Venue: Elephanta Islands, near Mumbai
(Maharashtra)
Time: February
Highlights: Brilliant performances by accomplished artists of
the country and the folk artists of the island
The Elephanta Festival is celebrated every year in the month of
February, on the Elephanta Island. The island is situated at a distance
of approximately 10 km from the Mumbai harbor. The Elephanta Islands are
renowned for an ancient shrine of Lord Shiva, which was unearthed
somewhere around the 6th century. Initially, the cave shrine was known
as Gharapuri, meaning the peaceful abode of Lord Shiva. However, with
the arrival of the Portuguese, the caves got renamed as the 'Elephanta
Caves', after the carved elephant sited on the island.
The magnificent cave shrine of Lord Shiva stands ornamented with huge
pillars. Along with that, there are nine marvelously sculptured panels,
which portray the changing moods of the deity. A magical interplay of
light and shade falling on the sculptures make them look even much more
mystic. The main cave of the idol is adorned with a huge illuminated
Maheshmurti (Shiva Idol). During the Elephanta Music & Dance
Festival, the entire islands turns into a large auditorium, where
accomplished musicians as well as dancers from all over the country come
and perform.
Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC),
Elephanta Music & Dance Festival serves as a major attraction for
the local population of Mumbai as well as the neighboring cities. At the
same time, domestic as well as international tourists coming to the city
make it point to attend this festival. Along with the performances of
the acclaimed artists, the festival is also quite popular for the folk
dances by the local fishermen. Anyone attending the Elephanta Festival
must taste the ethnic local food served there.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport of Mumbai has both domestic and
international terminals
By Road: Mumbai railway station falls the nearest to the
Elephanta Caves
By Water: Ferry rides are easily available from the Gateway of
India, Mumbai.
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Dances of India |
