Nine Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai and Thane worth visiting this Navratri

Durga Puja fervour peaks in Mumbai and Thane during Navratri. Grand pandals, striking idols of the goddess, traditional Bengali rituals, cultural programmes and Bengali food lend the festival its distinct colour. Here are nine well-known pujas in the two cities that can be visited this year.

The first is the Bombay Durga Bari Samiti puja at Colaba Hill, counted among the oldest Durga Pujas in Mumbai. Begun in 1930, it is still held in the traditional Bengali way. The idol of the goddess is made specially by an artist from Kolkata. With a tradition of more than 90 years, the puja remains a draw for many.

The second is the Durga Puja of the Hoi Choi Anando Foundation at SNDT Women's University in Matunga. Along with the traditional puja, this year's programme includes cultural events and live entertainment. A live performance by singer Javed Ali will be the highlight of the year.

The third is the puja of the Navi Mumbai Bengali Association in Vashi, which has been celebrating Durga Puja since 1981. It is not only a puja; large cultural programmes are also held. Music, dance and performances by well-known artists feature in the 'Sharadotsav'. The festival, which brings together the Bengali community of Navi Mumbai, is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year.

The fourth is the puja of The Bengal Club in Dadar, counted among Mumbai's older traditions. Traditional worship, attractive decoration, music and cultural programmes have given it a distinct identity. Besides the Bengali community, others also attend. Some well-known Bollywood artists also take part.

The fifth is Amra Probashi Durgotsav in Thane. It was started in 2000 by just 14 Bengali families. Begun on a small scale at Hiranandani Estate, it is now among Thane's well-known Durga Pujas. It makes an effort to include everyone in the community. Local artists, home-based entrepreneurs and young performers also get a chance to showcase their talent. The Bengali bhog served on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami is another highlight.

The sixth is the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja in Juhu. The presence of prominent Mumbai personalities and artists has given it a distinct identity. The puja began in 1948, started by filmmaker Sashadhar Mukherjee, his wife and some residents of Santacruz. The Mukherjee family remains closely associated with the festival. Artists such as Kajol and Rani Mukerji also keep the puja in the news every year. The idol of the goddess brought from Kolkata is another attraction.

The seventh is the Ramakrishna Mission puja in Khar. Those who want a traditional puja and a calm atmosphere rather than crowds, big decorations and entertainment can go here. Worship and devotion are given particular importance. The 'Kumari Puja' held on Mahaashtami is a speciality, in which young girls are worshipped as forms of the goddess.

The eighth is the puja of the Powai Bengali Welfare Association at Hiranandani Gardens in Powai. Held with great enthusiasm every year, it draws thousands of people for its large decorations, varied cultural programmes and festive atmosphere. In the past few years, Powai's Durga Puja has become one of Mumbai's popular pujas.

The ninth is the Sanskriti Durga Puja in Borivali, which began in 1953. It was initially started by a few Bengali families living in Borivali. The puja has now been running for more than seven decades. In 2025, it was moved to the BMC Garden in Kulupwadi, Borivali East. The venue has changed, but the old tradition and spirit remain the same.

In Mumbai, Durga Puja is not just worship of the goddess. It is a celebration of tradition, culture, music, food and coming together. This Navratri, visiting these places offers a different experience of the festival.