‘September in Bandra’ is the most awaited time of the year, where fun and frolic is at its fullest. Lakhs of people throng the ‘Bandra Fair’ with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. It is the festive season that truly graces Bandra with a marvellous history and with an astounding recognition all round the world.
As legend goes, the now venerated ‘Statue of Our Mother Mary’ had been found floating in the Arabian Sea between 1700 and 1760 A.D. Locals who believed that this was a miracle began celebrating this occasion annually ever since. To summarise – the Bandra Fair has approx. a 300-year storyline to it.
What makes the Bandra Fair so special? It is its ability to attract devotees & pilgrims of all faiths. Both the young and the old, the rich and the poor enjoy this fiesta without any restrictions. Ardent devotees flock to the Mount Mary’s Basilica to place their petitions and thanksgiving with faith, so that Our Dear Mother will intercede for them relentlessly. The Novenas and the Eucharistic services here imbibe spirituality and harmony in everyone.
The ambience at the Mount is so magnificent and exquisite that no one can ever deny the fact that Our Mother is present there, advocating on our behalf. Just a look at Our Mother’s face and the Infant Jesus in Her loving arms is enough to touch our troubled souls and console us with Her motherly care. Mary constantly beckons us affectionately. Family and friends, irrespective of their differences go up the long winding stairs which lead to the Basilica and return invariably hand-in-hand with the assurance and the blessings that Our Gentle Mother offers them. Truly, “All Gen-erations will call Mary Blessed!!
Besides this religious atmosphere, the Bandra Fair is a socio-cultural mixture.
This rejuvenates sad and weary faces, instilling in them the need to participate wholeheartedly in the celebration of Mother Mary’s birthday. Right from the Basilica to the fondly nicknamed ‘September Garden’, stalls with mouth-watering delicacies and sweets, goodies and toys for kids and various other miscellaneous items are patronised by one and all. Thrilling rides at various spots in this fair adds to the enjoyment.
Even though there is a lot of perspiration, the inspiration in the minds of the people still remains strong. The best thing to admire about this awaited fiesta is that everyday is a novel experience for one to cherish and savour to their heart’s content. So come on Bandra – it’s our very own ‘Bandra Fair’ that always will stand out in it’s splendour to create a melodious haven of serenity, happiness, peace, love and hope to all who believe in this eternal blissful ‘magical’ fest.
September brings to all good hope,
Joy mystically radiates on ev’ry road!
Mary helps us always, our trials to cope..
In Her memory, the Bandra Fair will ne’er erode!
