By now, most of you have probably heard, or heard again and again, what Diwali in Mumbai is and why it is celebrated. Even when I guide tourists and first-time visitors to India, most of them already know the basics of Deepavali.
What we often leave behind are the small things. There are places that are known for Diwali, and we forget to visit them. Their importance can be explained to people like us, but I also want to guide our foreign tourists properly today. As an Indian, you are warmly welcome here.
Diwali in Mumbai
Diwali, or Deepawali, is the festival of lights, celebrated for 5 days around the new moon (Amavasya) of the Kartik month, usually in October or November. Its core theme is the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali comes with things we don’t get all year round. Some things don’t show up every single time, like the Diwali snacks or the bonus from the office. Diwali is a festival that everyone loves and nobody forgets.
So why do we celebrate it, and where should you go in Mumbai to enjoy it? We will get to that, but first, let’s see where you should go to get ready for Diwali. This is where the best Diwali shopping in Mumbai happens.
Best Diwali Shopping in Mumbai
Here are the five best places for Diwali shopping in Mumbai, from handmade lanterns and clay diyas to festive lights, faral snacks, and Dhanteras jewellery.
Kandil Gully (Mahim)
Colourful, handmade kandils (lanterns) in star shapes, round ones, and designs with tassels and beads hang all along this lantern lane (rated 4.6). Diwali is the festival of lamps, so this is where your Diwali shopping in Mumbai should start.
-> View Kandil Gully on Google Maps
Kumbharwada (Dharavi)
Kumbhar means potter, and this Dharavi potters’ hub is the best place to buy hand-shaped clay diyas (oil lamps) at much lower prices than retail shops. It is also the last stop on our Diwali Special Dharavi slum tour.
-> View Kumbharwada on Google Maps
Lohar Chawl (Lighting Market)
Fairy lights, neon signs, LED string lights, bulb curtains, and lanterns with lights (rated 4.8) for a home or balcony that glows like Diwali. The buying is mostly wholesale, so bargain a little.
-> View Lohar Chawl on Google Maps
Dadar and Parel (Diwali Snacks)
Taste real Mumbai flavours at the homemade faral stalls: karanji, chakli, chivda, ladoo, and shankarpali. A good start for a Diwali sale in Mumbai shopping trip for sweets and gifts.
Malad Jewellery Market and Zaveri Bazaar
The go-to places to buy gold and jewellery on Dhanteras, both rated 5 on Google. Go in the morning and ask for hallmarked pieces with a proper bill.
-> View Malad Jewellery Market on Google Maps
-> View Zaveri Bazaar on Google Maps
Now let’s look at some Diwali stories and the places you should go to.
Day 1: Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi)
The Story in Short
Dhan means wealth, and Teras is the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Kartik, so Dhanteras is “wealth on the 13th.”
The day honours Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who rose from the cosmic ocean holding a pot of amrit. That is why health is the first real wealth.
Dhanteras is considered auspicious for buying gold, silver, utensils, and anything new, and a Yama Deepam is lit at the door in the evening.
Where to Go on Dhanteras in Mumbai
Start the morning at the jewellers and end Dhanteras in Mumbai among the festive lights.
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Zaveri Bazaar and Kalbadevi
Historic jewellery hub in South Mumbai
Mumbai’s historic jewellery hub is at its liveliest today, with families shopping and shopkeepers decorating their stores. Go early to avoid the crowds, and keep your bag in front of you.
Best time: Morning
2
Crawford Market and Mohammed Ali Road
Lights, spices and dry fruits in South Mumbai
A good way to end the day, with festive lights, spices, and dry fruits all along the walk.
Best time: Evening
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
The Story in Short
Choti Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura, a reminder of good winning over evil.
The day begins before sunrise with utan and the abhyanga snan, an oil massage and bath that symbolises washing away negativity.
Where to Go on Choti Diwali in Mumbai
Start Choti Diwali in Mumbai before sunrise for the music, then keep the rest of the day light for snacks.
