Durga puja pandals mirror city of joy

Durga Puja, now a part of Mumbais vibrant festival calendar, is an opportunity for the city to experience the rich art, culture, and cuisine of West Bengal.

- Manoj Ramakrishnan

The Durga Puja festivities will begin on Sashti, the sixth day of Ashwin, corresponding to Sunday, September 28, and conclude on the 10th day, Dashami or Dussehra, on October 2. The nine days leading up to Dussehra are dedicated to worshipping nine forms of Maa Durga. Many pandals will open on Maha Panchami on Saturday. The FPJ takes you on a tour of the biggest Durga Puja pandals.

Thakur Village Bengali Association Durgotsav

Evershine Club, Thakur Village, Kandivali

The venue has provided space for a spiritual and cultural experience since 2006-07. This year, the puja pandal will recreate Kolkata’s majestic Raj Bhavan. The idol of Maa Durga will be adorned ina traditional Bengali saree with a red border, embodying the essence of a Bengali mother. “With the support of the Thakur Village community and beyond, we aim to reach out to the needy,” said Tapan Bannerjee, puja secretary of TVBA.

Navi Mumbai Bengali Association Sharadotsav

CIDCO Exhibition Center, Hall No. 1, Sector 30, Vashi

This will be the 47th year for what the organisers say is the biggest Durga Puja pandal in Maharashtra. The organisers have made a conscious decision to use biodegradable straw and not thermocol or other environmentally-harmful material. The idol is made ina traditional way by a sculptor from Dadar and the venue is air-conditioned. Ashim Dey, member of the Navi Mumbai Bengali Association, said that apart from the religious and cultural focus of the event, the food and shopping at the venue is a big attraction. “We serve around 67,000 meals every day,” said Dey.

Spandan Powai Sharadotsav

Powai Sharadotsav Puja Ground, JVLR-Lake Boulevard Road Junction, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai