• Directorate of Tourism (DoT), Govt of Maharashtra :City’s biggest festival, Mumbai Festival 2024, begins with high action Maha Mumbai Expo @ MMRDA being opened by Hon’ble Minister of Tourism at 12 noon
• CM Eknath Shinde and Hon’ble DCM Devendra Fadnavis to inaugurate Mumbai Festival at Cross Maidan Gardens
• Mumbai’s Celebration of Culture and Diversity takes off as People’s fest
• Immerse Yourself in the Cultural Kaleidoscope: Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra Unveils Annual Mumbai Festival, Uniting Communities and Showcasing the State’s Timeless Heritage

MUMBAI, 19 JANUARY, 2024 (GPN): Today, the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, begins one of Mumbai’s most anticipated celebrations – The Mumbai Festival 2024, with a spectacular opening ceremony at Cross Maidan. The opening ceremony unfolds a mesmerizing journey through Mumbai’s rich heritage, sharing a breathtaking experience and setting the tone for a unique cultural extravaganza.

The Mumbai Festival Opening Ceremony, being jointly hosted with Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, is being graced by prominent dignitaries, emphasizing the importance of the event in Mumbai’s cultural calendar. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Rural Development, Shri Girish Mahajan, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee will be in attendance.

Among the esteemed dignitaries present on the occasion will be Dr Nitin Kareer, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra; Smt. Jayashree Bhoj, Secretary Tourism, Government of Maharashtra; and Dr. BN Patil, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and several of the city’s elite and film fraternity.

Speaking with excitement about the Festival, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Girish Mahajan said, “The festival starting today has many events, seamlessly blending art, culture, sports, fashion, and more into an unforgettable experience. With everything from captivating cultural exhibitions to thrilling musical festivities, our varied line-up during these nine days ensures an entertaining experience. As we open the doors to the Mumbai Festival, I warmly invite fellow Indians and Mumbaikars to immerse themselves in a unique celebration that defies convention. Embrace the essence of Mumbai through these activities, and join us as we craft unforgettable memories that resonate with the vibrant heartbeat of our metropolis. Mumbai Festival awaits you to embark on an incredible journey through the dynamic pulse of our culture.”

The festival’s Opening Ceremony at the Cross Maidan Gardens is headlined by Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Sachin Khedekar, Adinath Kothare, Amey Wagh and Mini Mathur. Performances include a spectacular presentation of Maharashtra’s culture by Ashok Hande, performances by Nrityagram and a unique performance by table maestro Anuradha Pal with Kathak and lavani exponent Aditi Bhagwat and the boys of the Dharavi Dream Project.

Presented by the Department of Tourism, Govt of Maharashtra, the Mumbai Festival has Tata Power as its “Mumbai Partner” along with State Bank of India, ONGC, Bharat Petroleum, Areion Group, EaseMyTrip, Bisleri and Grand Hyatt as key partners. The United Nations India and Project Mumbai are sustainability partners for the festival. The Mumbai Festival’s inaugural edition is being curated and executed by Wizcraft Entertainment Agency, the country’s leaders in live events.

Expressing how the Mumbai Festival has grown into an exciting melange of culture, cinema, music, entertainment, movie and StartUp challenges, sports and shopping, Mr Anand Mahindra, Hon’ble Chairperson of the Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee said, “The Mumbai Festival that starts today promises 9 days of fun and festivities. It will see more than 50 events across the city, from the Gateway of India and Cross Maidan, to the MMRDA, Kandivali and Navi Mumbai. The festival is also going to reach different neighbour hoods and communities through music concerts that will pop up around the city.”

Opening ceremony performances include an invocation song by the talented Dr. Tushar Guha, a spirited Lezhim performance by Shraddha Vidhyalaya, and a soul-stirring Kathak performance by Sharvari Geminis. The Festival Theme Song, presented by the Naresh Kathak Troupe, echoed the vibrant spirit of Mumbai, capturing the essence of the city’s cultural marvel. Amidst these captivating acts, a unique moment illuminated the festival’s digital canvas—a digitally orchestrated symbolic and innovative lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the unity of diverse cultural expressions.

