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The Elephanta Festival is a festival of Music and Dance
organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). This
festival is held annually in the month of February. The Elephanta Island,
the tranquil abode of Lord Shiva, just one-and-a-half-hour's journey by
motor launch from Mumbai is the favoured destination for this festival.
Once known as Puri or Gharapuri, the island was the proud capital of a
powerful coastal kingdom. Later the Portuguese found a monolithic stone
elephant at this place and named it 'Elephanta'. The Elephanta caves are a
showcase of legends created around Lord Shiva, beautifully presented here
in all his splendour in the rock cave temples. The festival also involves
a boat ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to the Elephanta Islands.
During the festival renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the
caves, beneath a star-studded sky, to a select and appreciative audience.
Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for
visitors.