Trip members: Karthik
Trip date: 18 March - 19 March 2026
Trip Plan : Chennai - Mumbai
The trip plan was simple - Enjoy the vibrant festive mood of Mumbai for Gudi Padwa (Marathi New year). I planned a little early for this and booked my flight tickets to Mumbai; planning as a workation.
Reached Mumbai by early morning flight and took a metro to Girgoan. I had booked hotel Kumkum at Girgoan. This hotel is very clean, well managed, with a kitchen and in a great location. I had stayed here in my earlier trip as well and did not think twice to book this again.
Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa is the vibrant traditional New Year festival celebrated by Marathi people on the first day of the Chaitra month (March–April). This is celebrated marking the arrival of spring and the new harvest. This festival symbolises victory, prosperity and new beginnings, and is marked by hoisting a “Gudi” flag, creating rangolis, in festive mood at every home.
Gudi Padwa for Mumbaikars is a massive festival with grand Shobha Yatras (processions) across the city. The day is marked with processions showcasing their vibrant energy, colours and cultural richness - thousands of people dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire. Female drap Nauvari sarees, gents on traditional kurtas and colourful head gear sporting moustaches and beards. Most importantly, great display of culture with dances and dhol pathak performances all along the procession. The Shobha Yatra processions feature live dance and music performances, tableaux displays, and bike rallies.
Gudi Padwa rallies in Mumbai can be seen at Girgaon, Dadar Shivaji Park, Dombivli and Kalyan. The processions normally happens around 8 AM to 12 PM.
Reaching Mumbai
Gudi Padwa on 2026 was on 19th March - Thursday. I reached Mumbai by a day earlier (18th March) and had booked rooms at Girgaon near Mumbai Central at Hotel Kumkum and was working on that day. Had breakfast at the hotel itself and was busy all through the day.
By evening, I walked around the place at Girgoan to understand where the event would happen, talking to locals, asking for places to stand and watch the whole event. I also had some local snacks and walked to the Girgoan Chowpatty beach for a beautiful sunset view.
The Shobh Yatra day
The previous day walk helped me understand the starting point - Phadke Wadi Ganapati Mandir. This is walkable from Charni Road metro station. I started around 6 AM with sun screen applied, packed with lots of water, cap, towels and the camera!
The day started with the vibrant mood of colours attire all around, Gudi being hosted in shops all around and by the roads as well. The Tableaux were getting ready, audio was being checked, make-up final touch-ups, small eateries, police all around and yes, it was happening! I did understand that the grandeur is going to be a definitely wow! I spotted a small eatery and had a quick breakfast of idlies and chutney and ready for the show.
The Yatra begins
The Shobh Yatra starts near the Phake Wadi Ganapati Mandir by the VP Road. The procession goes from VP road to CP Tank road and then to the Girgaon Chowpatty beach stretch. The yatra started with the sounds of big cymbals, Dhol tashas and much more.
Various groups of people dancing, playing Dhol and cybals dressed and dancing in unison started.
This followed by beautifully decorated bikes and colourfully dressed bikers - mostly women and few men! The photos talk for themselves! The bike rally is one that attracts lot of people. The ease with which bikes are rode with traditional dresses and yogas are performed was a real WOW!
The Yatra also had some Tableaux reflecting local culture and belongingness.
The yatra started and went on for 3+ hours. I was standing by the junction of CP Tank road and witnessed the whole event unfurl with so much of energy, enthusiasm and intent. Fully satisified after being immersed into the culture of Mumbai, did some local shopping and returned to the room for a noon nap.
The evening
By the evening, went to Mumbai CST railway station - an UNESCO Heritage centre and walked around.
I was feeling hungry, and cited Mc'D and Burger king - NO! Pancham Puriwala.
I visited the very popular Pancham Puriwala outide the CST terminal. The place is popular for its puri and variety of sides. I ordered one with dall and puri sabji supplmented by the very popular Aamras. Truly delicious food and no wonder people wait for their turn for the table and eat here.
I also walked around the popular Flora fountain area and then to the Gateway of India. I spent around 45 minutes here, long day and returned back to the hotel by shared cab.
