Mumbai is mlange of fashion and festivity, where the epitome of the glitz, the glam and the mighty rub shoulders with the down-and-outs of society. The home of Indias entertainment industry elite, theres never really a dull moment round and about the city; the hearts of its cosmopolitan hodgepodge are always stirred, always anticipating the next big thing.
The Banganga Festival is a one of the many annual cultural festivals that has the city agog with excitement of recent years. Organized by the Tourism Corporation of the state of Maharashtra, the Banganga Festival is a celebration of the finest maestros in Indian classical music.
This festival is thus named because it is traditionally held in the scenic banks of the Banganga tank, a gorge that lies beside the famous Walkeshwar temple, high upon the majestic hills of Malabar in South Mumbai. The construction of both the temple and the tank are credited to the Silhara rulers who ruled over Bombay from the 9th to 13th century.
Legends trace the origins of the temple and tank back to the time the Ramayana; the temple is said to house a Shiva linga bought over from Benaras by Lord Lakshmana himself, while the gorge is said to have emerged after Lord Shiva pierced the land with an arrow, making water spout forth.
Now, two days each year out of the month of January, the holy waters of the Banganga reflect the brightly illumined festival arena and ornately garlanded. The atmosphere becomes charged with excitement as thousands of classical music lovers from all over India congregate here as one to be wooed and entranced by the skilful music of the traditional masters. The event draws big name artists from every sphere, not to mention other prominent dignitaries and celebrities, making it one of the star-studded events of the Mumbai calendar.
Travellers staying in Mumbai over the month of January should make an effort not to miss this much-anticipated event. This and a myriad of other festivities take place in the city of Mumbai, true to its reputation as a happening place that likes to keep the spirit of celebration alive. Those who stay at centralized
Mumbai hotels can get the full benefit of these events.The Leela Kempinsky Mumbai is one of the leading
Mumbai luxury hotels tucked away in an oasis of beautiful seclusion at the heart of the citys business and entertainment district. Within easy reach of both the domestic and international airports, the hotel is one of the prime accommodation choices for visitors to Mumbai.