The Mumbai Festival is hosting a massive Mumbai Experience at the Maha Mumbai Expo set up at the MMRDA grounds in BKC. The Experience includes a curated food extravaganza “Taste of Mumbai”, game zone thrills, rare products, handicrafts, flea market experiences rolled in one. The highlights include multiple prizes that would be raffled everyday and headline performers across folk and popular music, dance, comedy, live cooking by master chefs and retail opportunities for retail therapy, workshops and games for children.

“Mumbai Festival 2024, a kaleidoscope of culture and art, beckons you to immerse in the vibrant spirit of our city. Join us in celebrating the essence of Mumbai’s heritage, where diversity meets creativity. Let this festival be a testament to our shared cultural pride and a global showcase of Mumbai’s magnificence,” said Smt. Jayshree Bhoj, Tourism Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, while inviting everyone to join hands to celebrate Mumbai.

“Mumbai Festival 2024 unfolds as a splendid tapestry of culture and heritage. Join us on this extraordinary journey, showcasing the soul of Mumbai through diverse artistic expressions. Let the festivities be a testament to unity, inviting all to revel in our city’s cultural richness,” said Dr. BN Patil, Director, Department of Tourism, Maharashtra.

The opening ceremony, titled “Rhythm of Mumbai,” presented the city’s heartbeat through dynamic performances by Dharavi Dream Project, renowned Anuradha Pal, and talented dancer Aditi Bhagwat. This representation resonated with the heart and soul that defines Mumbai.

The ceremony successfully engaged the audience with its diverse and immersive programs. As the celebration unfolds, Mumbai is poised to become a global cultural hub, showcasing its rich legacy and inviting the world to join in the celebrations.

About Mumbai Festival:
The Mumbai Festival from 20th January to 28th January 2024, in its inaugural edition, emerges as a grand celebration spanning nine days, taking center stage across diverse locations in the heart of Mumbai. With a mission to showcase the city’s cultural kaleidoscope, the festival brings together a tapestry of events, performances, and experiences. Spearheaded by the dynamic Mr. Anand Mahindra, serving as the Chairperson of the Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee, the cultural phenomena aims to capture the essence of Mumbai’s rich heritage and spirit. This festival promises to become an iconic annual celebration, uniting communities and celebrating the vibrant cultural mosaic that defines the city of Mumbai.

About Directorate of Tourism:
Directorate of Tourism, the flagship body of Maharashtra Tourism, looks after introducing and implementing various tourism schemes, promotions and publicity to boost tourism in the State. Since the inception of the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, the State has attained several milestones and bagged numerous accomplishments with the help of various initiatives.
Some of the highlights of the Maha Mumbai Expo 2024 include:
Food Extravaganza:
Discover Mumbai’s iconic street food at stalls like Mumbai Chowpatty, offering Bhelpuri, Panipuri, Gola, Kulfi, and ice cream. Immerse yourself in the diverse flavours of Fish preparations and chicken Mutton Thali, and experience the unique Mumbai-style Indo-Chinese cuisine by Sichuan Spice. Feast your senses with over 20 food stalls at the Mumbai Festival 2024, offering a culinary journey curated by GTC aptly named “Taste of Mumbai.” Indulge in iconic Mumbai delicacies at stalls such as Bademiya, Sichuan Spice by Whitelight, Marrakesh, Pratapjee’s, Fred Tea, Tibb’s Frankie, The Zanzaneet Eatery, Jimmy’s and more. Explore the rich flavours of traditional Maharashtrian savouries served contemporarily.

Game Zone Thrills:
Get ready for an immersive experience at the Game Zone with virtual reality games, bumper cars, airlifts, Columbia Boats, play areas, and traditional games like life-size Chaupar and Snakes & Ladders.

Retail Therapy:
Explore the Retail Zone for exciting offerings

Raffle Excitement:
Attendees collecting their bands at the box office will receive a card for a chance to win exciting prizes. Fill in your full name, phone number, and email address, and drop it in the raffle box. Keep an eye out for standees near the box office encouraging participation.

Daily Announcements and Prizes:
Daily winners of home electronics like Fridges, Washing machines, Ceiling fans, Blenders, microwaves, and more will be announced each day before the MC announces the finale act of the day. Mega prizes, including E-bikes, Holiday Packages, Mobile Phones, and Laptops, will be revealed on 26th Jan at the Expo and 28th Jan at the closing ceremony.

Join us for a feast, games, shopping, and the chance to win incredible prizes at the Mumbai Festival 2024!

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