Share
Durga Pujo in Mumbai draws Bengalis and non-Bengalis alike to partake in the festivities. While Kolkata remains the heart of Durga Puja, Mumbai has carved its own special space with grand celebrations. Many neighborhoods in the city host some of the largest and most iconic pandals, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai usually have idols crafted by skilled artisans who are either local or from Bengal. The pujo features elaborate rituals, including the Mahashtami, Saptami, and Sandhi Puja, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhak (traditional drum) and pujo'r bhog. Apart from the religious ceremonies, Durga Pujo in Mumbai is a feast for the senses. The cultural programs include classical and modern performances, showcasing music, dance, and theatre. Food stalls are a major attraction, offering authentic Bengali delicacies like phuchka, kosha mangsho, mishti doi, and roshogolla.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mumbai's cosmopolitan spirit blends beautifully with the traditional Durga Puja, making it a lively yet spiritually profound celebration. For Bengalis living in Mumbai, this festival is a cherished way to stay connected with their roots while celebrating with the Mumbai community. Here are some Pujo Pandals you must check out if you are celebrating pujo in Mumbai.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ramakrishna Mission
This is one of the most revered Durga Pujo celebrations in Mumbai. The otherwise serene atmosphere of the Ram Krishna Mission is completely transformed with Durga Puja festivities. The pujo is your best bet if you want to see what traditional celebrations look like. The bhog is served after the late morning prayers (anjoli) and the queues for the same are long. The goddess is covered during these hours as proshad is served to her. The covers are dropped post 3 pm allowing devotees to visit again. Ashtami (the eighth day) is usually the most crowded day to visit the pujo pandal. There are a few stalls but you must stop by to buy things that are otherwise hard to find in Mumbai. There is usually always one stall that serves lebu cha (Kolkata-style lemon tea). The Singaras sold here are typically Bengali with cauliflower, potato and peas filling. You can also find sweets such as Shorbhaja, a sweet made up of layers of thickened milk cream that is fried and then dipped in sugar syrup and the Jibe Goja another Bengali fried dessert, which isn’t easily available in Mumbai.
AT: Ramakrishna Math, 12th Road, Khar (W).
Bombay Durgabari Samiti’s Pujo At Tejpal Hall
The Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most esteemed Durga Pujas, is in its 95th year of Durgoutsav. Since its inception in 1930, the Samiti has been hosting this home-style pujo which has a distinguished charm of its own. It’s quite different from the buzzing pandals of the city. The arrangement is systematic and the cultural programs are always a highlight. The theme of the 95th Durgoutsav is ‘Diversity.’ “Our 95th year is not just a celebration of the Durga Puja but also a celebration of the diverse and inclusive spirit of our country,” said Susmita Mitra, President of the Bombay Durga Bari Samiti.
“Through this theme, we want to emphasise that despite our differences, we are all united in our devotion, culture, and the shared values that bind us together,” she adds. The food stalls at this pandal will also reflect this diversity. You can buy chaps, samosa, Kolkata-style noodles and many other dishes but the fare here will be strictly vegetarian. The Bombay Durgabari Samiti is also known for Bhog which includes Khichudi, Baigun Bhaja, Mango or Tomato chutney, Flower and Potato Vegetable, Sweet like payesh and rasgulla.
AT: Tejpal Hall, Tejpal Auditorium, Near August Kranti Maidan, Gowalia Tank, Kemps Corner.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Bengal Club Pujo At Shivaji Park
Another one of Mumbai’s iconic old pujos, the 102-year-old Bengal Club at Shivaji Park, is celebrating their 89th Durga Pujo. This pandal is usually located right next to the Ram Leela festivities held on the Shivaji Park grounds and draws a lot of Non-Bengali crowds as well. While the puja now covers a smaller premise of the maidan compared to before, it also hosts an exhibition with several stalls that sell food, clothes, accessories books, Bengali films, and music.
