Mumbai's Holi glows under a rare 2025 lunar eclipse and eco-friendly flames
Mumbai celebrated Holi with vibrant traditions and solemn respect this year. Bonfires lit up the city on Monday evening as communities gathered for Holika Dahan, marking the triumph of good over evil. Some leaders, however, chose to scale back festivities in memory of recently departed figures.
The celebrations also coincided with a rare lunar eclipse during the Phalguna full moon, adding to the event's significance.
One of the largest gatherings took place near Linking Road, where the Bandra Hindu Association (BHA) hosted nearly 2,000 people. The BHA organised an eco-friendly Holika Dahan, using cow dung and herbs instead of wood to build the fire.
At the 400-year-old Marubai Gaudevi temple in Matunga, devotees celebrated with havans, while the Mumbadevi temple adorned its goddesses in bright flowers and colours. Minister and MLA Ashish Shelar also joined the festivities at the BHA event.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Anand Ashram to honour late Shiv Sena leaders Anand Dighe and Balasaheb Thackeray. He chose not to celebrate Dhulivandan this year, showing respect for the recent deaths of close relatives of Shiv Sena members and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The first lunar eclipse of 2025 aligned with the Phalguna Purnima, making this year's Holi even more unusual. Across the city, smaller bonfires burned in building compounds and open grounds as residents took part in the age-old ritual.
The festivities blended tradition with restraint, as some leaders paused celebrations in remembrance. Mumbai's Holika Dahan events, from large gatherings to intimate rituals, reflected both cultural devotion and environmental awareness. The rare lunar eclipse added a unique touch to this year's observance.
