Unable to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja? No worries, as the Puja Pandals in Mumbai are all set to make you feel at home. Get ready to witness Durga Puja in Mumbai at some of the most visited and loved pandals.
All the probashi Bengalis are all set to welcome Maa Durga from Maha Shashti on October 20 to Maha Dashami on October 24. You can get to see different themes at these pandals, experience the authentic Bengali culture and tradition, and relish tasty Bengali food.
Take a look at these seven Durga pandals that are a must-visit in Mumbai:
The Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, Dadar West
Dadar Durga Pandal | Facebook
The Bengal Club, situated in Shivaji Park, has been hosting Durga Puja since 1922, and the pandal, which covers 2.5 acres, hosts a variety of stalls that are quite appealing and serve delicious food, fashion accessories, and artifacts from West Bengal each year. The idol here is eco-friendly, made using materials like clay and non-toxic, water-soluble paints. The morning puja adheres to traditional Bengali rituals. The evenings are filled with activities such as Dhunuchi dance competitions and conch-blowing contests.
Visitors can participate in aartis, traditional folk dance, and music performances organized by the Bengal Club members. The pandal draws over 200,000 devotees annually.
Devotees are served Bhog, including traditional Bengali delicacies like khichdi, Labda (a mixed vegetable dish), Beguni Bhaja, Payesh, and more. Do not miss this pujo to experience real Bengali culture and festivities.
Bombay Durgabari Samiti
Bombay Durga Bari Samiti |
The Bombay Durga Bari Samiti in South Bombay, one of the first Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai that started way back in 1930, is all set to enter its 94th year. As is the tradition every year, the Pujo pandal for this year at Tejpal Hall will once again enchant devotees with a distinctive theme. The theme chosen for this year's Pujo celebration is "Ode to Folk Art," and it will feature a captivating display of 'Patachitra,' a traditional form of folk art.
Navi Mumbai Bengali Association, Sector 6, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai Bengal Association | Navi Mumbai Bengal Association
The Navi Mumbai Bengali Association is renowned for its elaborate and diversely themed pandals. The pandal hosts pujo as well as a host of cultural activities. People of all ethnicities come to this pandal in huge numbers. It is a must-visit pandal during the festival.
In the previous year, they innovatively shared their celebrations by live-streaming the event to devotees through their website, YouTube, and various social media platforms. Additionally, they introduced online Prasad services through their portal.
During the puja, the association hosts a grand feast called Maha Bhog, featuring a spread of traditional and authentic Bengali cuisine.
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, Juhu
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti | Facebook
The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, organized by the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, stands as one of Mumbai's oldest puja celebrations. This event, initiated in 1948 by Paddamshri Shasdhar Mukerji, is now famously known as ‘Mukherjee Durga Puja.’
At Bombay Sarbojanin, the festivities attract numerous Bollywood celebrities such as Rani Mukherjee, Kajol, Ayan Mukherjee, Tanuja, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan as well as several television personalities. During the puja, the committee reveres an eco-friendly idol of goddess Durga, specially sourced from Kolkata.
Lokhandwala Durgotsav
Lokhandwala Durgotsav | Facebook
The tradition of Lokhandwala puja was initiated in 1996 by the Bengali families residing in Andheri. Their main objective was to preserve their Bengali customs and heritage.
Presently, Abhijeet Bhattacharya plays a significant role in organizing Lokhandwala Durga Puja, earning the event the nickname 'Abhijeet Durga Puja' among the locals.
The Lokhandwala Durgotsav pandal is huge and hosts many Bollywood celebrities every year. Sushmita Sen is a regular visitor to this pandal and can be seen doing Dhunichi Naach with her daughter.
The pandal was designed by renowned art director Bijon Das Gupta and his dedicated team, who tirelessly labours day and night to bring this masterpiece to life. Delectable offerings are served here as Prasad.
Powai Durgotsav
The Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav is another splendid place to seek blessings from Maa Durga and enjoy the festival with your friends and family. The theme for the Puja pandal is “Divine Innings” which will give an immersive experience of the fusion of cricket and Durgotsav festivities. The Natmancha is being built as a replica of Lords Stadium, where India won the first World Cup in 1983.
Chembur
The Chembur Durga Puja Association is another puja that you simply cannot miss. The puja pandal, unique themes, food stalls, and music shows in the evening are loved by all. Just like every year, the Puja pandal is all set to entertain the devotees. This year, the pandal will be made with kulo (winnow), hath pakha (palm leaf fans), terracotta, and many other authentic rural objects from Bengal.
New Bengal Club, Thane
The New Bengal Club in Thane is a popular Durga Puja pandal in the sub-burb. From stunning themes and cultural programs to tasty Bhog and food stalls, you have it all. This year, the club is going to stun the devotees with their unique theme, "Mumbai Meri Jaan” in which they are building the iconic BMC headquarters building situated in CST.
Here is the schedule for Durga Puja 2023, that will help you plan your morning and evening pandal hopping schedule:
Schedule
October 20 (Friday) - Maha Shashti
October 21(Saturday) - Maha Saptami
October 22(Sunday) - Maha Ashtami
October 23(Monday) - Maha Navami
October 24(Tuesday) - Bijoya Dashami
