Durga Puja 2023: The oldest Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai that you must visit this year

The financial capital of India, Mumbai, which is home to a lot of Bengalis, is gearing up to celebrate Durga Puja. Also known as Durga Pujo, it is celebrated with great pomp and show outside Kolkata in cities like Mumbai as well.

The Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai attract people from all walks of life, including Bollywood celebrities. Five days of bhog, aarti, feast and cultural programs organised during Durga Puja turn Mumbai into mini Kolkata.

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One of the most famous Durga puja pandals in the city is Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, located near August Kranti Maidan in South Mumbai. It held the first Durga puja in 1930 at Kala Ghoda and after changes in several locations, the celebrations have moved to Tejpal Hall at August Kranti Maidan.

Speaking to mid-day.com, Susmita Mitra, President of the Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, said, "As we mark our 94th year, our journey has been a celebration of unity and compassion. Through consistent events and charitable activities, we extend a helping hand to every part of society without discrimination. Even during the challenges of Covid-19, we remained active, receiving humongous responses. Each year, a new theme allows us to promote culture and language, giving Probashi Bengali a taste of home. We keep it simple, focusing on rituals and culture, passing on our rich heritage to the next generation."

"What began with five Bengalis grew into a strong community with the new generation's active involvement. We bring artisans from Bengal, displaying the brilliance of folk art. We showcase folk music like Baul sharing the philosophy of life to join our cultural events. As we move forward, our commitment to preserving traditions remains unwavering. Together, we continue to weave the tapestry of Bengali folk art, keeping our culture vibrant and alive," she added.

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Speaking about the eco-friendly idol of Goddess Durga, the President of Bombay Durgabari Samiti, said, "The idol stands tall at a height of 7.5 feet and with Mukut it's 9.5 feet crafted with utmost care for the environment. We prioritise eco-friendliness by fashioning the idol entirely from clay. Our commitment extends to the use of exclusively organic colours for painting, devoid of any chemical components."

For its 94th-year celebration, Bombay Durga Bari Samiti will have an 'Ode to Folk Art' as their theme.

"This Durga Puja we reverently honour the vibrant and soul-stirring realm of folk art, a magnificent celebration of our diverse culture. Our theme for this year's Pujo at Tejpal is 'Ode to Folk Art.' We decided to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of colours, patterns, and tales that are delicately woven into each brushstroke, breathing life into traditional art forms within our mesmerising pandal," Susmita Mitra said.

Speaking about the price rise and whether it is affecting Durga puja celebrations, Mitra said, "It's surely very challenging to organise everything due to the price rise. But we never compromise on the scale of the event and members try their level best to raise the funds."

She further added they are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated supportive community of sponsors who help them every year.

"Our members have shown immense generosity as we reach out for donations. Additionally, we've welcomed many new members this year," Susmita Mitra added.

Another well-known Durga Puja pandal is North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti in Juhu. The pandal started Durga Puja celebrations 76 years ago under the leadership of Late Sashadhar Mukherjee along with close friends and family members.

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"Our pandal is the biggest, according to me. The Durga Puja pandal is 70 feet (breadth) by 100 feet (length), and the Durga idol is 20 feet high. The entertainment hall is 100 feet (breath) by 200 feet (length) and at least 1000 people can sit in that hall. The pandal has 40 food stalls. And the pandal has central AC," said Deb Mukherjee.

"Our journey started 76 years ago under the leadership of my parents, Late Sashadhar Mukherji and Late Sati Rani Devi, who along with some close friends and family members started the Pujo. At that time, the Durga idol's height was six feet. And now the idol is 20 feet high and it weighs three tonnes. Now 76 years have gone through, Maa Durga does everything, she helps us collect funds and she manages everything."

Speaking about the Durga idol, Deb Mukherjee said, "It is made of clay. The mud comes from Kolkata, after which the idol is made."

"We don't have any theme. I know many people are doing Chandrayaan and the World Cup as their theme for the pandal, but our theme is pretty basic. My father always said the service of the people is the main thing. He always said devotees who come to seek blessings give them comfort and give them the special service that is more important than creating big themes. We also serve bhog and 1,000 people at least eat that bhog. Our members and children serve people that bhog," he said.

When asked if the price rise affected Durga Puja celebrations, Deb Mukherjee said, "Yes, 100 per cent it is affecting the celebrations. We are short on the money this time, but we are not trying to compromise with the service towards devotees."

Meanwhile, Bengal Club which is at Shivaji Park is considered to be among the iconic Durga Pujas of Mumbai. And another one of the famous Durga Puja pandals is Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav.

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