Durga Puja in Mumbai may not be as massive as it is in Kolkata, but over the years, the city has embraced the festival with open arms. Today, you’ll find some truly iconic pandals across the city, each with its own history, traditions, and festive charm. Whether you’re here for the rituals, the food, the cultural programs, or simply the vibe, pandal hopping in Mumbai has become a must-do experience during Pujo. Let’s take you through some of the most well-known pandals where you can soak in the festive spirit.
Durga Puja Pandals In Mumbai
1. Bombay Durgabari Samiti, Cumbala Hill
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The Bombay Durgabari Samiti is one of the oldest and most respected Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai, located in the upscale neighbourhood of Cumbala Hill. This year marks their 96th year of celebration, making it one of the longest-running Pujas in the city. Every year, the idol is specially crafted by an artist from Kolkata, keeping the traditions alive while blending them beautifully with modern touches. Established in 1930, this pandal continues to draw large crowds and is a perfect example of an amalgamation of tradition and contemporary celebration.
2. The Bengal Club, Dadar West
When talking about the most iconic Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai, the Bengal Club in Dadar West cannot be left out. This is one of the oldest and most celebrated pandals in the city, famous for its traditional rituals, intricate decorations, and vibrant cultural programs. The grandeur of this pandal makes it a visual delight, especially for those experiencing Durga Puja pandals for the first time. This year, the Bengal Club will be celebrating its 90th Durgotsav, making it a milestone year for this iconic pandal.
3. Navi Mumbai Bengali Association, Vashi
The Navi Mumbai Bengali Association (NMBA) has been celebrating Durga Puja with great enthusiasm since its inception in 1981. The celebrations are held in Vashi’s Sector 6 and bring together the entire Bengali community of Navi Mumbai. Along with the Puja, NMBA also organises Sharadotsav, a five-day cultural extravaganza at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre, featuring music, dance, and performances by well-known artists. Over the years, many celebrities from Kolkata as well as Bollywood have visited this pandal, adding to its charm and popularity.
4. Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Andheri West
The Lokhandwala Durgotsav began in 1996, established by the Bengali families living in the area, and has since grown into one of the most popular pandals in Mumbai. Known for its spectacular décor, lively atmosphere, and delicious Bengali food stalls, it is always buzzing with energy. The pandal also hosts engaging cultural programs that attract huge crowds. Interestingly, Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya is the president of this committee. With its mix of devotion, entertainment, and food, Lokhandwala Durgotsav is rightly considered one of the most happening Durga Puja pandals in the city.
5. Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav, Thane
If you want to feel the warmth of a close-knit community while still enjoying a grand celebration, the Aamra Prabashi Durga Puja in Thane is the perfect place to start. This puja began back in 2000 with just 14 Bengali families in Hiranandani Estate who wanted to keep their cultural roots alive. This year is especially big for them as they celebrate their Silver Jubilee year, marking 23 years of devotion and togetherness. The bhog on Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami is open to everyone, making it a true community feast. What makes this pandal unique is how it blends tradition with purpose, supporting artisans, home businesses, and young performers.
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6. Indian Bangla Club Durga Pujo, Andheri
In Andheri, the Indian Bangla Club’s Durga Puja at Chitrakoot Grounds is known for being warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Now in its 16th year, this puja has become one of the highlights of Mumbai’s festive calendar. The pandal is vibrant with cultural programs, music, dance, and drama that showcase the diversity of India’s traditions. For anyone who wants to experience a true community vibe during Pujo, this is a wonderful pandal to visit.
7. North Bombay Durga Puja, Juhu, Andheri
The North Bombay Durga Puja is one of the most famous and grandest celebrations in Mumbai. Its roots go back to 1948, when it was started by film industry legend Shashadhar Mukerji of Bombay Talkies, along with his wife and other members of the Santacruz community. The highlight here is undoubtedly the idol, a 17-foot-tall statue of Maa Durga, sculpted in Kolkata and brought to Mumbai every year. It’s the largest idol in the city and draws lakhs of visitors. With over 5 lakh visitors every year, this pandal is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Durga Puja in all its grandeur.
8. Ramakrishna Mission, Khar
If you’re looking for something quieter and more spiritual, the Ramakrishna Mission Puja in Khar is a gem. Unlike the big and crowded pandals, this one offers a peaceful environment where the focus is purely on devotion and rituals. One of the highlights here is the Kumari Puja on Maha Ashtami, where young girls are worshipped. If you can’t make it in person, they even live-stream the puja on YouTube.
9. Powai Bengali Welfare Association’s Pujo, Powai
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Over the last 20 years, the Powai Bengali Welfare Association (PBWA) has created one of Mumbai’s most popular Durga Puja celebrations. Held at Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, this pandal is massive and attracts thousands of visitors every day. It’s often referred to as one of the biggest Durga Pujas outside Bengal, and with its 20th anniversary this year, you can expect the celebrations to be even grander.
10. Sanskriti Durga Puja, Borivali
For those who love history and tradition, the Sanskriti Durga Puja in Borivali is a must-visit. It is the 5th oldest Durga Puja in Mumbai and the oldest in the suburbs, with a legacy going back to 1953. It was started by some of the earliest Bengali settlers in Borivali, and since then, it has continued to keep traditions alive for over seven decades. This year, the pandal moves to a new venue at BMC Garden in Kulupwadi, Borivali East, but the spirit remains the same.
If you’re pandal-hopping this year, each of these pandals in Mumbai has its own unique flavour.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Soumen Tarafder
Inputs from Vaishalee Kalvankar and Mallika Khurana
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