The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, more commonly known as Mount Mary, is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Mumbai, India.
The church is one of the most visited churches in the city located in the suburb of Bandra. Every September, the feast of St. Mary is celebrated on the Sunday following 8 September, the birthday of the Virgin Mary. This is a week long celebration known as the Bandra Fair and is visited by thousands of people.
The church stands on a hillock about 80 metres above sea level overlooking the Arabian Sea. It draws lakhs of devotees and pilgrims annually. Many faithful attest to the miraculous powers of St. Mary.
During the Bandra Fair, tens of thousands visit the shrine. The shrine attracts people from all faiths who pray to the statue for thanksgiving or requesting of favors.
In 1760, the church was rebuilt and the statue was substituted with a statue of Our Lady of Navigators in St. Andrew’s church nearby.
This statue has an interesting legend. It goes that a Koli fisherman dreamt that he would find a statue in the sea. The statue was found floating in the sea between 1700 and 1760. A Jesuit Annual Letter dated to 1669 and published in the book St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra (1616–1966) supports this claim.
The Bandra Fair 2009
This is the most awaited event of the year is come up. Popularly known as the Bandra Fair, the festival is celebrated on Mother Mary’s birth anniversary and people of all faiths throng to seek her blessing.
The streets take on a carnival-like atmosphere, with shops and mini-bazaars offering everything from food (yummy), shopping opportunities (@ good prices) and joyrides (super enjoyment).
Street plays, musical concerts, book readings and food festivals also become a part of the celebrations.
The fair start this Sunday, so don’t leave this opportunity to visit the MOUNT FEST.
From 13th Sunday 2009 to 20th Sunday 2009
Enjoy!! 😉
Dear Austin
I Visit every year to this Church and there is a Mount Mary Fair held every year.
All People irrespective of religions viz Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs visit the Holy Shrine and accept blessings from Mother Mary. It is indeed true that all wishes made to Mother Mary get fulfilled.
Thanks & Regards,
Prashant S Akerkar
True, all my friends from different castes and religions ask me directions and what goes on in the church and the fair. It’s really great to see ppl who are open to all these things.
Dear Austin
Thank you.
God Bless you and all.
Thanks & Regards,
Prashant S Akerkar
I saw your internet site via yahoo the other day and absolutely love it. Carry on the great work.
Thanks mate and don’t worry i will do what i do best i.e. “blogging!!!”
Nice post. 🙂
hi jus was surfing tru mount mary sites so cme across vryvhappy 2 c it tc
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