Mount Mary Fair 2026 Begins September 4 in Bandra

The Mount Mary Fair 2026, one of Mumbai's most anticipated annual traditions, is set to begin on September 4 with the traditional nine-day Novena. The celebrations, held in honour of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will draw thousands of devotees to Bandra's Mount Mary Basilica.

The Novena, a period of prayer and devotion, will be held from September 4 to September 12, followed by the grand feast on September 13. The main feast will be celebrated on the first Sunday after September 8, which marks the Nativity of Mary.

During the Novena, morning Masses will be held at 5:30 am, 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 8:30 am, and 9:30 am on regular weekdays. Evening services will be held at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm. The schedule will be slightly expanded on Sunday, September 6, and Tuesday, September 8, with additional morning services.

On the feast day, September 13, morning Masses will be held from 5:30 am to 10:30 am, with services at hourly intervals. The Feast Mass will take place at 11:30 am, followed by the last Mass at 12:30 pm.

The religious observances will continue for another week after the feast as part of the Octave celebrations. From Monday, September 14, to Saturday, September 19, Masses will be held at 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am. There will be no evening Masses during this period.

The celebrations will conclude with Octave Sunday on September 20. Masses will be held at 5:30 am, 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 8:30 am, 9:30 am, and 10:30 am, followed by the Feast Mass at 11:30 am and the last Mass at 12:30 pm.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, parking and halting restrictions will be in place on several roads in Bandra, including Mount Mary Road, Pereira Road, and Hill Road, among others. Vehicles will not be allowed to park or halt on these roads between 6 am and 11 pm throughout the fair, except for immediate pick-up or drop-off of passengers.

The Mount Mary Fair 2026 is expected to attract not only devotees but also visitors from different faiths who come to experience the festive atmosphere around the iconic church. The fair marks the beginning of the popular Bandra Fair, which showcases the city's cultural and religious diversity.

The Mount Mary Basilica has been a significant landmark in Mumbai for centuries, and the annual fair is an important part of the city's cultural heritage. The fair is a testament to the city's rich history and its ability to bring people together from different backgrounds and faiths.

In conclusion, the Mount Mary Fair 2026 is a significant event in Mumbai's cultural calendar, and it is expected to attract thousands of devotees and visitors from across the city and beyond. The fair is a celebration of the city's diversity and its rich cultural heritage, and it is an important part of the city's annual traditions.