Following the feast, Bandra Fair will light up the neighbourhood from September 14 to 21. With roots stretching back nearly 300 years, legend says the fair began when fishermen discovered a statue of Mother Mary floating in the sea.
Today, the fair is as much about spirit as it is about street life, where prayers at the Basilica blend with the aroma of food stalls, music, and cultural energy. And while the church remains the heart of it all, the neighbourhood itself offers a world of experiences. Here are 10 things to do around Bandra Fair that will keep your festive spirit high and your itinerary packed.
Grab a hearty breakfast
Before you embark on your pilgrimage through the fair, stop for a substantial brekkie. Whether you are pulling up a chair at The Bagel Shop (a beloved OG), or energising at Paashh from Pune or Stand By Coffee, expect cafes that know how to feed your soul and prepare you for the upcoming cardio.
Step into celluloid nostalgia at Mehboob Studio
Start your journey where Bollywood history echoes down its corridors. Founded in 1954 by the Mehboob Khan, Mehboob Studio may well be the starting line to your Bandra adventure.
Where: 100, Hill Road, Ranwar, Bandra West
Explore street art along Chapel Road
Once you have taken your fill of devotion, stretch your legs on Chapel Road. It’s where Goan architecture meets jaw-dropping murals. Bollywood portraits, political graffiti, whimsical characters and more! Make sure your camera is ready.
Stroll around Bandra Fort
Perched at the tip of ‘Bandar’, Bandra Fort (Castella de Aguada) watches over Mahim Bay, its vintage walls whispering stories of Portuguese watchtowers and Bollywood dreamscapes. The salty breeze and pop-culture nostalgia will add to your Bandra Fair experience.
Bandra’s newest culinary hotspots for lunch
When lunch calls, answer with something comfortable and fresh. Darry’s House is a creative studio in disguise, serving burgers in a cosy, artful setting. Meanwhile, Bandra is filled with new restaurants like Rocco’s Pizza, Pomodoro, Onrique, and Road House Bluez for karaoke.
Bad Boy Pizza to Burma Burma! 11 new restaurants in Mumbai, this July
Step into the all new Pranam Maria Exhibition Centre
Right across the road from the Basilica is Bandra’s newest gem, the Pranam Maria Exhibition Centre. The centre takes visitors through 30 captivating scenes themed “Creation to Redemption”, blending light, sound, and sculpture into an immersive 45-minute experience. Entry is ₹50 for viewing and ₹200 for the full audio-visual tour.
Hop on a holy trail
After visiting the Basilica of Our Lady, keep the spirit alive by exploring Bandra’s other beautiful churches. The 16th-century St Andrew’s Church with its Portuguese heritage, the charm of St Stephen’s Church, and the serenity of Mount Carmel Church all add to the festive glow. Each one has its own unique history and ambience, making the Bandra Fair feel like a celebration.
Sip & see at Method Bandra
Method Bandra is a contemporary art café that doubles as a serene retreat for writers, producers and thinkers who need caffeine with their contemplation. Between the evolving artworks, the mellow vibe and a menu that keeps your mind awake, it’s no wonder Method is often called Bandra’s creative living room. What’s more, the space frequently hosts workshops and art events, so if you’re around during the fair, keep an eye out.
Where: 5, Pearl Haven Apartments, Chapel Road, St Sebastian Colony, Mount Mary, Bandra West
Glow up at THESE salons
Festive selfies demand a lit-from-within glow, and Coral Salon, Hakim’s Aalim, Dessange Salon & Spa, and Samantha’s Salons in Bandra can be your secret weapon. Whether it’s a quick facial pick-me-up or a foot massage after all that walking, these cosy studios will have your skin saying “thank you” in under an hour.
The after-fair feast
If you’ve still got room after all that stall-hopping (respect), Bandra has Sukiii, House of Mandarin, Abokado and Hakkasan serving reimagined cuisines. But if your heart leans towards comfort over couture, nothing rbeats a hot plate of soulful Kepchaki Momos.
Your Bandra Fair wrap-up
So, fair pilgrims, here’s your perfect route! Wake up with a heartily-fuelled café session, wander through the cinematic corridors, soak in the street art, contemplate the sea at Bandra Fort, recharge over lunch, and finish by treating yourself.
Bandra Fair 2025: Dates, new exhibition & cultural highlights
