13 October,2010 06:59 AM IST | | The Guide Team
Of the 100 odd pandals in Mumbai that celebrate Durga Puja (a festival that marks the victory of good over evil as Durga defeats buffalo demon Mahishashur), Soma Das picks this year's must-visit venues.u00a0
22 feet idol, virtual puja
Andheri Link Road
The draw: Live transmission of celebrations from London and Kolkata
The Andheri Link Road Sarbojanik Durga Puja has decided to go hi-tech this year, relaying a live transmission of Durga Puja celebrations from Lucknow, Kolkata and London. And they even have a celebrity brand ambassadoru00a0-- actress Rituparna Sengupta. Their 22-feet Durga idol is expected to be decorated in traditional Dhaaker Saaj (with weeds for garments and jewellery).
"Bengalis in Mumbai crave for Kolkata's traditional celebrations, so we decided to bring them celebrations from elsewhere," said Krishnendu Sen, organiser.
They will accept Pranami (offerings) through their website, and can send prasad via courier to devotees who can't make it to the pandal. Their special Bhog will include sweets, Chanar Dalna and Paneer Sabji.u00a0
At: DN Nagar ground, opposite DN Nagar Police Station, next to The Club, Andheri Link Road, Andheri (W). time: Anjali at 10.30 am, Bhog 1.30 pm onwards, Sandhya Aarti at 8 pm
The ladies' special
Versova
The draw: Traditional vedic rituals
The Shivrranjani Mahotsav is now entering its 16th year, and is known for its women-only management of the pandal. A group of 12 women look after the rituals, right from acquiring permissions to host the festival, making the props, erecting the pandal, fetching the idol to decorating the goddess and immersing her on Dashami (October 17).
Worshipping is done the traditional Vedic way reminiscent of how Pujas are held in zamindar bungalows across rural Bengal. Interestingly, they don't care for sponsors or the glam quotient.
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"Goddess Durga is the greatest celebrity at our pandal. We don't want to take away from the essence of the celebration," says Neelam Mukerji, wife of actor Joy Mukerji, and organiser of the Puja. The name Shivrranjani was given by the late Meenatai Thackeray (wife of Balasaheb Thackeray) who loved the concept as it highlighted the hidden strength of women.
Cultural programmes will focus on classical and semi-classical performances. Coming up this year is a Kathak and Odissi jugalbandi depicting the nine faces of Durga (Nobodurga), a thumri and bhajan recital.
At: Kalyan Complex, Yari Road, Versova. time: Anjali 11.30 am onwards, Bhog 1 pm onwards, Sandhya Aarti at 7.30 pm till October 17. Lakshmi Puja on October 22.
Other must-watch pandals
Shanti Niketan re-created in Mumbai
To celebrate its platinum jubilee and the 150th birth anniversary of poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore, a Tagore pavilion with replicas of his books, manuscripts and paintings will be up on display.
At: Bengal Club, Shivaji Park.u00a0
Time: Anjali at 11 am, Bhog from 1 pm and Sandhya Aarti at 7.30 pm
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Durga Ma dons Benarasi sari
At the Bombay Durgabari Samiti's 81st Durga Puja, the mother goddess will be dressed in a traditional red Benarasi sari instead of Dhaaker Saaj (ornaments and attire made from weeds).
At: Tejpal Complex, Gowalia Tank, Kemps Corner.
Time: Anjali at 10.30 am, Bhog from 12.30 pm and Sandhya Aarti at 6.45 pm
Listen to the Baul samrat
The North Bombay Sarvojonin Durga Puja, which is organised by Rani Mukherji's family, enters its 63rd year. Performances by Alka Yagnik, Abhijeet Sawant and Baul singer Purnadas Baul.
At: Balkanji Badi, opposite Santacruz station, Juhu Road.
Time: Anjali at 11 am, Bhog from 1 pm and Sandhya Aarti at 8 pm
