The Mount Mary Feast is a significant festival, celebrated by the Christian community in Mumbai. The weeklong festival takes place in September every year. Mount Mary Feast 2024 begins on September 8. The Mount Mary Feast is more popularly known as the Bandra Fair. The festival celebrates the birth of the virgin Mother Mary, who was the mother of Jesus Christ. It is believed that she was born on September 8. The Mount Mary Feast is held every year at the Mount Mary Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, which is located in Bandra, Mumbai. The festival is marked by prayers, songs, and worship. The feast is celebrated with the Bandra fair, a vibrant, colourful, grand, and lively affair, that results in bustling streets. Large crowds turn up at the fair and the basilica, which is considered to be one of the holiest places for Christians. Devotees offer their prayers to Mother Mary during this time. Here’s all you need to know about Mount Mary Feast 2024. Mount Mary Festival 2024: From Date to Time and Mass Schedule, Here's All You Need to Know About Bandra Fair of Mount Mary Church in Mumbai.

Mount Mary Feast 2024 Date

The weeklong Mount Mary Feast, also known as Bandra Fair 2024 begins on September 8 and concludes on September 15.

Mount Mary Feast History

According to legends, the celebrations started after the Koli Christian fishermen found a statue of the virgin Mother Mary floating in the Arabian Sea between 1700 and 1760. It is believed that the Koli fishermen had seen this dream before the incident occurred. Historians state that the history of the Basilica dates back to 1570 AD. The chapel is believed to have been constructed by Portuguese priests. They are officially credited for bringing the statue of Mother Mary to the church. It was initially built as a small chapel on the hill. However, the 'Our Lady of Navigators was replaced with the old statue in 1700 AD. The church was also rebuilt and refurbished in 1761 AD and, with time, evolved into the magnificent structure it is today. The old statue is also worshipped even after the restoration of the church. The local Koli community very fondly calls the statute ‘Moti Mauli,’ which means Pearl Mother.

People of all religions have utmost faith in the idol and it is believed that worshipping the idol with pure devotion leads to answered prayers. According to historians, the fair, which today includes street performances, sweets, amusement rides, games, and concerts, was likely very much part of the church’s history right from the start. It is believed that the celebrations began as a small feast that celebrated Mother Mary’s birthday and gradually evolved into a bigger fair.

Feast Day 2024 Timings

On September 8, the morning masses will be held at 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 10:30 AM. The main feast mass will be held at 11:30AM. The last mass will be held at 12:30 PM. There will be no evening masses.

Mount Mary Feast Significance

The festival is very significant not only to Christians but to people of all faiths. The basilica houses the revered statue of Our Lady of Navigators. The statue is believed to have miraculous powers. Hence, Christians and people of all faiths throng to the basilica during the festival to offer their prayers and worship Mother Mary. Mount Mary Festival: Know Date, Time And Significance Of The Bandra Fair In Mumbai.

We hope the blessed virgin Mother Mary blesses everyone with prosperity and happiness. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and blessed Mount Mary Feast 2024!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2024 12:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).