The much-anticipated Annual Durga Puja, a beloved festival of the Bengali community, celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Bengal, is on the horizon once again. Navi Mumbai is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to join the festivities, blending entertaining events with the traditional puja rituals.

The Bengali Cultural Association based in CBD is all set to mark its 38th year of Durgotsav from October 20th to 24th. The Association has spared no effort to display their creativity, erecting a magnificent mandap or pandal that replicates the authentic palaces of the 18th century. The Durga Puja will be hosted at the same venue in Sector-3A, next to the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in CBD Belapur. The main attraction of the puja is a 40 feet high and equally wide pandal, painstakingly crafted by artisans who have travelled all the way from Kolkata. The mandap is adorned with colour-changing LED lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Lighting experts from Chandannagar in Hoogly district were also brought in to illuminate the venue and the long stretch leading to the puja grounds. A striking 15-foot idol will be the focal point, and daily puja, Pushpanjali, and aarti will be conducted under the guidance of eminent priests.

The evening cultural program promises to be a showstopper, featuring Bollywood sensation Manjira Ganguli, Zee Sa Re Ga Ma finalist Aditi Chakraborty, and her troupe Folk Mantra. Local talents will take the stage to perform dramas and other entertaining acts during the Durga Puja festivities.

"This year, we are celebrating Durga Puja with great enthusiasm and a spirit reminiscent of the pre-COVID era. We are providing a platform for mentally challenged individuals to showcase their hand-crafted products. A special booth will be set up for them to sell their products. Several competitions like dhunuchi nach (dance with a traditional Bengali incense burner), conch blowing, and lighting diyas will be held for the fun-loving people," shared Jayanta Bose, President of the Association.

"The immersion ceremony, or Visarjan, will be the highlight of the puja carnival. With a big band, music, and a grand procession, thousands of residents will march towards the immersion ghat in Belapur, followed by Vijaya Sammelani (victory gathering)," informed Bose.