As the festive season begins, Mumbai is preparing to celebrate the victory of good over evil with an enigmatic celebration of life and Bengali culture. The Navratri season commences with the famous Durga Pujo, which transforms the city into a fairytale land of all-engulfing festive spirit.
Durga Pujo is not just a festival; it’s an emotion! To sum it up, it’s a ten-day carnival of food, festivities, notun jama (new attires), and pandal hopping. So, visit these 5 Durga Pujo pandals in Mumbai, to let the festive madness begin!
Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Andheri West
First on the list—Lokhandwala Durga Pujo pandal is a spectacle in itself! Started in 1996, this particular celebration has a loyal group of married ladies doing the Dhunuchi Naach in iconic lal-paar sarees to mark the traditions. Under the stewardship of famous playback singer Abhijit Bhattacharya, this puja has scaled to unimaginable heights and has now become a hotspot for Bollywood celebrities too. So hop over and get ready to experience culture through traditional Bengali music and cuisine. Follow LDP’s Instagram handle for more updates.
Where: Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground, Andheri West
North Bombay Durga Puja, Juhu
Another one on the list, particularly famous for its celebrity quotient, is the North Bombay Durga Puja pandal. Backed by the Mukherjees of the film industry, you might spot Rani Mukherji serving bhog here. Packed with mesmerising dhunuchi naach performances, a slew of shops to spruce up your wardrobe/homes and a range of food stalls, it‘s pretty lit here. This one’s a bougie pandal with a ton of security, in a fully air-conditioned setup! So be ready to dance away, without it getting muggy. Follow NBDP’s Instagram handle for more updates
Where: Tulip Star Hotel, 23-B, Vaikunthlal Mehta Road, Uditi Tarang Housing Colony, Juhu Tara, Juhu
Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Math, Khar
Famous as one of the oldest pandals in the city, Ramakrishna Math Durga Puja has been operational for over half a century now. In the most traditional way possible, there’s shindur khela, aarti, havan and other pujas to attend here. This one’s for the pious folks who like to pray quietly before moving on to the more bustling pandals! When here, don‘t forget to check out the bookstore which is loaded with gems of Bengali literature. Visit the organisation’s official website for more schedule updates.
Where: Ramakrishna Math, 12th Road, Khar West
Powai Bengali Welfare Association Durgotsav, Hiranandani Gardens
PBWA celebrated its first Durga Puja in 2006 to give the community in Mumbai a chance to celebrate and make fond memories. In the last 15 years, the Times Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav has become a key destination with thousands of visitors every day. This year’s mandap is modelling on Lords Stadium, where India won its first Cricket World Cup, paying tribute to country’s favourite sport: Cricket! There is an undeniable interplay between communities dancing, eating and participating in numerous cultural programmes organised by the society here. To participate, visit their official website.
Where: PBWA Puja Ground, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai
Bombay Durgabari Samiti, Near August Kranti Maidan
Bombay Durgabari Samiti hosts one of the oldest Durga Pujas of Mumbai, dating back to the 1930s. The social and cultural committee here, organises exciting competitions and events, that you’ll want to be a part of. This year, get ready to immerse yourself in wholesome pujas with traditionally made bhog, a gratifying food journey and Bangla Sangeet by Sadhu Das Baul and team. Follow BDS’ Instagram handle for more updates.
Where: Mathuradas Vissanji Hall, Near August Kranti Maidan, Gowalia Tank
