Elephanta festival is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to promote Mumbai tourism and culture. It is one of the most prominently celebrated festivals in Mumbai.

This renowned festival is held on the Elephanta Island, adjacent to the Elephanta Cave, a World Heritage Site. The Island is located at a distance of ten kilometres from Mumbai Harbour and there are regular launch services from there to Elephanta Island.

The initial name of the Elephanta caves was Gharapuri which means, 'peaceful living place of lord Shiva'. The name Elephanta Cave was given by Portuguese, after a carved elephant found on this island. The festival, which is a feast of dance and music, is conducted in the month of February every year transforming the entire island into a huge auditorium.

Set in the backdrop of huge pillars and sculptured panels on the walls of the temple in the Island, the festival is dedicated to the varied classical music and dance forms of India. Read further to know more about Elephanta festival and its major attractions.

The Elephanta festival is conducted to promote tourism and culture in Mumbai. It intends to commemorate the heritage of dance, art and sculpture in India. The festival welcomes performers from the whole country to participate in it, showcasing their dancing prowess.

The venue of the festival, the renowned Elephanta Island, is a favoured destination for this festival. The Island, which was once the capital of a powerful kingdom, was later named as Elephanta by Portuguese after they found a monolithic statue of an elephant there.

The island is also famous for the displays of rock carving of Lord Shiva which is beautifully exhibited on the walls of rock temples.

The highlight of the festival that started in 1989 is the illuminated Maheshmurti (Shiva idol) located in the main cave of the Elephanta Island. The idol is lit up at night, providing an amazing backdrop to the entire setting. Over the years, the festival has become a huge attraction for Mumbaites as well as for the domestic and foreign tourists.