bombay became it’s headquarter. By the 18th century the population had grown and basic amenities and public services introduced like piped water supply, Hospitals, Railways ,Tramcars, Courts , Mint, etc. The Victoria Terminus Railway Station was made in 1887..

When India became Independent in 1947 Bombay became the capital of Bombay state. In 1960 Bombay state was dissolved and the state of Maharashtra came into being, with Bombay as its state capital.In 1995 Bombay changed its name to Mumbai. The name Mumbai is derived from "Mumbadevi" the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folks, the earliest known inhabitants.



Ek Vada Pav Cutting Chai...

Vada Pav, the common man's McVeggie.

 There isn't a single street in Mumbai where you wont find a vendor selling Vada Pav. If you don't, then the street hasn't ended.


 Vada Pav is a dish that has been associated with Aamchi Mumbai since the early 70's. The Vada Pav is a vegetarian dish where the filling of the 
vada is made of boiled potatoes and Indian spices, and is sandwiched between a Pav- the Indian bread, or bun. It is served with a combination of sweet and dry chutney with green chillies.


 Vada Pav was supposedly first made by Ashok Vaidya, a snack vendor, outside Dadar Station- one of the most populated stations in Mumbai. It was started as the cheapest form of meal for people belonging to the lower income group; but due to it's taste, the dish gained so much of popularity that even sophisticated hotels started serving it (at a higher price, ofcourse :P) Vada Pav is the Indian version of a Burger and is one of the most loved fast food items available on the streets of Mumbai. Throughout the years, the dish has retained it's charm and taste as an evergreen dish, and many people have it for breakfast, lunch or even dinner.


 Nowadays, there are many variations to the Vada Pav, like the Cheese Vada Pav- which has cheese added to it. The Schezwan Vada Pav- where the Chutney gets replaced with Schezwan sauce. The Jain Vada Pav- which doesn't contain onions, and so on and so forth.


 Even though it's practically fast food, it is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fat, dietary fibre and iron. 

 Judging by the close bond that Mumbaikars share with the Vada Pav, we HAD to incorporate this dish into a roll- call! And I would like to sign off by  yelling (with all the pride I have on being a Mumbaikar and a part of this Local Committee)

EK VADA PAV CUTTING CHAI...AIESEC MUMBAI!!


Bollywood

Songs & Dance, Love Triangles, Comedy & Dare devil thrills, gorgeous heroines in chiffon sarees, actor who can fight the villain all by himself are all mixed up in a three hour extravagant, Bollywood Movie.

Bollywood is the largest film producer in India & one of the largest centres of film production in the world. This year Bollywood celebrates its 100 years in Hindi Cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwariya Rai, Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan, Hritik Roshan, KareenaKapoor, Ranbir Kapoor are few of the stars. Bollywood have been nominated & awarded at International Film Festivals & Oscars & having their wax statues at Madame Tussauds.

Ek thaTiger, Krissh, Dhoom2, Cocktail, 3 Idiots, Zindagi Naa Milegi dobara, Agneepath, Rockstar are few of the hit Bollywood Movies. Over 1000 hindi movies are made every year.

Many of the Bollywood movies have been premiered in Dubai, New York, Dubai, Germany. Bollywood is also being recognized in countries like China, Japan, Morocco, Muscat.



The Face of Bollywood, The Face of India across the globe, who is referred as the King of Bollywood yes you got it right, is none other than, SHAHRUKH KHAN.

Shakira’s Dream Man, Akon’s Drinking Buddy, Edward Maya’s inspiration, David Beckham, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt’s Dubai neighbour, Ronaldo’s best playing partner, Tom Cruise’s Favourite Actor.



SHAHRUKH KHAN with SHAKIRA
He is a modern day God. On streets in India, his posters are sold alongside those of religious deities. Shrines have been erected in his name at Hong Kong, New York, Paris.

Millions gather outside his sea facing Bungalow to get a glimpse of the actor. According to the survey by BBC, Shahrukh Khan is the most famous actor in the world & second most famous person in the world after Michael Jackson, having the biggest fan following n the world. He is the only Indian to be honoured by the UNESCO for his charitable & social commitments.

Over 2 decades & 70 films he has straddled Bollywood like a Colossus.
This middle class Delhi Boy has become one of the biggest stars in the biggest film industry in the world, is a Legend.
From his movies, My Name Is Khan, Don2, sci-fi Superhero flick Ra.One, Om Shanti Om, Kuch Kuch Hota HAi, Jab Tak HAi Jaan, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna , Kal Ho Naa Ho, Rab Ne bana Di Jodi, Veer Zaara, devdas, not only ruled the Indian Box Office but also did a business of over 15 million dollars overseas to giving lectures to students at Yale University & Harvard University on Arts, Literature & Economics. His movie Dilwale dulhaniya le jayenge is the longest running movie in Bollywood, 20 years & still running. They say, only Shahrukh Khan sells in Bollywood.




Fans gather outside MANNAT to wish the star on his Birthday



So when he flicks away cigarette butts people pick them up as souvenirs.
Happy Birthday Bollywood, You are Hundred and still looking good...

Festivals of Mumbai


Mumbai is one of the most culturally diverse cities of India. The city packs a lot of action all through the year in terms of art, literature, music and sports.


Here are just Some of the fun filled events that the city plays a host to!


* Indian Premier League – IPL



Cricket is much more than a game in India. It’s a religion.
IPL is a world class show case of a shorter form of this game – Twenty20. It is also “India’s richest cricket tournament”.
The involvement of many film stars makes it the most glamorous also!
IPL consists of 9 teams representing 9 major cities of the country. It is loved by the youth because of the fast pace of the game. This ensures packed stadiums for all the matches.
This hugely successful initiative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India – BCCI, has already completed 5 years and is in its sixth year currently. The action starts on 3rd April!

* The Kabir Festival




ShabnamVirmani is a documentary film maker who started the Kabir Project. She travels the world with a group of folk singers and spreads the message of Kabir through his music.
The Kabir Festival, started in 2011, is platform for various folk artists to display their art. It’s a 3 day festival with song and dance events and also story telling session for young children to foster awareness about the teachings of Kabir.
The Kabir community of Mumbai was formed in 2012. Its an informal group of people who volunteer for the festival related tasks. The Festival takes place in the first week of March.

* Elephanta Festival


The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation – MTDC, organizes this musical retreat every year.
The motto of this festival is to promote Indian Heritage through music and art. They organize painting competition in association with reputed art schools in the city like J. J. School of Art.
The festival sees various international artists perform but the core is to promote Indian Culture. It’s a 2 day event at the world heritage site, Elephanta Caves.
This puts the Elephanta festival on the international tourism map.

* Banganga Festival



Started in 1992, the Banganga festival is organized by the MTDC and the Indian Heritage Society, Mumbai. It is celebrated over 2 days at the Malabar Hill in Mumbai.
This festival celebrates the legend of Lord Ram. It is believed that he shot an arrow “bana” in the sky and the Walkeshwar Temple was blessed with the holy water of the river Ganga.
It’s a musical festival in the 3nd week of January.

* Mumbai International Film Festival



The Mumbai International Film Festival is organized in Mumbai every year by Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image – MAMI. It is a week long festival Many national and international stalwarts of the film industry are associated with this festival.
The 14th Mumbai Film Festival held in October 2012 showcased 230 films over 5 venues spread through out the city.