Mumbai’s Sacred Spectacle, 10,000 Lamps to Light Up Walkeshwar as Banganga Maha-Aarti Returns on Tripurari Purnima

Mumbai’s spiritual heart is set to glow brighter this week. As twilight descends on Walkeshwar, thousands of oil lamps will flicker across the historic Banganga Tank, transforming it into a celestial sea of light. The Banganga Maha-Aarti, one of South Mumbai’s most captivating religious events, returns this Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of Tripurari Purnima, an evening that blends faith, tradition, and breathtaking devotion.

Organized by the GSB Temple Trust, this year marks the 12th edition of the Maha-Aarti. The ceremony begins at 6 PM and will be led by Mahant Sudhirdas Maharaj from the revered Kalaram Temple in Nashik. With the chants of Vedic hymns, the fragrance of camphor, and the rhythmic sounds of bells, the evening promises a rare confluence of serenity and spectacle. Thousands of devotees and visitors are expected to gather along the ancient steps of the Banganga Tank, creating an atmosphere both divine and communal.

A Celebration of Faith and Heritage

The Banganga Maha-Aarti has evolved into more than a religious ceremony, it is a living tradition that unites the city’s cultural and spiritual soul. Believed to be one of the oldest continuously flowing freshwater tanks in Mumbai, Banganga’s origins date back over a millennium. Each Tripurari Purnima, devotees gather to honour Lord Vishnu’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

In a metropolis defined by its constant motion, this event serves as a pause, a collective moment of reflection and reverence. The illuminated tank, framed by ancient temples and banyan trees, stands as a reminder of Mumbai’s layered identity, where spirituality and modernity coexist seamlessly.
 

Safety, Order, and Sacred Discipline

Following last year’s overwhelming turnout, organizers have prioritized crowd control and safety this year. Entry is strictly limited to pre-registered devotees, each provided with a QR-coded pass to ensure smooth access. The Mumbai Police, along with the GSB Temple Trust, has installed multiple checkpoints and security scanners around the venue. The Trust has confirmed that registrations have now closed after reaching the approved capacity.

Devotees have also been urged to cooperate with the management teams and avoid bringing private vehicles to the site. To reduce congestion, air-conditioned shuttle buses will operate free of cost from Grant Road (West) and Charni Road (East) to the venue. Volunteers, security personnel, and medical teams will be stationed across the premises to ensure a safe and serene experience for all attendees.
 

Green Guidelines and Responsible Celebration

This year’s Maha-Aarti also carries a message of environmental consciousness. The organizers have encouraged devotees to bring reusable water bottles, avoid plastic waste, and maintain cleanliness around the sacred tank. Waste collection bins and eco-volunteers will be present throughout the venue, ensuring that devotion and discipline go hand in hand.

For those unable to attend in person, the entire ceremony will be broadcast live on the official Banganga Maha-Aarti YouTube channel. The digital stream allows devotees from across India, and around the world, to participate virtually, keeping the spirit of unity alive beyond geographical boundaries.

How to Reach Banganga

Reaching Banganga Tank is relatively straightforward through Mumbai’s public transport system. The nearest local train station is Charni Road, from where devotees can board Bus No. 108 to Walkeshwar, followed by a short walk to the tank. Those starting from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) can take a direct bus to Walkeshwar or hire a taxi for convenience. Walking from Charni Road takes about 55 minutes, while a walk from CSMT may take roughly an hour and 20 minutes, ideal for those wishing to soak in the city’s historic architecture along the way.

Beyond Ritual, A City’s Soul Illuminated
 

Events like the Banganga Maha-Aarti remind Mumbai of its enduring soul, one that thrives not just in its skyline, but in the sanctity of its traditions. Amid skyscrapers and sea links, this ancient tank remains an oasis of devotion, bringing together generations in collective prayer.

The Maha-Aarti is not merely a ritual, it is Mumbai’s annual reaffirmation of faith, a moment when history, community, and divinity converge under a canopy of lamps. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to witness Mumbai at its most spiritual, for residents, it is an embrace of continuity in a city that never stops evolving.
 

The Eternal Flame of Banganga

As thousands of diyas shimmer across the dark waters of Banganga, they mirror more than light, they reflect Mumbai’s timeless balance between heritage and progress. Each flame, small yet steadfast, tells the same story that the city does every day, of resilience, renewal, and reverence.

In a world of speed and screens, the Banganga Maha-Aarti stands as Mumbai’s glowing testament to stillness. It is where devotion finds its reflection, and where the city, just for one evening, breathes in rhythm with the sacred.