16 October,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Suprita Mitter
Pic/iStock
Organised by the Progressive and Cultural Mahila Mandal, this Puja enters its fifth year. The theme, Maa, celebrates the divine mother as a universal source of love, care and protection. The celebration offers devotees a chance to gather in prayer and mark Durga Puja in a spirit of devotion and togetherness.
AT Mahila Vikas Mandal Hall, General Jagannath Bhosale Road, near Mantralaya, Nariman Point.
The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, closely associated with the Mukherjee family, marks its 80th edition this year. The celebrations have been hosted by familiar faces such as actors Rani Mukerji and Kajol. This year, the pandal recreates the grandeur of Kerala's Guruvayur Temple, while artisans from Kolkata craft the Durga idol with Bengal's artistry. The celebrations also honour family members who helped shape the Puja's legacy.
AT SNDT Women's College grounds, Juhu Tara Road.
Celebrating its 97th year of Durga Puja, the Bombay Durga Bari Samiti carries a legacy of devotion, culture and unity. This year's theme, Power is not for destruction, but for the restoration of peace, carries a timely message amid conflict and suffering in the world.
AT Tejpal Hall, near August Kranti Maidan.
Established in 1954, the Chembur Durga Puja Association (CDPA) is among Mumbai's longstanding Durga Puja celebrations. Chembur has long been an important hub for the city's Bengali community, and the annual festivities bring residents together. This year, the distinctive pandal décor will showcase Bengal's folk heritage through Bankura Putul, bamboo and jute, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression.
AT RCF Ground, opposite Jawahar Vidya Bhawan School, Chembur.
The 104-year-old Bengal Club in Shivaji Park, Mumbai's oldest Bengali institution, celebrates its 91st Durga Puja with the theme, Prakriti Shakti: The Power of Nature. Inspired by natural disasters in Nepal and the Himalayas, it explores nature's life-sustaining power and its parallels with Maa Durga. Designed by art director Rupin Suchak, the 10,000-square-foot pandal will incorporate fabric, bamboo and metal, with an emphasis on reusable materials and responsible practices. Visitors can also pledge their support for the environment at a Tree of Promises.
AT Shivaji Park, Dadar West.
Away from elaborate celebrations, the Ramakrishna Mission offers a quieter, devotional Puja. Its rituals follow age-old customs, making it a destination for those seeking a traditional observance. The peaceful surroundings take on a festive air during Durga Puja. There's also a book sale with interesting titles.
AT Ramakrishna Math, 12th Road, Khar West.
Celebrating its 14th year, Powai's Spandan Durga Puja draws inspiration from Kolkata's traditional Bonedi Baris (ancestral, aristocratic Bengali homes), recreating the spirit of a family gathering under one roof. Seven priests from Varanasi will lead a Maha Aarti inspired by the iconic Ganga Aarti on Saptami night. The celebrations continue with an open-to-all Dhunuchi Naach competition and an inter-club Dhak competition on the following nights, bringing Bengal's rituals and performance traditions to the fore.
AT Spandan Durga Puja Ground, opposite Transocean House, JVLR, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Now in its ninth year, Barir Durga Pujo grew out of its organiser's longing to continue the tradition after stepping away from the larger community celebrations. Held within a bungalow's premises, the intimate, open-to-all Puja features an eight-foot permanent wooden Durga idol created by the art department at Santiniketan, with an earthen idol worshipped in front of it. Alongside traditional rituals, priests and dhakis, the festivities feature a Bengali bhog spread of rice, dal, shukto and dhokar dalna.
AT Asit Ghosh's residence, Plot No 66, Sector 12, Vashi. Bhog is served from 1 pm to 3 pm on October 17, 18 and 20.
Hoyi Choyi Anondo Foundation (HCAF) in Matunga returns in its third year with the spotlight on Bengal's rituals, customs, craftsmanship, festivals and folklore. The community-led festivities aim to keep cultural heritage alive while bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. Singer Javed Ali will headline a special gala evening on October 20 at Shanmukhananda Hall, adding a musical highlight to the celebrations.
AT SNDT Women's College, Matunga East.
. For feasts and retail therapy: The Navi Mumbai Bengali Association's Durga Puja is worth a visit for its food stalls and a fully air-conditioned hall
AT CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Sector 30, Vashi.
. For music and theatre: The 54-year-old Notunpalli Sarbojanin Durgotsab âs line-up this year includes the Agomoni celebrations on Sasthi, Bengali theatre, folk music by Roots and Bollywood melodies.
AT Notunpalli Sarbojonin Durgotsab, Bandra West.
. For stardust: Popularly known as Abhijit's Pujo, this celebration, organised by music director Abhijit, is a draw for its extravagant settings, celebrity appearances and entertainment.
AT Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground, Andheri West.
