Mount Mary Church

Perched gracefully atop a hill in the vibrant suburb of Bandra, the Mount Mary Basilica—officially the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount—is one of Mumbai's most revered and historic Roman Catholic shrines. For over two hundred…

The facade of the Mount Mary Basilica is a stunning example of late nineteenth-century ecclesiastical architecture. It features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements, with twin spires that point toward the heavens, visible…

As you step inside the Basilica, you are greeted by an atmosphere of profound quiet and reverence. The interior is a grand, high-vaulted space that allows for natural ventilation and a sense of openness. …

The history of the statue of Our Lady of the Mount is a fascinating tale of survival and faith. According to local legend and historical records, the original statue was brought by Portuguese Jesuits in the sixteenth century. …

Every year in September, the week following the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the area surrounding the Basilica hosts the legendary Bandra Fair. This is not just a religious event; it is a 'fusion of religious celebration and a…

Adjacent to the main Basilica is a smaller, more intimate space known as the Grotto. This outdoor shrine, designed to resemble the grotto of Lourdes in France, is a place for personal prayer and candle lighting. …

For many devotees, the experience of Mount Mary begins at the bottom of the hill. A steep flight of stone steps leads up from the Bandstand area to the church entrance. …

As we conclude our visit to the Mount Mary Basilica, take a moment to look out once more at the horizon. From this vantage point, you can see the layers of Mumbai’s identity—the ancient sea, the colonial-era church, and the…