Best of Durga Puja in SoBo

The way Ganeshotsav is for Mumbaikars, Durga Puja is for the Bengalis. Their entire year revolves around this time, which is considered the most auspicious. And it isn't just about the celebration of the victory of Maa Durga; it is also a time to get together with friends and family for a fun time. Here’s our list of some of the best Durga Puja pandals in South Mumbai.

Bombay Durgabari Samiti's 86th celebration

Bombay Durgabari Samiti Idol

For the past 86 years, Bombay Durgabari Samiti has been celebrating Durga Puja apart from carrying out its philanthropic objectives. The dance performance by the girls of Adruta Children's Home, Bhubaneshwar, in order to pay tribute to Shakti and Shiva will certainly steal your heart. 'Unravelling the universe with its influence on humanity', a song and dance programme based on Rabindranath Tagore will also be showcased. Their repertory also includes ‘Stringed Melodies’, a fusion assembled by renowned violinist and vocalist Sunita Bhuyan and her team. Soumya Chakraborty, winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2016 and popular playback singer Rupsa Mukherjee will be presenting Smriti Madhoor at this year’s event.

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

When: Oct 6-11

Bengal Club, all set for its 81st Durga Puja

Durga Idol at Bengal club, Shivaji Park

With the red carpet rolled out to welcome close to 10 lakh devotees each year, Bengal Club is all geared up for its 81st Durga Puja. Although the club’s puja is highly revered by old-time Bengalis, being one of the oldest and most traditional pujas around, the modern Bengali also participates with equal enthusiasm. The eco-friendly 12 feet idol of Maa Durga will be adorned with a striking red Banarasi saree. The main focus of the puja will be the elaborate rituals carried out in the morning and the grand evening aarti, where six dhakis (drummers) from Kolkata will lead the music. With energetic drumbeats providing the setting for traditional cultural programmes, including the fiercely contested Dhunuchi Naach and conch-blowing competitions, you might just feel that you’re in Kolkata.

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

When: Oct 6-11

Kalbadevi Durga Pandal enters its 87th year

Durga Idol at Kalbadevi

The biggest eco-friendly idol of Maa Durga in Mumbai, which stands tall at 22 feet high and 40 feet wide, is adorned with jewellery made from pure diamonds and gold. What’s more, the 10 shastras are made up of 15 kg silver. The chief guest for the puja will be Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Sudhanshu Bhattacharya. Kalbadevi expects close to 2.5 lakh devotees, going by previous years’ estimates. Every day 4000–5000 people will be fed. The highlight of the event is the Chandan Nagar Dake Saaj, brought from Kolkata, to use in the idol’s background.

Where: Kalbadevi Durga Pandal, Madhav Baug, C.P Tank

When: Oct 6-11