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Every February Elephanta islands host the Elephanta
festival, dedicated to the classical Indian Dance and Music.
Artists from across the country converge on the occasion
conjuring a mesmerizing atmosphere on this picturesque
island.
Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
(MTDC) the festival see a massive inflow of music and dance
lovers along with tourists in search of Maharashtra'a ethnic
culture and tradition. Chief attraction of the festival is
the illuminated Maheshmurti (Shiva-idol), in the main cave
of the island. During this festival, local fisher
communities present colorful folk dances and ethnic local
cuisines make the ambience deliciously charming.
It is also the time when renowned dancers and musicians
perform outside the caves, beneath a star spangled sky, to
the niche audience. Special launch services and catering
arrangements are provided for visitors.
Delving through the pages of History, earlier Elephanta was
known as Puri or Gharapuri, once a powerful coastal kingdom.
The island was usurped by the Portuguese and they named it
Elephanta after they came across a majestically carved
monolithic stone elephant here. The Elephanta islands
harbors world-renowned Elephanta Caves that comes under
World Heritage Sites. These caves have legends created
around Lord Shiva, aesthetically engraved on the beautiful
rock cave temples.
How to Reach Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island is in the middle of Mumbai Harbour, 10 Km
northeast of the Gateway of India. You have regular Motor
launch services that leave from the wharf, next to the
Gateway of India, from 8 am to 3 pm. Don't miss out you boat
if you are really waiting for a wonderful outing among the
nature's bounty and the ride becomes all the more exciting
if the occasion is that of attending the Elephanta Festival.
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