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Festivals
Mumbai, like the other metro cities, is home to all communities, and they celebrate all the major festivals of India.
Makar Sankranti (January 14), marks the beginning of the sun's movement northwards. Witness ruthless kite duels at Chowpatty Beach.
Holi, in February/March, the festival of colour, is celebrated with much exuberance. It marks the end of winter. Water balloons and coloured powder are thrown around with reckless abandon.
Gudi Padava, in March/April, is the start of the Maharashtrian New Year. It is marked by the erection of gudis (bamboo sticks) decorated with colourful cloth and topped with an upturned drinking vessel.
Dussehra/Navratri, in September/October, is a nine-day festival that celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. The nine days are marked with prayers and garba dancing, and on the final day, an effigy of Ravana is burnt.
Diwali, in October/November, is the festival of lights that celebrates Lord Rama's return home from exile. Decorative oil lamps are lit at night. The third day of Diwali is Lakshmi's (the Hindi goddess of prosperity) big day and this is traditionally the beginning of the new financial year. Plenty of fireworks light up the sky!
Christmas, December 25, and New Year's Eve, December 31, are celebrated in much the same fashion as they are in any of the world's big cities.
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