States » WestPosted at: Nov 14 2026 9:55PM


Mumbai Gears Up For Chhath Festivities; Seven Waterfront Locations Draw Devotees

Mumbai, Nov 14 (UNI) The banks of lakes and stretches of coastline across Mumbai are witnessing a surge in religious activity as members of the North Indian community observe Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.
The four-day observance, which started on November 13, will conclude on November 16 with devotees completing the final morning rituals. The festival, traditionally associated with Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, has established a strong presence in Mumbai, where thousands of families participate in the celebrations every year.
Unlike many other religious festivals, Chhath involves elaborate rituals performed in and around water bodies. Devotees observe fasting, maintain religious discipline and offer Arghya to the setting Sun, followed by prayers to the rising Sun on the concluding morning.
Several waterfront locations in Mumbai have become established venues for these ceremonies, attracting families from different neighbourhoods.
Juhu Beach has remained a major centre of Chhath celebrations for more than 20 years. Large numbers of devotees visit the beach to perform the traditional offerings, particularly during the evening and morning worship. The coastline witnesses devotional chanting, religious songs and the lighting of earthen lamps as families gather for the ceremonies. Arrangements such as barricades, lighting and crowd management are undertaken to facilitate the event.
Girgaon Chowpatty, known for its association with major religious gatherings, also receives devotees during the festival. Its proximity to Charni Road railway station makes it accessible to families from several parts of South Mumbai. The beach becomes a meeting point for worshippers who carry traditional offerings and perform prayers facing the sea.
Further north, Dadar Chowpatty attracts devotees who prefer to observe the festival along the Arabian Sea. Families assemble with fruits, traditional offerings and other ritual materials, creating an atmosphere marked by religious songs and collective worship.
Sion Talab holds particular importance for residents of Sion and Chunabhatti. The water body has served as a regular venue for Chhath rituals, especially among families whose ancestral connections lie in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Local community organisations also participate in coordinating the celebrations and making arrangements for worshippers.
Versova Beach in Andheri has become another significant venue, with its broad coastline accommodating large gatherings. Devotees assemble during sunset for the first major offering to the Sun, while the following morning brings another round of prayers as the festival approaches its conclusion.
For those seeking a setting away from the crowded seafront, Powai Lake provides an alternative location. Its surroundings offer a different atmosphere for the religious observance, with devotees gathering along the waterfront. The sight of illuminated diyas on the water during evening prayers adds to the visual appeal of the celebrations. Community groups also arrange collective prayers and cultural activities.
Aksa Beach in Malad is another location where families assemble to observe the festival. Compared with some of the more prominent celebration venues, it offers a relatively quieter environment for devotees wishing to perform the rituals along the coastline.
The spread of Chhath Puja across these locations illustrates the festival's growing significance beyond its traditional geographical base. For Mumbai's migrant families, the annual observance is also an opportunity to preserve ancestral customs, strengthen community bonds and pass religious traditions on to younger generations.
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