11 Best Pandals You Can Visit In Mumbai For Durga Pujo 2024

While Mumbai may not celebrate with the intensity Kolkata celebrates Durga Pujo, but it certainly it does not shy away from the grand celebration! The much-awaited Bengali festival is almost here, and the city's air is already buzzing with the festive spirit. There's going to be delicious food, beautifully decorated pandals, Dhunuchi, cultural performances, and a lot more that you can't miss experiencing. Here are some of the pandals you should check out in the city.

LBB Tip: This year, Pujo is from 9 to 13 October, so bookmark this list to know where to head. And keep an eye on each pandal's social media handles for their schedules, so you don't miss the things you wanna see!

Powai Bengali Welfare Association, Hiranandani Gardens

Powai has a large Bengali population and is one of the major hubs for Pujo in the city. Held at the PBWA Puja Ground at Hiranandani Gardens, it has cultural performances every year, some tasty bhog, and a huge influx of people from different parts of the city. Formed in 2006, it is celebrating its 19th edition this year. In 2024, the theme is ‘Celebrating Mumbai’, and pays tribute to the city’s rich heritage and vibrancy.

When: 8 to 13 October

Where: MCGM Ground, Opp. Jalvayu Vihar, Adjacent to BEST Bus Terminus, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai

Best time to visit: 8:30 PM to 10 PM

Attractions: Huge idol of goddess Durga, adorned with heavy jewellery

LBB-tip: The PBWA does a ton of charity work, so make a donation, if you can!

Instagram

Chembur Durga Puja Association, Chembur

The 66th edition of Chembur Durgotsav is taking place at the Jawahar Ground. They've been conducting cultural events, and there are food stalls whipping up all things Bong. This year marks their 70th year. On the first day of celebration, that is 7 October, you can even set up a stall here for INR 1500 to serve delicious food and other products. This year, they are organising several activities like there’s a Puchka eating competition on 10 October at 7 PM and dancing, singing, and other performances on 9 October at 10 AM. 

When: 8 to 12 October

Where: WING-A, SETH HEIGHTS, Galiakot Wala Rd, Tolaram Colony, Chembur

Best time to visit: During activities for a wholesome vibe

Attractions: Cultural programs and performances, decorated bamboo pole

LBB-tip: There's also a Shri Lakshmi Pujo on 16th October!

Social Media

Ramakrishna Mission, Khar

Ramakrishna Mission celebrates pujo in a traditional way. There’s Sindur Utsav, Aarti, Havan and other pujas to attend, if you like your Pujo quiet. It’s one of the oldest pandals in the city, and has been operational for people of all faiths for over half a century now! This one's for the pious folks who like to pray quietly before moving on to the more bustling pandals!

When: 8 to 13 October

Where: Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Ramakrishna Mission Marg, 12th Rd, Khar West

Best time to visit: 1 PM and 7 PM

Attractions: Food stalls, bhog, bhajans

Website

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Samiti, Juhu

Started in 1948, this one’s famous for its celebrity spotting. Backed by the Mukherjee family, you can spot Rani Mukherji, Tanisha Mukherji, and even Kajol serving bhog here (at least that’s what we saw). Held at SNDT Campus, do catch the Dhunuchi naach here, it’s pretty mesmerising. This one's a bougie pandal, and has a ton of security. It's also fully air conditioned, and has a lot of food and shopping options. While you munch on your chicken roll or ilish fry, indulge in some sly celeb-spotting, maybe?

When: 8 to 12 October

Where: SNDT University Ground 1, Daulat Nagar, Santacruz, Juhu

Best time to visit: Any time of the day

Attractions: 17 feet tall idol of Maa Durga, artists performances at night

LBB-tip: There are no passes for Ashtami bhog, simply walk into the pandal and wait for your turn.

Website

Bengal Club, Shivaji Park

Celebrating Durga Pujo since 1922, Bengal Club Shivaji Park is one of the oldest pandals in Mumbai! From conch-blowing competitions to the grand aarti, this pandal is pretty on-point with its grandeur every year and this year is going to be no different. After all, it’s celebrating its 89th year of Pujo. The pandal's bustling as ever, year after year, with lots of food options along with top-notch decor, mind blowing events, and Dhunuchi dance competitions.

When: 8 to 13 October

Where: 2RHP+7X5, Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar West

Best time to visit: Any time of the day

Attractions: 18-feet tall idol, 2.5 acre pandal, khichdi and payesh bhog

Social Media

Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Andheri West

The attendees at this pandals are always dressed to the tens. Apart from the idol that's dressed beautifully every year, there are married women wearing the iconic Lal-Paar (red and white) saree and doing the Dhunuchi Naach that's super grand (it is only for members though, but is fun to watch). It is organised by Bollywood's yesteryear singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya and his family every year, while they source all the Dhaakis from West Bengal. This is another pandal that's best for celeb-spotting.

