The annual Mount Mary ‘Bandra’ fair in Mumbai to take place in September after 2 year hiatus

Mumbai: The annual Mount Mary fair, also known as Bandra Fair, will take place this year from September 11 to 18 after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic. One of the largest gatherings in the whole western suburbs, the week-long fair intended to commemorate Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, gathers people from all walks of life. Special religious services or Novenas are held prior to the start of the fair as well, and many pilgrims participate in them.

Tuesday saw a preliminary survey of the church and the area where traders set up their kiosks by BMC authorities and basilica staff. As the feast is being observed after a two-year hiatus, civic officials anticipate a higher turnout.

The event is still awaiting formal clearances, according to Vinayak Vispute, assistant municipal commissioner of H-West Ward.

Soon, a suggestion will be presented to higher authorities. Once we get authorization, we will arrange a joint meeting with all interested parties to discuss the auctioning of booths as well as BEST, the fire department, local police, and traffic police, according to Vispute. No unauthorised intrusions, he said, will be tolerated. All dos and don'ts outlined in the court's rules shall be followed.

In order for devotees to disembark closer to the location, mini BEST buses are likely to be employed to transport them.

Although Covid instances have decreased, pilgrims will be advised to wear masks and sanitise their hands, said to Asif Zakaria, a former Congress corporator from Bandra who participated in Tuesday's joint inspection. “The BMC is also considering setting up a vaccination booth for interested visitors. I have written to the BMC requesting that additional budgetary allocation made should be used for smooth conduct of the fair,” he said.