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Shivaji Park and Girgaon Chowpatty
Diwali Pahat music event in Dadar and Girgaon
This is where you will find Diwali Pahat, Mumbai’s special cultural music event held before dawn. Locals gather to listen to Marathi and classical music while the city is still dark and lit with lamps. It is free, atmospheric, and rarely on tourist lists.
Best time: Dawn, before sunrise
2
Faral Snack Platter in Dadar and Parel
Traditional Diwali snacks in Dadar and Parel
Later in the day, try faral, the traditional Diwali snack platter of chakli, karanji, shankarpali, ladoo, and chivda.
Best time: Later in the day
Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali)
The Story in Short
Many know this day as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, welcomed by rows of lamps, and many families also worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
It changes by community: Kali Puja in Bengal, Chopda Puja (worship of new account books) in Gujarat and among Marwaris, the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana for Jains, and Bandi Chhor Divas for Sikhs.
Where to Go on Main Diwali Day in Mumbai
Begin Diwali in Mumbai with flowers in the morning and save the glowing skyline for the evening.
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Dadar Flower Market
Marigolds and rangoli supplies in Dadar
Marigold garlands and rangoli supplies are sold here, and it is very photogenic.
Best time: Morning
2
Marine Drive, CSMT and the BMC Building
Lit up heritage skyline in South Mumbai
South Mumbai has lit up heritage buildings, including CSMT and the BMC building. Walk along Marine Drive to see the city’s glowing skyline.
Best time: Evening
3
Bandra Diwali Lights
Decorated streets and shopfronts in the Western Suburbs
If you are heading to the suburbs, Bandra Diwali lights are worth a stop, with streets and shopfronts decorated all evening.
Best time: Evening
4
Shivaji Park, Dadar
Community fire cracker show in Dadar
Locals organise a fire cracker show here every year.
Best time: Evening
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut / Bali Pratipada / Diwali Padwa)
The Story in Short
Govardhan Puja remembers Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan from Indra’s storms, a lesson in gratitude towards nature.
Devotees make annakut, a mountain of food, often with 56 dishes (chappan bhog). In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is also New Year (Bestu Varas and Padwa).
Where to Go on Govardhan Puja and Padwa in Mumbai
Spend Govardhan Puja in Mumbai in the suburbs and see how local families celebrate.
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Ghatkopar and Vile Parle
Local family celebrations in the Mumbai suburbs
A good day to see local family life in neighbourhoods away from the tourist centre. Marathi couples celebrate Padwa, and the Gujarati community celebrates its New Year with new clothes, greetings, and temple visits.
2
ISKCON Juhu
Govardhan Puja and annakut in Juhu
Holds a large Govardhan Puja with a mountain of vegetarian food offerings.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Bhai Beej or Bhau Beej)
The Story in Short
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak, offer sweets and aarti, and pray for their brother’s long life, and brothers give gifts in return.
It is called Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Phota in Bengal, and Bhai Tika in Nepal.
Where to Go on Bhai Dooj in Mumbai
This is a quieter day for sightseeing, so keep it relaxed with a cafe, a family lunch, or a quiet seaside walk. Many shops reopen, so it is also good for last minute shopping.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Art and history museum in South Mumbai
A calm museum visit for a day when the city slows down.
2
Kala Ghoda
Art district in South Mumbai
Explore Kala Ghoda’s art scene, then settle into a long lunch.
Experience Diwali With Us
These are the Diwali trip places you can visit on your own. But if you want to understand the culture, traditions, and customs in an informative way, I would suggest joining our Dharavi slum tour and our full day Mumbai city tour during this Diwali. You will see a different side of the city and get a very different point of view.
Practical Tips From Our Local Guides
These are some practical tips we share with our guests during our Diwali tours:
Dress modestly for temples and home visits, with shoulders and knees covered.
“Happy Diwali” or “Shubh Deepavali” is the standard greeting.
Avoid using your left hand to give or accept sweets and gifts.
On Naraka Chaturdashi, try the utan and oil bath tradition.
Be careful while walking on the roads, and avoid long walks during peak fireworks hours.
Avoid public transport on Bhau Beej, as it gets very crowded.
Do not stand too close to diyas, because clothes can catch fire.