When: 7 to 13 October

Where: Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground, Andheri (West)

Best time to visit: Any time of the day

Attractions: Tasty Bengali delicacies for bhog, pandal designed by art director Bijon Das, dhunuchi dance from artists of Bengal

Website

Bombay Durgabari Samiti-Tejpal, Tardeo

Bombay Durgabari Samiti (Samiti's) hosts the oldest Durga Puja of Mumbai, dating back to the 1930s. Perfect example of timeless tradition, the pandal is about keeping the rituals as traditional as possible. The solemn Bodhan to Kumari Puja and Sandhipujan, everything will take you to the deep reverence of the Pujo in Kolkata. You will find a number of celebrities here who prefer peaceful and understated Durga pujo celebrations. Their social and cultural committee organises some really interesting competitions and events that you'll want to be a part of.

When: 9 to 12 October

Where: Mathuradas Vissanji Hall, August Kranti Maidan, Babulnath, Kemps Corner, Cumballa Hill

Best time to visit: Any time of the day

Attractions: Eklacha, silver foil decoration, performance of the popular singer Kunal Ganjawala

Website

Vashi Durgotsav, Vashi

In 2024, Vashi Durgotsav is all set to bring forth the 20th year signature blend of tradition and festivity but with a twist! Following the two almanacks (Panchangs), head priest Nirupam Mukherjee will perform rituals like Bodhan, Amantran, Sandhipuja, and Pushpanjali. This year, the pandal is aiming for a plastic-free celebration by using eco-friendly materials like betel nut plates for blogs and a zero-waste festival zone. Vashi has it all, traditional rituals, desi food, and a commitment to sustainability.

When: 8 to 13 October

Where: ICL School Ground, Sec 15 Vashi, Opposite ICL School, Next to Modern College, Navi Mumbai (New Mumbai)

Best time to visit: 10:30 AM onwards

Attractions: Dhunuchi naach, delicious bhog, book fair, idol of goddess adorned with gold embellishments

Website

Thakur Village Bengali Association (TVBA), Kandivali

This year in Thakur Village Durgotsav in Kandivali they are bringing the magic of Satyajit Ray’s Sonar Kella to life. The idol of Durga will be styled in a classic “dhaker shaaj” surrounded by the beauty of Kulo décor. You can expect classic rituals, cultural performances, and treats like kosha mangsho and mishti. The traditional dhununchi naach delivering the local festive spirit is always what sets this pandal apart! 

When: 9 to 12 October

Where: Evershine Club Ground, Thakur Village, Kandivali

Best time to visit: Any time of the day

Attractions: Bhog, silver foil decor, cultural performances

Social Media

Notunpalli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Pandal, Bandra

Notunpalli Sarbojonin Durga Puja Pandal in Bandra is the perfect blend of artistry, devotion, and tradition. You will be astounded by the beauty of the centrepiece attraction of this pandal, the massive Goddess Durga idol. The design has the intricacies of Bengali culture with the history-ruling “ekchala” style taking centre stage. The serene ambiance of Notunpalli is formed via Bengali folk music, Rabindra Sangeet performances, and delicious Kolkata-style food. The inclusive community-centric approach of this pandal brings the true slice of Bengal to Bandra, making it the must-see spot. 

When: Dates are yet to be disclosed.

Where: 3R7M+V9, Bandra West

Best time to visit: Evening hours

Attractions: Celeb-spotting, idol made using hay and clay, tasty bhog, dhunuchi naach

LBB-tip: Parking is difficult here due to the narrow road, make sure to come here via public transport.

Social Media

Indian Bangla Club Durga Pujo

If there is one place in Mumbai that can give you the right blend of tradition, devotion, and celebration of Durga Puja, it’s the Indian Bangla Club Durga Pujo. For 14 glorious years, the Andheri Link Road has witnessed the essence of Durga Puja. The puja takes place in the esteemed presence of Rituparna Sengupta. The day will start with sacred Pujo from 9:00 AM, followed by the delighted bhog from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, only on Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. As the sun sets, be ready to immerse yourself in the lively performances that start at 8:00 PM. The life in this live performance will be put by the grace of Adesh Shrivastava Bappa Lahiri, and Priya Malik.

When: 9 to 13 October

Where: Chitrakoot Ground, Andheri West

Best time to visit: 9 AM, 12:30 PM, and 8 PM

Attractions: Rajasthani Palace decor, performances by talented artists, delicious bhog

LBB-tip: Check out their online pujo packages here.

Website

img-user-krati-darak-39275904081
58 Followers

Writer at LBB, Mumbai | Exploring Mumbai and everything around it like nobody's business!