Elephanta Festival celebrated in the month of February, is a grand festival held on the Elephanta Islands in Mumbai. The distance between the island and the Mumbai Harbor is approximately 10 km. The main features of this festival are its grant events and programs, where renowned folk artists and performers of India, showcase their talents. The festival is marked with a lot of zest and enthusiasm. The people of Maharashtra and of nearby town and cities flock to the city of Mumbai, to watch and enjoy the excellent music and dance performances.
Mumbai's Elephanta festival is coordinated by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. During the festival, the island becomes a huge ground for performing arts, almost like an auditorium. Gala performances of various folk artists coming from different corners of India can be enjoyed, sitting under the clear blue sky. The folk songs and dances of the local fishermen are quite popular among the Mumbai people and calls audiences from far and wide.
The Elephanta caves on this island dates back to the
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6th century that is when the shrine of Lord Shiva was excavated. Initially, the shrines of the cave were known by the name of Gharapuri, which implied the Lord Shiva's abode. Later on, the Portuguese renamed the caves as Elephanta caves, after the massive stone elephant was excavated on this island.
During the Elephanta Festival celebrations, the whole island is illuminated. Visitors can see the brightly lit idols of Lord Shiva on the main cave. For the ardent lovers of art, this festival is an awaited event every year. It is not only the local people, but even tourists come to the island to enjoy the colors of the festivals. Besides good music and dance, the visitors can also taste good food during the course of the event. Another important part of the festival is the boat ride, which can be enjoyed between the Gateway of India and the Island.
To attend the Elephanta Festival, one can travel by air, water or rail. Ferry rides from the gateway of India can be availed by the tourists. Mumbai Railway station is located at a nearby distance from the Elephanta Caves. Tourists can also hire a taxi to the Elephanta Caves after arriving at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
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