“This year, the theme of the festivities will focus on preventing violence against women. The club has invited acid attack victims to inaugurate the festivities and is also inviting them to participate with the committee members in the cultural events. The Bengal Club will also be making a significant monetary contribution to an NGO that works with these victims,” says Joy Chakravarty, Chief Advisor, Shivaji Park Pujo. The design of the pandal is inspired by the Madurai Meenakshi Temple and will house a 19-foot eco-friendly idol created by an artist from West Bengal.
AT: Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, Veer Savarkar Marg, Dadar West.
The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti (The Mukherjee Pujo, Juhu)
In its 77th year The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti has shifted from Juhu’s Hotel Tulip Star, the location where the pujo has been held for the last few years. This year it will be held at the SNDT College grounds also in Juhu. “We have a different theme every year and this year the theme is Moroccan. Devotees will be transported to a world where traditional Durga Puja rituals harmoniously blend with the allure of Moroccan artistry, infusing the celebration with a unique global flavour,” says Debu Mukherjee who helms this family Pujo.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“A key highlight is the grand bhog service. Where more than 10,000 people gather under one roof in a spacious, air-conditioned dome to partake in the sacred meal. What sets this experience apart is the Samiti's ethos of inclusivity—everyone, regardless of caste, colour, or financial background, is invited to relish the bhog, served by the hands of Bollywood’s biggest celebrities, alongside members of the committee. This beautiful tradition reflects the core belief that in Maa Durga’s home, everyone is equal,” he adds. Expect to find street food like puchka (pani puri), kathi rolls (skewered kebabs in paratha), egg devil, and telebhaja (fried fritters) at the pandal.
AT: SNDT University Grounds, Santacruz
Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav, Thane
This Pujo has a pandal inspired by the iconic Kedarnath Temple and an extravagant food festival capturing the ethos of Bengal. It is spread out over 62,000 sq ft area in the heart of Thane’s largest township, Hiranandani Estate. “As a tribute to the divine confluence of Maa Durga and Shiva, our pandal this year represents Shakti and Shiva, the amalgamation of the feminine aspect of the divine, with the masculine. Our attempt to recreate the Kedarnath temple is a homage to the divine balance and we have attempted to recreate the magnificence of the Kedarnath temple by replicating the intricate nuances of the architecture," said Mrinal Saha, Jt. Secretary & Ground and Pandal In-Charge, Aamra Prabashi.
A large section of the bustling Pujo ground is dedicated to food stalls, which tribute to the authentic and intrinsic flavours of Bengal. The menu celebrates a unique amalgamation of local ingredients along with Bengali favourites. Don’t miss the Bhapa Maach er Paturi, The Daab Chingri and the Kathi Rolls.
AT: Hiranandani Estate, Thane.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The Lokhandwala Pujo (Abhijeet’s Pujo)
Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has been hosting Durga Puja at his Lokhandwala Durgotsav Pandal for more than 25 years. The pujo has been popular for celebrities attending it and also performing in the evening programs. The food stalls include delicacies from Sweet Bengal and Oh Calcutta.
AT: Lokhandwala Garden, Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground, Andheri (W).
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Powai Bengali Welfare Association’s Pujo
The Powai Pujo this year will offer a tribute to Mumbai. By creating a city within a city, the pandal will showcase the Gateway of India, the Kali Peeli cabs and the beloved double-decker buses that represent Mumbai. The pujo will also hiloight the theme of inclusivity with members of the LGBTQiA+ community participating in the events of debi boron and sindoor khela.
AT: Durga Puja Ground, next to BEST depot, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Chembur Durga Puja Association’s Pujo
In its 70th year of Pujo, the Chembur Durga Puja Association will showcase the artistic talent of Bengal. The Pandal and the protima will highlight the visual arts of Bengal, with decorations crafted by traditional artisans from West Bengal. Don't miss the deep-fried crisp Mughlai Porothas at the Mukherjee caterers stall and the ice-creams from the Alapini stall run by a group of local women from Chembur.
AT: RCF Ground, near Ashish Cinema, Chembur.
