Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Mumbai Prepares for Week of Onam, Eid-e-Milad and Festivals
Mumbai is getting ready for several festivals in the same week.
Malayalis will celebrate Onam with flowers, new clothes and a large vegetarian meal called Sadhya.
Onam celebrates prosperity, unity and the harvest season.
Muslims will observe Eid-e-Milad with city processions.
South Indian Brahmin communities will perform Yajur Upakarma, a ritual involving the replacement of a sacred thread.
On Friday, brothers and sisters will celebrate Raksha Bandhan by exchanging Rakhis, sweets and gifts.
The Koli fishing community will celebrate Narali Purnima by offering coconuts to the sea.
These celebrations show how different communities share Mumbai’s festive calendar.
Mumbai communities will celebrate Onam, Eid-e-Milad, Yajur Upakarma, Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima during one festive week.
Malayalis will mark Onam on Wednesday with temple visits, floral pookalams, cultural programmes and traditional Onam Sadhya.
Muslims will observe Eid-e-Milad on Wednesday, with processions planned across Mumbai to mark Prophet Mohammad’s birthday.
Yajur Upakarma will be observed Thursday, followed by Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima on Friday.
The Koli community will offer coconuts to the sea during Narali Purnima, while Mumbai restaurants will serve Onam meals.
- Who
- Malayali, Muslim, South Indian Brahmin and Koli communities, along with families across Mumbai.
- What
- A week of celebrations including Onam, Eid-e-Milad, Yajur Upakarma, Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima.
- When
- Onam and Eid-e-Milad are on Wednesday; Yajur Upakarma is on Thursday; Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima are on Friday.
- Where
- Across Mumbai, including temples, homes, cultural venues, restaurants and the seaside.
- Why
- The festivals mark religious observances, cultural traditions, family bonds, the harvest season and prayers for safety and prosperity.
- Onam
- Malayalis will mark the culmination of Kerala’s 10-day festival on Wednesday.
- Onam Sadhya
- A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf; Mani’s Lunch Home in Chembur plans to serve 16 dishes.
- Eid-e-Milad
- Muslims will mark Prophet Mohammad’s birthday with processions across Mumbai.
- Yajur Upakarma
- A Thursday ritual in which South Indian Brahmin men replace their sacred thread.
- Raksha Bandhan
- A Friday festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters through Rakhis, sweets and gifts.
- Narali Purnima
- The Koli community’s Coconut Day, featuring offerings to the sea and prayers for safety and prosperity.
- Cultural programme
- The Borivali Malayali Samajam held a Kaikottikali competition from August 22 to 25, involving 10 groups.