While September set the tone for what’s arguably Mumbai’s most festive annual quarter, things have really kicked off in October. India’s festive season started with the grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, and now, the city is all set for Navratri, Durga Pujo, Dussehra and, of course, Halloween. This is the month when your things-to-do calendar is about to get packed with Garba nights, Pujo pandal hopping and plenty of festive food.
Beyond the festivities, Mumbai has plenty more on the calendar, from music gigs and art exhibitions to food festivals and creative events. Falguni Pathak is set to return for nine Garba nights this Navratri, bringing her bangers to the stage, while Gippy Grewal will bring his Punjabi hits live. Berlin’s Habibi Funk is also coming to the city, bringing North African and Middle Eastern beats to the dance floor.
If theatre is more your thing, catch Traasadi by Manav Kaul at NCPA. Art lovers can wander through The Eternal Within, a solo exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, or check out Satish Gujral’s The Modernist Returns at the National Gallery of Modern Art. Meanwhile, Indian Film Project is back in Mumbai for its 16th edition, bringing filmmakers, actors, podcasters, creators and curious minds together for workshops, panel discussions and live performances celebrating art and literature.
And, of course, no Mumbai calendar is complete without food and drink. This month brings the Bali Food Festival by Tipsy Tiger, as well as SALT, a two-day celebration of homegrown F&B brands, artisanal cheese and plenty of gourmet treats under one roof. So whether your idea of a good time involves an art gallery, a dance floor or a creative conclave, it’s time to gather your friends and finally turn those WhatsApp group plans into actual plans.
Here’s everything happening across Mumbai this October.
