Durga Puja 2016: Top 5 pandals to visit in Mumbai

 Puja is finally here! But if you are a Bengali (or not) and stuck at in Mumbai, d

Because Mumbai, although not as fascinating as Kolkata, of course, has her own roster of pujos that go at par with the Bengali grandiose of the festival.

Here are the top 5 Durgotsavs that you should try to make to:

1. Lokhandwala Durgotsav

One of the most popular pandals not just in the city but across India, the Lokhandwala Durgotsav is actually headed by the Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya. This is going to the 21st anniversary of the puja and yiou can expect it to be bigger than ever. Besides the usual food stalls, there will be a number of other stalls of various products. Of course, you can only go for the anjali,  if you don't wish to indulge in shopping.

Where: Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground, Andheri West, Mumbai

@abhijeetsinger @silarindam @juniorbachchan First look-Lokhandwala Durgotsav@Mumbai pic.twitter.com/QJ7QdntxCw

— dipanjan (@dipanjanphotos) October 5, 2016

2.  Bombay Durgabari Samiti

In case you did not know, this happens to be the 86th year of the the Bombay Durgabari Samiti. it will be a gala event that you should have on your to-do list for the pandal hopping. Along with the usual sights, dna reported that there will be dance performances by the girls of Adruta Children's Home as a tribute to Lords Shakti and Shiva.

Where: Bombay Durgabari Samiti, 2nd Floor, Vikas, 11 Bank Street, Fort

Bombay Durgabari Samiti Idol

3. Bengal Club, Shivaji Park

With approximately 10 lakh devotees every year, Bengal Club is definitely a major stop on your pandal radar. Gearing up for the 81st year, Bengal club is all set for a ecofriendly Durga Puja, with a 12-feet idol of Maa Durga draped in a red Benarasi saree.

Where: Bengal Club, Shivaji Park Ground, Dadar (W)

Idol of Bengal Club

4. Kalbadevi Durga Pandal

Standing tall at 22-feet and 40-feet wide, this has got to be the biggest idol in Mumbai. But the speciality of this idol is that all of its jewellery is original - down to the smallest bit of diamond. Also, you are in for some treat if you are craving for some Bengali food, because this place will feed 4000 to 5000 people everyday.

Where: Kalbadevi Durga Pandal, Madhav Baug, CP Tank

Idol of Kalbadevi

​5. Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav

Organised by the Powai Bengali Welfare Association, this is the closest to home that you will get in Mumbai. In a drive to stay eco-friendly, the organisers also distribute saplings while the puja goes on.

Where: Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai

Durga Pujo at Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai pic.twitter.com/hfAZAGHql6

— Dipan Ghosh (@dipanghosh) October 7, 2016

May you have a blessed Durgotsav ahead.