About Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, popularly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic basilica perched on a hillock in Bandra West, Mumbai. The current church, built in 1904, stands on the site of two earlier chapels dating back to 1570 — making the site's Christian pilgrimage tradition over 450 years old. The statue of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus, believed to have miraculous powers, was reportedly recovered from the sea by Koli fishermen in the 16th century. The annual 'Bandra Fair', which begins on the Sunday following September 8 (the feast of the Nativity of Mary) and runs for a full week, is one of Mumbai's most vibrant religious festivals — drawing over a million pilgrims of Christian, Hindu, and Muslim faith. The wax-effigy stalls surrounding the church, where pilgrims buy hand, leg, house, or car-shaped candles representing their prayers, are a unique feature.

The first chapel was built in 1570 by Portuguese Jesuits and later destroyed by Arab pirates in 1738. The second chapel was rebuilt in 1761, and the present neo-Gothic basilica was completed in 1904. Pope Pius XI raised it to Minor Basilica status in 1954. The Bandra Fair is unique among Indian Christian festivals for its interfaith participation.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local taxis and autos are available near the shrine area.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

Gallery