A complete Durga Puja guide for Mumbaikars 

From a variety of themes to getting the tag of oldest heritage Durga Puja, this year’s festivities is also about creating health awareness and accessibility

Durga Puja has got bigger this year in Mumbai with an array of themes promoting Bengal’s rich culture, art, food as well as celebrating the 40th year of India’s first World Cup win. Some puja pandals have gone completely sustainable while others have been recognised as heritage Durga Puja in Mumbai by the Government of Maharashtra. As we begin the festivities from October 20 with Shashthi, read on to find out where you should head for your pandal fix this Durga Puja in Mumbai… 

All things heritage at Bombay Durga Bari Samiti

The Bombay Durga Bari Samiti is celebrating 94th year of Durga Puja at the iconic Tejpal Hall, a heritage building in South Mumbai. The theme this year is ‘Ode to Art’ with an array of performance by Bengali artists. There will be a dance drama based on Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Chhutir Dine’; baul sangeet by Sadhu Das Baul and team from Jaydev Kenduli, Birbhum; performance by Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa champion and youngest Bengali National Award Winner, Bishakh Jyoti, to name a few.

Susmita Mitra, president of Bombay Durga Bari Samiti says, “Each year, a new theme allows us to promote our culture and language. This year we decided to keep it simple, focusing on rituals and culture, passing on our rich heritage to the next generation. Artisans from Bengal have made Pattachitra art in the pandal.”

Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, Tejpal Hall, adjacent to Mathuradas Vissanji Memorial Hall, Tejpal Road, Mumbai

Awareness on organ donation and Sheesh Mahal theme at Bengal Club, Shivaji Park

Bengal Club marks 88 years of Durga Puja celebrations this year with a Sheesh Mahal theme incorporating Divya Jyoti temple decoration. Over a thousand lamps will ensure an immersive experience. The pandal is spread across 10,000 square feet in the 20,000 square feet venue with the rest of the space taken by stalls and exhibitions. The pandal was created by Hindi film art director, Nilesh Choudhary over the last 15 days. The puja committee has also been recognised with a heritage tag by the Department of Maharashtra Tourism.