The Hindu festival of Durga Puja is just around the corner and festive feelings are in the air. Durga Puja is set to begin on the 27th of September continuing on till the 2nd of October this year. It is a festival that symbolizes hope, celebrating the triumph of good over evil as Goddess Durga is depicted to defeat the demon king Mahishasura across Pandals set up through the country. In Mumbai too, the Bengali community is awash in a feeling of excitement and joy as the city of dreams gears up to host some truly dazzling pandals for Durga Puja. These are the top pandals in the city that you just can’t miss:
Bengal Club
Bengal Club at Shivaji Park in Dadar West is well known for hosting one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in the city. It is an important hub for congregating and celebrating the occasion. People planning to visit this pandal are in for a treat both sensorily and visually as one can expect delicious and authentic Bengali food, witness cultural performances and get the opportunity to indulge in bhog offerings. The idol set up of Goddess Durga is quite traditional and eco friendly and many will be reminded of home when they witness it.
Balkanji Bari Pandal
Hosted by the Mukherji family, the Balkanji Bari Pandal held in Santa Cruz, Mumbai is one of the most star-studded celebrations one can witness. It is an incredibly iconic pandal location and one of the busiest – attracting thousands of devotees over the course of the festivities. Anyone planning to visit this pandal can expect traditional games like Sindoor Khela and cultural performances like Dhunuchi Naach.
MBCA Durga Puja
The Mumbai Bengali Cultural Association (MBCA) with the purpose of bringing Kolkata’s splendor to Mumbai, hosts a grand Durga Puja celebration annually in different locations every year. More recently, they have been opting to host it in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) due to the grandeur of the festivities. Actress Rituparna Sengupta and singer Kumar Sanu have been associated with the festivities. Grand pandal decorations, cultural programs, food stalls and traditional rituals are regular features of this venue and it always draws in enormous crowds.
North Bombay Sarvajanik Durgotsav
Also hosted by the Mukherji Family, it is one of the most renowned and obviously star-studded pandals in the city. It is hosted by the third generation of the Mukherji family which includes Bollywood actresses Rani Mukherji and Kajol. It is typically held in the SNDT University in Juhu and this year will mark it’s 79th year of celebration. The theme for thus year’s celebration according to their official Instagram account is: Pashupatinath Temple so expect grand decorations and grander celebrations.
Lokhandwala Durgotsav
Hosted by Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya in Lokhandwala is one of Mumbai’s most prominent celebrations. Featuring cultural dance performances and rituals like Dhunuchi Nach where the singer participates too, it is set to be a joyous and festive occasion. Expect a grand and ornate pandal with a richly decorated Goddess Durga. Prominent personalities from Bollywood are also expected to be seen there so this will be another star-studded location.
As the city prepares to welcome Goddess Durga with open arms and vibrant hearts, the spirit of celebration pulses through every street and soul. So put on your festive best, embrace the energy, and let yourself be swept into the magic of these sacred days, there is a lot of pandal hopping to be done!
