The much-awaited Bengali festival, Durga Pujo, is all set to fuse the city's air with festive flavour. There's delicious food, beautiful pandals, Dhunuchi, cultural performances, and a lot more that you can't miss. Here are some of the pandals you should check out in the city. This year, Pujo is from 20 to 24 October, so bookmark this list to know where to head. And keep an eye on each pandal's Instagram page for their schedules, so you don't miss the things you wanna see!
Guide To The Best Pandals You Can Visit In Mumbai For Durga Pujo 2023
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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. This year, the theme is an interpretation of 'Navarasa', and pays tribute to India's favourite sport: Cricket!
PS: The PBWA does a ton of charity work, so do make a donation, if you can!
Chembur Durga Puja Association, Chembur
The 65th edition of Chembur Durgotsav is taking place behind the Chembur Fish Market, near Chembur Naka. They've been conducting cultural events, and there are food stalls whipping up all things Bong. This year marks their 69th year, and the celebrations will last from 20 to 25 October. There's also a Shri Lakshmi Pujo on the 28th!
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 95 years! This one's for the pious folks who like to pray quietly before moving on to the more bustling pandals!
North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Samiti, Juhu
This one’s famous for its celebrity quotient. Backed by the Mukherjees, you can spot Rani Mukherji, Tanisha Mukherji, or Kajol serving bhog here. Held at The Tulip Star in Juhu, do catch the Dhunuchi naach here, it’s pretty mesmerising. This one's a bougie pandal, and has a ton of security detail. 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?
Bengal Club, Shivaji Park
Bengal Club Shivaji Park is celebrating it's 100th year this time! From conch-blowing competitions to the grand aarti, this pandal is pretty on-point with its grandeur every year. The idols are clad in traditional Benarasi sarees and dhotis and the decor's always top-notch, too. The pandal's bustling as ever, year after year, with lots of food options.
Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Andheri West
This Pujo pandal and its attendees always have great #drip on them. Apart from the idol that's dressed beautifully every year, there are married ladies 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 organized by Bollywood's yesteryear singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya and his family every year, and they source all the Dhaakis from West Bengal. This is another pandal that's best for celeb-spotting.
Bombay Durgabari Samiti-Tejpal, Tardeo
Bombay Durgabari Samiti (Samiti's) hosts the oldest Durga Puja of Mumbai, dating back to the 1930s. Their social and cultural committee organises some really interesting competitions and events that you'll want to be a part of. Ninety-three years strong, the Samiti celebrates Pujo this year from 20 to 24 October. This year,it's at the Mathuradas Vissanji Hall at the iconic August Kranti Maidan.
