When is THE ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL?

navinkurian2002

Hi Guys

What is the exact date when the THE ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL is going to be held in Feb?

Place : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Time : February
Venue : Elephanta Islands
Significance : Dance & Music Festival

Elephanta, a small island 10kms away from the Mumbai harbour, is a favoured destination for culture lovers during the festival held in February. The Elephanta island is known for its great cave shrine, excavated in the 6th century. Elephanta caves, earlier known as Gharapuri, is the tranquil abode of Lord Shiva. This land was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese, after the majestic carved elephant on this island.

The temple here has large pillars and nine marvelous sculptured panels, set on the wall which are awe-inspiring. The sculptures display the changing moods of Lord Shiva, with the magical interplay of light and shade intensifying the overall effect.

The festival of Music and Dance is organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The main highlights of the festival is the illuminated Maheshmurti (Shiva-idol), in the main cave of the island. Folk dances by the local fisher folk, ethnic local food varieties add to the ambiance.

During the festival renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves, beneath a star-studded sky, to a select and appreciative audience. Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for visitors.

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aadil

This year it is on the 11th and 12th of February. The programme is not yet finalised but I heard it is the Koli fisherfolk dances, not sure what the music is going to be. Hope they announce it soon. There will be advertisements in the local newspapers and the prices are usually about Rs300 per day including the ferry charges. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Aadil.

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navinkurian2002

Hi Aadil !!

Thanks for the info . I went for the festival 2 years ago and want to go this time . But you know I have plan leaves so wanted to know which days I would need to apply for leaves.

Cheers
Navin

aadil

Hi Navin,

So we have a clash with the Mumbai IM meeting on the 11th as well!!! Or should we change the venue to the Elephanta Festival for a better response?!!! Now that will be some meeting place for a change!!!

Cheers,
Aadil.

navinkurian2002

Hey Aadil

Guess you are right 9as always about the tentative dates)
http://www.webindia123.com/festival/cale.htm
http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in..._Festival.html

I went for the konkan food festival at the Versova Koliwada . The fired fish and carb was awesome .Ill upload the pics soon .

Your suggestion for the meetup sounds good .Anyways im going to apply for leave hope they approve it .

Cheers
Navin

aadil

Yes, I did hear that it was good too although I could not make it there as I was alone!!! And about the meeting I don't know if everyone would be game to shifting the venue often though there is still enough time to change all the posts where it has already been anounced on other websites as well. Also it would be a slightly expensive affair for some as well as getting tickets at the last minute may not be possible if the show is booked totally as we may expect some last minute arrivals to join us for the meeting without previous notice.

Cheers,
Aadil.

navinkurian2002

Hi Aadil

Where are you getting the tickets for the Elephanta festival and how much are they for ?

Thanks
Navin

aadil

Hi Navin,

I think they are for Rs300 per day and they are available at any of the MTDC counters either at Apollo Bunder, Dadar, the head office at Nariman Point near Mantralaya opposite the Air India building. I will check out the tickets today if I get a chance to go there. Will keep you informed too.

Cheers,
Aadil.