Puja Parikrama

The time when a Bengali misses home the most is during Durga Puja. And if you are a Bengali from Kolkata or some other part of West Bengal then I can understand your agony. Don’t worry Mumbai will not dishearten you. Yes surely the quantity of Puja is less but the quality of Pujas is no less. Therefore here I give you a round-up of Pujas that you can attend if you are in Mumbai during Durga Puja.

Lokhandwala Sarbojanin at Lokhandwala Andheri (W) is popularly known as the Puja of singer Abhijeet. It is one of the biggest in Mumbai. The area for this Puja is huge and the ambience is reminiscent of Maddox square. Stalls for Bengali sarees and artefacts are an added attraction. Food stall by Speciality group (the group with chains like Mainland China, siggri, sweet Bengal) serves a variety of food including Bengali sweets. Dhakis from Bengal are brought and everyday in the evening there is a special Dhaki dance which you ought not to miss. Cultural programmes by well known artists are there every evening, but entry is by invitation only. Khichudi Bhog is served on all four days. It is open to all and very well organised.


Powai Sarbojanin near Hiranandani Powai is another big puja. This one is also organised at a huge ground therefore quite spread out. Food stalls serving Bengali food is available. In Powai the evening cultural event is open to all. Every year they bring artists from Kolkata for the show. Powai was the first one to host “Balmiki Protibha” performed by the inmates of Kolkata jail.

North Bombay Bengali Association is popularly known as the Mukherjee Barir pujo. Since last two years this puja is being held at Tulip Star hotel at Juhu. If you are a big bollywood fan then this puja should be in your must visit list. Here you would be able to see lots of stars. The Mukherjee family members like Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Sarbani Mukherjee and Aayan Mukherjee even serve the bhog. Cultural programme by noted artist are held every evening after the Sandhya aarti. The bhog is open to all but usually you will have to stand in a long queue to be served by the stars.

Bengal Club Durga Puja at Dadar’s Shivaji park is one of the oldest puja. It is organised next to the Shivaji Park Kali Mandir. It is traditional and lots of stalls are found here as well selling everything from Bengali Sarees to sankha pola.

New Bombay Bengali Association Puja is an important puja in New Mumbai. Earlier it was held next to the Vashi Railway station but now it is held at sector 10 Vashi. It is another big puja and a must visit if you live in New Mumbai.

Natunpalli Sarbojanin Durgotsav at Khar is popularly known as the puja of Shakti Samanta. It is notable for its idol.

Kallol Kali Mandir’s Puja at Bangur Nagar Goregaon (W) is another old Puja. This puja is very traditional and if you like adhering to rituals to the T, then this puja should be your stop. This puja committee consists of Bollywood director Anurag Basu and music composer Pritam.

D.N. Nagar Sarbojanin at D.N. Nagar, Andheri(W) is in its third year but already it has become very popular. The Pandal is huge and resembles the lounge of a Royal Palace. The idol is also huge. This venue puts up a tableau by Sahara India.

Thakur Village Bangiya Pratishthan is an important and big Puja in Kandivali

Thakur Village Bengali Association hosts the second puja in Thakur Village. Last year their theme was “Gram Bangla”

Krsihti at Kandivali Lokhandwala is the biggest Puja in Kandivali.

Chembur Sarbojanin is a very important Puja in eastern suburbs.