Faith, they say, draws in the multitudes. This cannot be truer than at the Basilica of Mary in Bandra, where the main mass was held last Sunday.
The Mount Mary fest beginning this Sunday has something for all—the devotees, the traders, the needy and the revellers.
Faith, they say, draws in the multitudes. This cannot be truer than at the Basilica of Mary in Bandra, where the main mass was held last Sunday, with prayers being offered to commemorate the birth of Virgin Mary.
Father Nerus Rodrigues of the church says, “At least more than a lakh people attended the feast. There were politicians and VIPs with the regular visitors. We had beefed up the security arrangements. There will be an equally large crowd at the fair too.”
Equally vibrant is the ‘carnivalesque’ atmosphere on the streets, which is readying to welcome the stream of church-goers, first-timers, the needy and those who simply want to have a good time. You have shops offering everything from food (including typically Goan sweets) and wares, to street plays, musical concerts and book readings as well as exotic candles.
Lyricist Prasoon Joshi has the liveliest memories of the fest to share. “I love the Bandra Fair. I remember my friends and I used to strum the guitar with the band Silk Route, the whole night through, on the terrace of Neelam building (close to the church),” he reminisces.
Actor Ayaz Khan (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa) is gung-ho about the upcoming fiesta. “How can I stay away from the fun? I live right next door,” he reasons. For actor Sameera Reddy the festivity lifts the spirits. “No matter how hard you try to stay away, the enthusiasm just pulls you to join in,” she says.
But there are those who may not attend and feel that the fair has lost its aura. Like model Carol Gracias, a resident of Bandra, explains, “I used to go there as a kid. But I don’t go any more. It has lost its charm.”
Model Malaika Arora Khan echoes a similar sentiment. “I did go for the mass as I feel that it’s one of the most calming experiences, but that’s all. I remember going regularly as a child. It was quaint then, but today it’s become commercialised and unhygienic.”
Actor Purab Kohli gives his take, “I go to the fair for the September Garden where I can sit on the giant wheel. The only thing that is a turn off is the increasing noise pollution.”
t_ismat@dnaindia.net 
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